Oregon Football Head Coach Dan Lanning Speaks on Upcoming Michigan Matchup

Michigan football hosts No. 1 Oregon this weekend, and it will be the first time the Universities have played as Big Ten foes. Michigan last played Oregon in 2007, losing 39-7 in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines lead the all-time series 3-2, and their last win came in 1973. 

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said he’s looking forward to playing in the Big House. 

“Heard it’s big,” Lanning said. “I know it’s one of the — that’s one of the things I think that’s exciting about being in this conference, is getting the opportunity to play at some historic places. And this is certainly a historic place.”

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Dan Lanning Speaks on Michigan

Although Michigan had a subpar start to the season on offense, tight end Colston Loveland continues to make an impact. Lanning said Loveland is one of the top priorities for his defense.

“Yeah, he’s versatile. They use him in a lot of different ways,” Lanning said. “He’s the guy that you have to know where he’s on the field at all times. They move them all over the place. He can split out at wideout and be one of the best wideouts in the field, and then line up in the backfield, or line up at tight end and be the best at that position. So he’s a really talented player that they’re going to find ways to use, right? He’s an important piece of their offense.”

Offensively, Oregon is arguably the best in the country behind quarterback Dillon Gabriel and running back Jordan James. To counter that, the Michigan defense has two NFL first round draft picks on their defensive line in Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. Lanning said they’re players you have to work around.

“Yeah, you watch them, they’re game-wreckers, right?,” Lanning said. “They’re guys that you have to have a game plan for. But 78, 55 both, they make an impact, consistent in the game. They beat single blocks. They’re certainly good against double teams. They’re good against the run and the pass. So they’re guys that you have to spend time and effort for. And anytime you have guys like that up front, it makes it easier to cover in the back end.”

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