Dante Moore Dominates in Oregon Debut with 3 TDs in 59-13 Win
UPDATE: In a dazzling debut, Dante Moore shined for the Oregon Ducks, throwing for three touchdowns in a commanding 59-13 victory over Montana State on September 16, 2023. This marks Moore’s first start in 621 days, and he showcased his talent in front of a sellout crowd of 57,257 at Autzen Stadium.
Moore completed an impressive 18 of 23 passes, amassing 213 passing yards and achieving a remarkable 78.2% completion rate. His performance comes after a year of development behind former quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and it became evident that the wait was worth it.
“It’s been two years, man,” Moore expressed, beaming from the field. “It’s a blessing to be able to play here at the University of Oregon in front of a great crowd and great fans.” His ability to connect with multiple receivers was evident as he delivered passes to nine different players, including six scholarship wide receivers.
The Ducks’ offense was unstoppable, with Moore leading them to seven consecutive scoring drives. Notably, he made a wise decision during a crucial third-and-goal situation, opting for a five-yard gain rather than forcing a throw that could have jeopardized points. Head Coach Dan Lanning praised Moore’s choice, stating, “To me, that’s a great decision that will get no hoopla…he protected the ball and we walked away with points.”
Moore’s maturity on the field was evident, especially in two-minute scenarios where he previously struggled. His ability to check down, rather than always seeking the big play, is a sign of his growth. “Not every play needs to go deep,” receiver Malik Benson noted. “He can check it down and we get 50 yards on the check down.”
As the game progressed, Moore’s confidence soared, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass to Benson just before halftime, extending Oregon’s lead to 38-3. With just 2:28 remaining in the third quarter, Moore exited the game, having tied for the second-most touchdown passes by an Oregon starting quarterback in their debut—an impressive feat last achieved by Dakota Prukop in 2016.
The Ducks delivered a dominant performance, and Moore’s poise under pressure was a critical factor. Lanning commended his execution of the game plan, emphasizing the synergy among the players. “He’s a competitor,” said teammate Bryant. “He’s been stepping up leading the team and getting all 11 guys to do their job on offense.”
Looking ahead, Oregon (1-0) will face Oklahoma State (1-0) next week, and all eyes will be on Moore as he aims to build on this remarkable debut. The Ducks are poised for a promising season, and Moore’s performance has set a high bar for what’s to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as Oregon’s season unfolds!
