‘I don’t regret anything I’ve said for this program’; Dan Lanning stands behind previous Colorado comments

During his first season as Colorado’s head coach, Deion Sanders has made it abundantly clear that he and the Buffs’ players are using perceived criticism of their program as motivation.

With that in mind, the spotlight will be on Oregon head coach Dan Lanning this week as he and the No. 10 Ducks prepare to host No. 19 Colorado in Eugene on Saturday.

During UO’s media day in July, Lanning made waves when he was asked for his thoughts on the Buffs leaving the conference.

“Not a big reaction. I mean, I’m trying to remember what they won to affect this conference. I don’t remember. Do you remember them winning anything? I don’t remember,” Lanning said on July 31.

While speaking with reporters for his Monday press conference this evening, Lanning was asked if he regrets his previous comments on Colorado ahead of this weekend’s marquee matchup at Autzen.

“I don’t regret anything that I’ve said for this program. At the end of the day, obviously, I wasn’t talking about Deion’s team. I was talking about the past and future for our team. If that serves as material for them, great. I don’t think it’s gonna have any bearing on the game and the success of the game.”

Last season, Lanning and the Ducks topped Colorado, 49-10, on the road.

Of course, Sanders and his staff have orchestrated an unprecedented roster overhaul since taking over in Boulder.

During his opening statement on Monday, Lanning was complimentary of the job Sanders has done at Colorado.

“I think Coach Sanders has done a great job, obviously, with his team. He’s created a lot of momentum, and they’ve done phenomenal in their first three games. So this will be a fun one for us.”

Lanning was asked specifically about Buffs’ star receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, who he recruited during his time at Georgia.

Hunter, one of the top players in the nation, is not expected to play on Saturday after he left the Buffs’ Week 3 win over Colorado State with an injury. Brian Howell of the Boulder Daily Camera reported Monday that Hunter suffered a lacerated liver and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.

“Yeah, he’s a special player. I absolutely hate that for Travis,” Lanning said. “He’s a dynamic kid that’s got a special personality and obviously is tremendous on the football field. He certainly gave them an edge So I hope he gets healthy soon. You know, like, I hate to not get to see him play in this game. Because h he’s meant for a stage like this — the stage we’re going to have this Saturday.”

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