Bill Oram’s Big 10: If Rivalry Losses Get You Fired, Then It’s a Good Thing Dan Lanning Finally Beat Washington…

Bill Oram’s Big 10: If Rivalry Losses Get You Fired, Then It’s a Good Thing Dan Lanning Finally Beat Washington

In the world of college football, rivalries aren’t just games—they’re seasons. In the case of Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, his program’s rivalry with Washington had become a personal crusade. The stakes were never higher than this past season when the Ducks finally triumphed over the Huskies. If rivalry losses were grounds for a firing, Lanning’s job might have been on the line after a few close calls. But on a crisp autumn night, he delivered what Oregon fans had been craving for years—a victory over their bitter rivals from Seattle.

The rivalry between Oregon and Washington is one of the most storied in college football. It’s a clash that spans decades, rich in history and animosity. For Oregon, the loss to Washington in 2022 wasn’t just a defeat on the scoreboard; it was a stinging reminder of the Huskies’ superiority in recent years. That loss hurt, especially considering Oregon’s aspirations for a College Football Playoff spot were dashed in part by that setback.

Lanning, in just his second year as head coach, had inherited a program with lofty expectations. Coming off a strong debut season in 2022, the pressure to contend for a national title was already mounting. Yet, the Huskies’ dominance in the rivalry was something Lanning couldn’t ignore. When you coach at Oregon, beating Washington isn’t just important for bragging rights—it’s critical for the trajectory of your career. In Eugene, rivalry losses can feel like career killers, particularly when the stakes are as high as they are in the Pac-12.

Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape of college football has shifted. With the Ducks and Huskies both ranked near the top of the Pac-12, the rivalry was poised to define the season. And for Lanning, it wasn’t just about the win—it was about making a statement. Washington entered the game with an undefeated record and a high-flying offense led by Heisman hopeful Michael Penix Jr., but Lanning’s defense rose to the occasion. The Ducks came out firing on all cylinders, outplaying the Huskies in all phases of the game, and pulling off a crucial 38-27 win.

The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. Not only did it snap a losing streak to Washington, but it also solidified Lanning’s position as the right man for the job. In a profession where the pressure to win is unrelenting, a rivalry win, especially one that propels your team to championship contention, can make all the difference.

Dan Lanning’s victory over Washington is proof that in college football, perception is often shaped by rivalry outcomes. For all the talk about building sustainable success, it’s hard to ignore the importance of the head-to-head matchups with rivals. Oregon fans weren’t just celebrating a win over Washington; they were celebrating the fact that their head coach had delivered in one of the most high-pressure moments of his tenure. In a world where rivalry losses often come with a quick exit, Lanning’s triumph proves that winning the biggest games—particularly against rivals—is the key to longevity and success.

In the world of college football, rivalries aren’t just games—they’re seasons. In the case of Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, his program’s rivalry with Washington had become a personal crusade. The stakes were never higher than this past season when the Ducks finally triumphed over the Huskies. If rivalry losses were grounds for a firing, Lanning’s job might have been on the line after a few close calls. But on a crisp autumn night, he delivered what Oregon fans had been craving for years—a victory over their bitter rivals from Seattle.

The rivalry between Oregon and Washington is one of the most storied in college football. It’s a clash that spans decades, rich in history and animosity. For Oregon, the loss to Washington in 2022 wasn’t just a defeat on the scoreboard; it was a stinging reminder of the Huskies’ superiority in recent years. That loss hurt, especially considering Oregon’s aspirations for a College Football Playoff spot were dashed in part by that setback.

Lanning, in just his second year as head coach, had inherited a program with lofty expectations. Coming off a strong debut season in 2022, the pressure to contend for a national title was already mounting. Yet, the Huskies’ dominance in the rivalry was something Lanning couldn’t ignore. When you coach at Oregon, beating Washington isn’t just important for bragging rights—it’s critical for the trajectory of your career. In Eugene, rivalry losses can feel like career killers, particularly when the stakes are as high as they are in the Pac-12.

Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape of college football has shifted. With the Ducks and Huskies both ranked near the top of the Pac-12, the rivalry was poised to define the season. And for Lanning, it wasn’t just about the win—it was about making a statement. Washington entered the game with an undefeated record and a high-flying offense led by Heisman hopeful Michael Penix Jr., but Lanning’s defense rose to the occasion. The Ducks came out firing on all cylinders, outplaying the Huskies in all phases of the game, and pulling off a crucial 38-27 win.

The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. Not only did it snap a losing streak to Washington, but it also solidified Lanning’s position as the right man for the job. In a profession where the pressure to win is unrelenting, a rivalry win, especially one that propels your team to championship contention, can make all the difference.

Dan Lanning’s victory over Washington is proof that in college football, perception is often shaped by rivalry outcomes. For all the talk about building sustainable success, it’s hard to ignore the importance of the head-to-head matchups with rivals. Oregon fans weren’t just celebrating a win over Washington; they were celebrating the fact that their head coach had delivered in one of the most high-pressure moments of his tenure. In a world where rivalry losses often come with a quick exit, Lanning’s triumph proves that winning the biggest games—particularly against rivals—is the key to longevity and success.