When Dante Moore made the decision to come back for one more season it was a celebratory moment for the program, and gave Dan Lanning's team a chance to contend for a National Championship. Moore's return also meant that the Ducks didn't need to go out and find a replacement to fill the starting role.
Despite the fact that Oregon brought their superstar quarterback back for another season, Dan Lanning and the staff decided to add an experienced starter. Dylan Raiola was hoping to follow Dante Moore's path by taking a step back to develop as a backup quarterback. The only scenario where Dylan Raiola would get meaningful playing time was in the case of an emergency, and that scenario arrived on Saturday Night.
In the second quarter of the USC game, Dante Moore took a scary hit on a disgusting play by USC defensive back Desman Stephens II. Moore was loaded onto a stretcher, and carted into an ambulance, and taken to LA General Hospital.
Dylan Raiola now holds the keys to Oregon's success
Oregon came into the season with National Championship aspirations, and in most cases, losing Dante Moore would typically sink a team. While the Ducks will certainly take a step back without their potential 1st round pick at quarterback, Dan Lanning and the staff's decision to add an experienced backup may now swing the season.
Dylan Raiola brings two years of starting experience to the Oregon offense, and while he may not be as talented as Dante Moore, he has plenty of talent. Raiola was also a former 5-star recruit and has flashed a ton in his career, but has struggled to play consistently.
The difference between the Ducks, and what was asked of Raiola at Nebraska is that Dan Lanning doesn't need him to be Superman. Oregon has plenty of elite playmakers around Raiola, and if he can play point guard rather than trying to hit home runs on every play, he could have a ton of success in this offense.
Oregon has already seen the benefits of Raiola as he finished the first half completing 6 of 8 attempts for 63 yards and a touchdown, while making a beautiful deep throw to Jamari Johnson that was wiped out by a holding call. Raiola doesn't look like a quarterback who's rattled by the moment, and he's helped the team take a lead into the half.
It's unclear how long Dante Moore may be out for Oregon, and for the time being, Dylan Raiola will determine the team's fate.
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