Oregon Benches QB Dylan Raiola During UCLA Disappointment
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Before Oregon's contest against UCLA, it was somewhat in vogue in the national media to speculate the Ducks could keep starting quarterback Dylan Raiola even when Dante Moore was ready to play again after suffering a concussion against USC.
Raiola, a two-year starter at Nebraska before transferring to Oregon this offseason, went 19 of 25 for 289 yards and two touchdowns in Oregon's 41-27 win over the Trojans. He went 11 of 11 for 124 yards and three touchdowns against Portland State on Sept. 18.
Moore played well in Week 1 against Boise State despite Oregon only beating the Broncos by a touchdown. However, he struggled in Oregon's loss to Oklahoma State on the road in Week 2.
With Moore still sidelined against No. 21 UCLA due to a concussion, the No. 13 Ducks turned to Raiola on Saturday. He didn't have a great afternoon against the Bruins defense, going 6 of 19 passing for 43 yards and two interceptions before getting benched in the second half. He also had a strip-sack fumble lost.
Oregon turned to backup quarterback Brock Thomas as UCLA was up 17-6 in the fourth quarter.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was in desperation mode, needing to find a spark on offense, as the offense’s only touchdown came via a one-yard run by Jordon Davison in the first quarter.
The Ducks offense as a whole played terribly against a surprisingly good Bruins defense. Oregon lost a total of four fumbles (and fumbled five times) by early in the fourth quarter. With 8:39 remaining in the fourth quarter, Oregon had a total of 118 yards on offense.
Oregon needs Dante Moore back.
It's hard to pin how much of Oregon's problems this season are on the quarterback position. The Ducks offensive line hasn't played especially well. Oregon's numerous turnovers were thanks to skilled players.
Raiola's play on Saturday will make it easier for Lanning to decide to play Moore when he's healthy. He's the best chance Oregon has to win out and made a case to play in the College Football Playoff.
With that being said, Oregon has serious problems on offense that have to be fixed before the Ducks can even think about the CFP. First-year offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer and Lanning will need to get the offense on the same page quickly.
The Ducks next play a 5-1 Nebraska squad next week. The Cornhuskers nearly upset No. 7 Indiana on Saturday.
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