Oregon Faces Unbeaten UCLA Without Dante Moore

Oregon entered its October 10 Big Ten Conference matchup against undefeated UCLA without starting quarterback Dante Moore, leaving Dylan Raiola to lead the No. 13 Ducks against the No. 21 Bruins at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. The game presented an important conference test for both teams as UCLA pursued a fifth consecutive victory and Oregon sought to strengthen its postseason prospects.

According to The Oregonian/OregonLive, kickoff was scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Pacific time, with CBS carrying the broadcast. Oregon began the contest with a 3-1 record and a 1-0 conference mark, while UCLA arrived at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play.

Moore remained in concussion protocol after suffering a head injury during Oregon's 41-27 victory over USC on September 26. Although he had returned to practice, the Big Ten availability report listed him as out for the UCLA game, according to reporting by Yahoo Sports.

Raiola had already demonstrated his ability to handle the offense during that USC victory, completing 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns after entering in relief. The junior transferred to Oregon after starting two seasons at Nebraska and had recorded 413 passing yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions across two appearances this season.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Raiola's performance against USC had reinforced the team's confidence in the quarterback.

"He had an expectation when he stepped out there on the field and performed at a really, really high level, and everybody had confidence in him because they see him do it a lot in practice," Oregon coach Dan Lanning said.

UCLA coach Bob Chesney said his team had prepared for the possibility of facing either Oregon quarterback. The Bruins entered the matchup following a dominant September 26 road win over Maryland, where they scored 54 points while allowing just three.

"They're both very, very good football players," UCLA coach Bob Chesney said of Moore and Raiola. "You can't really think one way or the other who's going to be out there and who's not. We've got to prepare for both."

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 15 of 24 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown against Maryland. For the season, he had completed 62.6% of his passes for 820 yards and four touchdowns, with two interceptions, according to CBS Sports. Running back Wayne Knight had added 445 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 49 carries.

Oregon's rushing attack featured sophomore Jordon Davison, who had recorded 260 yards and five touchdowns on 49 carries. The Ducks had won both home games entering the matchup, while UCLA had secured victories in both of its road appearances.

The Bruins held a 40-33 advantage in the all-time series, but Oregon had won 11 of the previous 12 meetings. Their most recent meeting during the preceding season ended in a 34-13 Oregon victory, according to CBS Sports.

ESPN's College GameDay featured Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young as its celebrity guest picker. Young, who grew up in Pasadena, California, supported UCLA, while Kirk Herbstreit also selected the Bruins. Desmond Howard, former Alabama coach Nick Saban and Pat McAfee favored Oregon.

Young described his participation in the program as an opportunity he appreciated.

"I'm excited," Young told Pat McAfee. "I'm trying to do my research, figure stuff out … It's always fun to watch [College GameDay], so to be able to be a part of it is definitely a blessing."

Young also expressed support for Alabama during his selections.

"Of course, Roll Tide," Young said as he selected Alabama over Georgia.

His UCLA selection drew attention because he grew up a devoted Bruins fan in Pasadena, where the university plays its home games at the Rose Bowl. Young played college football at Alabama from 2020 to 2022 and won the 2021 Heisman Trophy.

One fan highlighted Young's hometown connection when discussing his selection.

"Bryce Young, the Pasadena kid, who grew up a die hard Bruins fan, picks UCLA," one fan wrote.

Another social media post noted the limited support UCLA received from the television show's panel.

"Bryce Young and Kirk Herbstreit are the only 2 people I've seen pick #UCLA to win," another fan wrote Saturday.

Looking beyond the matchup, UCLA was scheduled to host Wisconsin at the Rose Bowl on October 17, while Oregon was set to welcome Nebraska on the same day.