Northwestern's head coach David Braun spoke candidly about the Oregon Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning ahead of their BIG Noon Kickoff showdown

“Incredible opportunity this weekend with Oregon coming into town, opening up Big Ten play,” Braun said. “Coach Lanning has done an exceptional job. Not only are they very talented, but they are incredibly well coached. There’s not a single stone that will go unturned by him and his staff.”

Braun pointed to Oregon’s aggressive style and attention to detail as defining traits of Lanning’s program. Whether it’s offense, defense, or special teams, the Ducks relentlessly apply pressure and force opponents to play mistake-free football just to keep up.

“They’re fundamentally sound, they’re physical, play hard, finish plays,” Braun added. “Turn on the tape from their first two games, and it doesn’t take long to find a profound respect for the quality of football team that they have.”

That quality has been on full display early this season. Oregon enters Saturday averaging 64 points per game, the third-highest mark in the nation. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Dante Moore has been at the center of that offensive surge, giving Northwestern’s defense plenty to prepare for.

For Braun, though, the praise isn’t just about Oregon’s numbers. It’s about how Lanning has molded a talented roster into a consistent national contender. The Ducks are chasing their third straight 3-0 start, and the recognition they’ve earned follows them into their first season in the Big Ten.

Kickoff is set for 9 a.m. PT at Northwestern Medicine Field, where Braun’s Wildcats will look to measure themselves against a program—and a coach—he clearly respects.