Shifting Seasons: Dan Lanning’s Vision for College Football
Las Vegas is buzzing, and college football is at the forefront of conversation, especially during the Big Ten media days. With talks of disagreements over playoff formats, athlete compensation, and the ever-evolving transfer portal, one voice stands out: Dan Lanning, head coach of the Oregon Ducks. Lanning’s perspective opens a door to an intriguing proposition—reimagining the college football season’s timeline.
A Call for Change
Lanning asserts that the college football season should wrap up by January 1. In his view, this change could significantly alleviate several contentious issues currently plaguing the sport. The crux of his argument lies in the timing and structure of the playoffs. He advocates for a condensed playoff format that could unfold over five weeks, as opposed to the seven weeks that have become typical.
The Bye Week Dilemma
Reflecting on last season, Lanning recounted a painful lesson learned through experience: the implications of extended off time. His Ducks, the No. 1 seed, faced a grueling 25-day break before their quarterfinal match against Ohio State. The result? A disappointing 41-21 loss. Lanning pointed out a staggering statistic: “All four teams that had a bye lost. There’s something to that,” he remarked, emphasizing the psychological and physical setbacks that arise from prolonged inactivity.
The Importance of Timing in Performance
As Lanning narrates this experience, he highlights how teams that remained actively engaged fared better in crucial playoff matchups. The contrast between his Ducks, who grappled with the consequences of idle time, and their opponents, who played shortly before facing them, was stark. “In the second half, we were a much different team, but it was too much to overcome,” he noted, making a compelling case for a tighter, more consistent competitive schedule.
The Fight for College Football’s Identity
Lanning’s advocacy for a shifted college football timeline is also a response to the increasing overlap with the NFL. Acknowledging the NFL’s encroachment on Saturdays—traditionally reserved for college football—Lanning emphasized the need to reclaim the weekend for college athletes. He expressed frustration over the NFL’s scheduling choices, noting how college games now must compete with the likes of pivotal matchups during the NFL season.
A Broader Perspective from Peers
The sentiment isn’t confined to Lanning alone. Maryland head coach Mike Locksley echoed similar frustrations by highlighting the distinct differences in how major sports leagues manage their developmental routes. “The NFL is getting us for free,” he pointed out, underscoring the need for college football to fortify its weekends against encroaching professional interests.
Reimagining the College Football Calendar
Lanning’s proposal is not without its complexities, as moving the season forward would necessitate significant logistical overhauls. For example, shifting to an earlier week would involve pushing conference championship games to Thanksgiving, typically a celebration of longstanding rivalries. The potential impact this change could have on storied matchups, such as Auburn vs. Alabama or Michigan vs. Ohio State, adds another layer of contention to the discussion.
Overcoming Resistance and Indifference
Despite the logic behind Lanning’s ideas, the road to revitalizing the college football schedule is fraught with challenges. Conversations about changing the season have simmered in the past, but substantial changes have yet to materialize. The inertia comes partly from the financial implications for networks and universities, all wary of altering a successful formula that has generated substantial viewership and revenue.
Addressing the Playoff Landscape
In light of the expansion of the College Football Playoff, Lanning sees a timely adjustment as crucial. The potential for playoff rounds to coincide with high-stakes NFL games presents a unique challenge for the integrity and visibility of college games. He visualizes a postseason that could commence unhindered early in December, allowing college football to flourish in its rightful time slot before succumbing to the NFL’s shadow.
Navigating the Complexities
As leaders within college athletics engage in delicate negotiations to reshape the future of the football calendar, Lanning’s ideas reveal a yearning for both tradition and modernization. His push for a season that starts at Week Zero could offer teams newfound agility—if leadership can navigate the labyrinth of scheduling contracts, network interests, and fan expectations.
In the end, while the landscape of college football continues evolving, Lanning remains resolute in his vision: a sport that prioritizes timely competition, honors its unique identity, and strengthens its hold on football Saturdays. As discussions proceed, one thing is clear—there’s much at stake, and the future of college football hangs in the balance.