When a team loses its leader in the heat of battle, it learns who it really is. Does it band together and play for its leader, or does it wilt under pressure?
The Oregon Ducks found out that they embodied the former, coming together in a bout with the USC Trojans after quarterback Dante Moore had to leave the game in an ambulance due to a head injury. The Ducks rallied behind backup quarterback Dylan Raiola and finished off a 41-27 victory with a teach-tape of complimentary football in the second half.
It wasn't just any other game, either; if Oregon lost, they'd be in a battle to make the College Football Playoff and may have fallen unranked in the AP poll. Essentially, losing grasp of their preseason goals — and relevance in the college football
landscape — was at stake.
The Ducks won, extending their postseason chances and dreams for another week. And while Raiola was excellent and proved that he can run the show at an exemplary level, that didn't mean that the team wasn't still awaiting Moore's return after being diagnosed with a concussion.
Oregon's star passer was out there at practice on Monday, not yet in full-padded attire but throwing the ball around and back to being himself after a week away.
"Yeah, it was amazing," wide receiver Evan Stewart said. "Just seeing him, you know, be healthy, good, smiling, same Dante. So yeah, it's exciting to see him back. You know, just having a familiar face around."
"Oh, it was great having Dante back out there today and being able to see him move around and you know, he's out there having fun again, with a smile on his face," guard Dave Iuli added. "So, the biggest thing we could do is just learn from those kind of lessons and just keep going on. So you know, big shout out to Dante. Super happy."
Moore would likely admit that he's not the most vocal leader in the room for the Ducks. But as the steady presence at quarterback, he doesn't have to be the loudest; rather, exactly what he's shown to be: steady. During a time where egos can get in the way of what's best for the team, it appears that Moore is taking it day-by-day, not worrying about any sort of quarterback controversy with Raiola.
After all, there isn't one and there more than likely never will be one, no matter how well Raiola plays. This is Moore's year — and his teammates are as excited as can be that he's back on the practice field with his brothers.
"He out there working already," defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington said. "I tried to get a sack on him earlier, man. He's back, man. He back."
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: 'He's back': Oregon players react to Dante Moore's practice return
