Duck Sports Central

Duck Sports Central

From Both Sidelines: Two Coaches, Two Different Challenges and a Familiar Fight

Lanning looks to build on Oregon’s resurgence while Whittingham tries to steady a Michigan program searching for answers.

Scott Reed's avatar
Scott Reed
Nov 11, 2026
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Dan Lanning wants Oregon to build on its breakthrough in Columbus. Kyle Whittingham is searching for answers after another frustrating loss. Both know Saturday’s game will be decided by execution, physicality and the ability to handle an opponent that refuses to make things easy.

There is an interesting contrast between the two sidelines heading into Saturday’s matchup at Autzen Stadium. Dan Lanning spent much of his Monday press conference discussing how Oregon can build on its most complete stretches of football this season, while Kyle Whittingham was explaining why Michigan’s offensive struggles had finally reached a point where he felt compelled to make a coaching change.

Their circumstances could hardly be more different. Oregon is

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