Evanson: Penn State AD Pat Kraft isn’t a fan of Oregon, and that’s music to Dan Lanning’s ears

Published 5:40 pm Saturday, December 13, 2025

The infamous Dirk Diggler may have said it best: “Jealousy will get you nowhere.”

He also added, “I’m going to keep rockin’ on,” and then proceeded down a path best left undiscussed.

But maybe Penn State University athletic director Pat Kraft should’ve heeded the Mark Wahlberg-portrayed character’s advice when he got real about the Ducks last week, giving Oregon head coach Dan Lanning more of what he needs to inspire his players against future Nittany Lion teams and beyond.

In a private discussion with members of the Penn State football team, and as part of a conversation that was likely meant to stay that way, Kraft ripped into a handful of Penn’s Big Ten constituents, and most notably Oregon’s football team which he called a “fraud,” posed questions regarding their toughness, and berated the state of Oregon and city of Eugene.

He also took a shot at Ducks starting quarterback Dante Moore whom he clowned for “shaking” during Penn State’s double overtime loss to Oregon, a game in which Moore threw the game-winning touchdown in the second of the two overtime periods.

Maybe we should all shake when it matters most?

Lanning has stayed mostly mum about Kraft’s slander since it broke but was asked about it this past week on The Zach Gelb Show. And rather than wax poetic about the comments and his likely disdain for them, the Ducks coach instead chose to pay them little attention when many expected otherwise.

But while quiet beyond the locker room, my guess is he hasn’t been and will likely not be within it in the coming days and months ahead when it comes to using Kraft’s disrespect to motivate his team going forward.

Listen, there are few violins playing for the Ducks when it comes to all things sports. They are one of the “haves” in college football, and as a result are going to get little sympathy from the less financially fortunate that are pinching pennies for half of the lint that Oregon pulls from its figurative pocket.

Yet, while some may view them as the Evil Empire, within their facility they know the work and commitment they’ve put in and the dedication paid to their craft that for over the past two decades has put them near the top of the college football world. And it’s that hard work and dedication that Lanning leans on when inspiring confidence in his team throughout the week, and it is comments and mindsets like Kraft’s that he uses to motivate them on game day.

Lanning’s tactics, and primarily his speeches, have been prominently displayed over the past two seasons thanks in large part to the school’s in-house production, “Ducks vs Them.” And while some consider them corny, it’s hard to argue their effectiveness nor the passion with which he delivers them.

As part of those speeches the coach will utilize any slight, insult or misnomer used against them as a means of stimulating, incentivizing and/or provoking his team to put their best foot forward.

I’m sure Kraft wasn’t considering that when he ran his mouth a couple weeks back, but to Lanning it was a gift, and one that I assure you will keep on giving.

Oregon will host James Madison on Saturday in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. And while the Ducks are heavily favored, Lanning will use Kraft’s comments to convince his team that few believe in them and what they’re capable of, and even less of their chances going forward.

Even if they get past the Dukes, they aren’t “tough” enough to hang with Texas Tech in the next round; were already “exposed” earlier in the season by Big Ten champion Indiana; and beyond that, are overmatched against an Ohio State or Georgia team that are the real deal opposed to a “fraudulent” one from a city and state with “little going on” and filled with “weirdos.”

That’s what Kraft believes, and Lanning will happily remind his players of how the Penn State administrator feels about who they are and from where they stem.

You could argue that one needn’t added motivation for the games to come. After all, the CFP is what all of these coaches and players work for throughout the fall, the summer months prior and the spring before that.

But even the most disciplined adults are susceptible to a lapse or two, and young people are exponentially vulnerable to such. So, while Lanning may not appreciate Kraft’s words, I assure you he’s thankful for the fire he’ll be able to light beneath his team as a result of them.

Against James Madison; if they’re able to advance, Texas Tech beyond that; and going forward, any game against Kraft’s Nittany Lions.

So, while jealousy typically gets you nowhere per Mr. Diggler, Pat Kraft’s envy and discontent might get Oregon somewhere down the road — and you might call that rockin’ on.