Dylan Raiola is back in the spotlight for Oregon’s trip to Illinois, with Dan Lanning choosing to hand the starting quarterback job back to him for Saturday’s matchup, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
It’s another turn in what has already been a wild stretch for Raiola in Eugene. He first flashed his value coming off the bench against USC, then hit a rough patch in a start at home against UCLA, before rescuing Oregon again in the comeback win over Nebraska. Now he gets his second start, this time on the road, with the Ducks trying to keep their season moving in the right direction.
Last week, Brock Thomas got the nod against Nebraska, but the senior walk-on struggled to get the offense rolling. Oregon had less than 100 yards before the fourth quarter, and the Ducks were stuck in neutral until Raiola entered and sparked two long drives. He finished the job by throwing the game-winning touchdown to Jamari Johnson with seconds left.
For the season, Raiola has completed 64.4% of his passes and has thrown six touchdowns against two interceptions. That production gives Oregon a more dynamic option, and it comes at a good time with Illinois carrying one of the nation’s weakest pass defenses.
Even with that upside, Raiola’s margin for error is still thin. Lanning’s decision to start Thomas last week came with ball security in mind, as the Ducks wanted to limit turnovers more than chase the ceiling Raiola can provide. Thomas and Akili Smith Jr. both worked with the starting offense in practice, but Raiola ultimately won the job for Saturday.
Oregon and Illinois will kick off in Champaign at noon PT, with Big Ten Network carrying the game live.
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Oregon Suddenly Has A Bigger Quarterback Question Than Fans Expected
Oregons quarterback picture has shifted quickly, and not just because of a late-game rally against Nebraska. Dylan Raiola stepped in in the fourth quarter, steadied the offense and delivered the game-winning touchdown in a 17-14 comeback win, then spent part of the buildup to the Illinois game talking through how he stays ready and how the staff has handled the position behind the scenes.
Dante Moores status remains uncertain after a concussion, leaving the Ducks with more than the usual week-of-game questions at the most important spot on the field. Raiolas performance gave Oregon a life raft in Lincoln, but it also raised the stakes heading into Illinois, where the Ducks may have to sort out their quarterback plan without knowing how quickly Moore can return. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Just Added More Intrigue To Illinois Biggest Home Test
The buildup to Oregons trip to Illinois just got a little louder, and not just because of the matchup itself. The Ducks will head to Gies Memorial Stadium on Oct. 24 in a new majority-white look from the Generation O collection, another example of how Oregon keeps using its uniforms as part of the programs identity as much as its style.
This latest release also carries a heavier historical nod than a simple game-day reveal. The design pulls in elements honoring former players and the programs past, and the cleats were built with graphics tied to significant moments in Duck history, giving the road trip an added layer of symbolism as Oregon prepares for what figures to be one of Illinois biggest home tests. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon May Be Leaning Toward The QB Who Just Saved Them
With Dante Moore still in concussion protocol, Oregon suddenly has a quarterback picture that looks a lot less settled than it did a few weeks ago. What had been a single-track situation has turned into a true competition, with Bo Nix Raiola and Brock Thomas both back in the conversation and both having started games recently.
Raiolas most recent turn came after he replaced Thomas and guided the Ducks past Nebraska, which only adds another layer to a decision Dan Lanning says will keep coming down to weekly evaluations of practice and game performance. For Oregon, the choice is no longer just about who is healthy enough to play, but who gives the offense the best chance to keep rolling while Moore works his way through the protocol. [Read more 🡒]