Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore Out Against UCLA Due to Concussion

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has been ruled out for the Top 25 matchup against UCLA this Saturday, as he continues to recover from a concussion. Moore remains in concussion protocol, and his absence will lead to backup Dylan Raiola making his first start for the Ducks.

Raiola took over at quarterback for Oregon on September 26th, during the game against USC, after Moore was hit late by USC linebacker Desman Stephens. Moore was placed on a stretcher and taken from the field in an ambulance following the collision. Stephens was subsequently suspended by USC head coach Lincoln Riley for his actions and later issued an apology.

This upcoming Saturday's game against No. 21 UCLA will mark Raiola's first start for Oregon. The backup quarterback transferred to Oregon after playing two seasons at Nebraska. To date, Raiola has thrown for 413 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions in two appearances this season.

Despite the rivalry between the teams, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning and UCLA head coach Bob Chesney have expressed mutual respect. Lanning noted that Chesney had offered to check on Moore while he was hospitalized after the USC game. Chesney, in turn, acknowledged Oregon's lack of weaknesses and their ability to exploit any opportunities.

"I’ve got a lot of respect for him and his program," Lanning said of Chesney and the Bruins. The matchup is anticipated to be a hard-fought contest between respected opponents, without notable animosity between the coaching staffs.