Overview
- Backup Dylan Raiola replaced Dante Moore after a hard hit and finished the game 19-of-25 for 289 yards and two touchdowns to close out a 41-27 win over USC.
- Moore was stretchered off and taken by ambulance after the hit and the team says he sustained a concussion with no confirmed timetable for return as medical staff plan a cautious recovery.
- Coach Dan Lanning publicly praised Raiola’s preparation and now must choose between the veteran starter and the hot-performing backup before the Ducks play UCLA in their next conference game.
- Raiola arrived from Nebraska after starting 22 games and recovering from a broken leg, accepted a backup role to learn from Moore, and demonstrated a more aggressive, efficient passing look when he entered.
- The decision will affect Oregon’s offensive style, the quarterbacks’ roles in the locker room, and the Ducks’ immediate College Football Playoff outlook depending on who is cleared to play and how the offense performs next.