Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is ruled out for Saturday’s game against Nebraska due to a concussion, creating a competition between Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas to lead the Ducks, who face a must-win game in their College Football Playoff hopes.
Oregon’s starting quarterback, Dante Moore, remains sidelined with a concussion sustained in a Sept. 26 win over USC, marking his second missed game. Coach Dan Lanning confirmed Moore is practicing but emphasized everything is being evaluated
as the Ducks prepare for their Week 7 clash against Nebraska. Without Moore, Oregon faces a pivotal decision: whether to start Dylan Raiola, who struggled in a 17-15 loss to UCLA, or Brock Thomas, who nearly led a fourth-quarter comeback.
Raiola’s Emotional Reunion with Nebraska
Raiola, who played two seasons for Nebraska before transferring to Oregon, will face his former team in a game steeped in personal stakes. Of course, it's going to be an emotional game for Dylan, being the place he came from,
Lanning said. Raiola’s stats during his two seasons in Lincoln—3,819 yards and 31 touchdowns—contrast sharply with his recent performance, where he completed 6-of-19 passes for 43 yards and two interceptions against UCLA. His replacement, Thomas, threw for 156 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter, though Oregon’s 2-point conversion attempt was controversially denied.
Football out west. 🗓️ 10.17.26⏰ 10:00 PM CT🏟️ Autzen Stadium vs Oregon📺 @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/Cy6UNrS913
Nebraska’s Challenge and Oregon’s Playoff Pressure
Nebraska, 5-1 and fresh off a 20-17 loss to No. 5 Indiana, enters the game as a underdog. The Huskers’ offense, led by quarterback Anthony Colandrea, aims to challenge Oregon’s defense. However, Oregon’s 3-2 record and recent losses have raised concerns about their College Football Playoff prospects. Every week from here on out is a must-win situation for the Ducks,
Lanning said, acknowledging the stakes.
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, preparing for his team’s first trip to Autzen Stadium, emphasized the late kickoff’s challenges. CT start. The game, set for Saturday, will be the ninth meeting between the programs, with Nebraska holding a 6-2 edge, including a 42-35 win in their last encounter in 2017.
Uncertainty and the Road Ahead
With Moore's return status unclear, Oregon's coaching staff is facing uncharted territory. Lanning hinted at potential adjustments, including a shift in play-calling, but stopped short of confirming changes. For Nebraska, the focus remains on containing Oregon’s quarterbacks, with Rhule noting, We’re preparing for all three quarterbacks.
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