Oregon Benches Dylan Raiola Against UCLA

Oregon turned to quarterback Brock Thomas after benching Dylan Raiola during the Ducks' game against UCLA, with coach Dan Lanning making the change as the No. 13 Ducks struggled to move the ball and protect possession against the No. 21 Bruins. According to Sports Illustrated, Raiola started because Dante Moore did not dress after suffering a concussion against USC. Raiola completed 6 of 19 passes for 43 yards with two interceptions before Oregon changed quarterbacks.

Sports Illustrated reported that Raiola also lost a fumble, while receiver Evan Stewart and running back Jordon Davison also committed fumbles. Oregon entered the fourth quarter with six turnovers against UCLA.

Thomas took over the offense but Oregon continued to face turnover issues. According to Sports Illustrated, Thomas fumbled a snap from center Iapani Laloulu on fourth down during his first drive, creating Oregon's sixth turnover of the game.

The Ducks produced their longest drive of the game after Thomas entered, moving six plays before settling for a field goal. Sports Illustrated reported that Oregon's only touchdown came after UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava fumbled near the goal line. Raiola had previously given Oregon a strong performance in the win over USC. According to Sports Illustrated, he completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns in that game.

The contrast between those performances raised questions about Oregon's quarterback situation after the UCLA matchup. Sports Illustrated reported that the Ducks had punted six times, matching their offensive point total through the first three quarters. Oregon's coaching staff has not set a timeline for Dante Moore's return, according to Sports Illustrated. Moore did return to practice during the week before the UCLA game.

The Ducks are scheduled to face Nebraska on Saturday, Oct. 17, with the quarterback position remaining a key issue following the change from Raiola to Thomas against UCLA.