Mark Ingram blasts Dan Lanning over SEC scheduling originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Mark Ingram didn’t take kindly to Oregon coach Dan Lanning’s latest jab at SEC scheduling. The former Alabama rusher said there is “no comparison” between the Ducks’ path what's happening down south.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLanning, whose No. 6 Oregon team strengthened its College Football Playoff resume with a 42-27 win over No. 15 USC, made a statement about the Big Ten and nine league games. He suggested SEC contenders “played Chattanooga State” was a stain and unlike "some other places,” during a November slate heavy on non-conference matchups.
Ingram took it personal on the “The Triple Option” podcast, dismissing the notion that late-season “cupcake week” is uniquely advantageous.
“Everyone else schedules the first 2-3 weeks of the season,” Ingram said. “What’s the difference? Indiana played Old Dominion, Kennesaw State and Indiana State to start. Oregon played Montana State and Oklahoma State.
"Really, what’s the difference? There’s no difference in scheduling. But at the end of the day, there is no comparison between Oregon’s schedule and Alabama’s schedule. Same with Georgia’s, Florida’s, any of them.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIngram also pointed out early-season tests carried by the SEC with Texas A&M opened with Notre Dame, Alabama scheduled Florida State, and Georgia lined up marquee clashes, baking difficulty into September rather than November.
Oregon arrived at the USC matchup with ranked wins over No. 3 Penn State and No. 20 Iowa, but both teams slid from playoff contention, which muted their perceived value in any conversation.
The Ducks’ will be locked into the CFP with win over Washington on Saturday. A second straight trip to be playing for a title.
Ingram got the last word and framed the debate. “Proof is on film, proof is in schedule, and the schedules speak for themselves.”
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