NFL scouts came to Stillwater to watch Dante Moore, and the Oregon quarterback gave them plenty to think about in the first half.
Moore had chosen to return to Oregon this winter rather than take the leap after being projected as the No. 2 overall pick behind Fernando Mendoza. It was a high-risk move, one he made with the idea of sharpening his game, growing into a leader, and maybe helping the Ducks chase a national title in Eugene.
He opened the season with a solid performance against Boise State, throwing for three touchdowns without an interception. That had NFL teams paying close attention again heading into the Oklahoma State game, where scouts were spotted all over Stillwater as multiple clubs came to get a closer look at Moore.
But Saturday’s first half did not help his case.
Against an Oklahoma State team that had already lost to Tulsa in its opener, Moore never settled in. He looked rushed and out of sync with his receivers, finishing the half 5 for 15 for 45 yards, with just 1 yard rushing and two sacks taken.
The mistakes weren’t limited to deep shots, either. He missed simple swing passes and threw a number of balls that NFL teams expect to see completed routinely.
The most glaring miss came on fourth down, when Dakorien Moore was left wide open and Dante Moore put the throw too high despite having all the room in the world.
True freshman Messiah Hampton ended up as Oregon’s leading receiver in the first half, which said plenty about how hard it was for Moore to connect with the Ducks’ passing game. Oregon’s playmakers can do damage after the catch, but that only matters if the ball gets to them cleanly and in stride.
Even with the offense stumbling badly, Oregon was still hanging around. A pick-6 and a drive that started at the 1-yard line helped the Ducks trail by only seven at halftime.
The defense, though, didn’t exactly bail anyone out for long. Oklahoma State opened the second half by marching down the field for a field goal, adding more pressure on Oregon’s offense to respond.
If the Ducks are going to avoid a major upset in Stillwater, it has to start with Moore finding his footing. He came into the year with Heisman expectations, but Oregon doesn’t need a trophy-level performance to survive this one. It just needs competent quarterback play from here.
In Other News...
Oregon Suddenly Has Injury Concerns In The Spots It Can Least Afford
Dan Lannings postgame injury update came with a little more concern than Oregon would like this early in the season, especially after a loss that already leaves plenty for the Ducks to sort through. Tight end Jamari Johnson, who was hurt in the previous game and missed practice this week, does not appear headed for a long-term absence, but the deeper issue is the line of players who were forced out against Oklahoma State and the roles they occupy.
Offensive lineman Douglas Utu and his replacement Trent Ferguson both left the game with injuries, which is the kind of development Oregon can least afford along the front. Running back Jordon Davisons status is still unclear, and while defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington was able to return for situational snaps after briefly exiting, the Ducks are suddenly waiting on several key answers at once as they try to rebound from the setback. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Has A Bigger Problem Than The Halftime Score Against Oklahoma State
At halftime against Oklahoma State, Oregon was still hanging around on the scoreboard, but the first 30 minutes told a far less comforting story. The Ducks trailed 24-17, and the bigger issue was how thoroughly they were being controlled on both sides of the ball, with Oklahoma State piling up yardage while Oregon leaned on a couple of deflected passes to stay within striking distance.
Dante Moore has not been able to settle the offense, completing 5 of 15 passes for 45 yards without a touchdown, and the passing game has been hampered by drops as much as accuracy. The ground attack has not offered much relief either, leaving Oregon with a lot to clean up if it wants to avoid letting a shaky half turn into something much worse. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Suddenly Has A Tight End Concern Heading Into Big Ten Play
Oregon got through its win over Oklahoma State without starting tight end Jamari Johnson, who was held out because of an undisclosed injury. His absence was noticeable not just because of his role in the offense, but because the Ducks are now moving closer to Big Ten Conference play with a key piece in the middle of the formation suddenly in question.
Andrew Olesh got the start in Johnsons place, and the next few days will be about watching whether Johnson can get back on the field or whether this turns into a longer-term issue. For a team trying to settle in before the league schedule ramps up, the uncertainty at tight end is one more thing Oregon would rather not be sorting out right now. [Read more 🡒]