A highly anticipated Polynesian quarterback matchup is coming to Autzen Stadium.
With Oregon quarterback Dante Moore officially ruled out for Saturday’s matchup against No. 21 UCLA, former Nebraska standout Dylan Raiola will make his first start in an Oregon uniform as the No. 13 Ducks host an undefeated Bruins team led by fellow Polynesian quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Moore suffered a concussion during Oregon’s 41-27 win over USC on Sept. 26 after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit while sliding. He had returned to practice this week, but Oregon’s initial injury report lists him as out for Saturday’s game. Raiola already showed what he can bring in relief of Moore against the Trojans. The sophomore completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, helping Oregon pull away for the win. Through two appearances this season, Raiola has completed 30 of 36 passes for 413 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions, according to Oregon’s official statistics.
On the other side, Iamaleava enters Eugene with UCLA sitting at 4-0 and ranked No. 21 nationally. Through four games, the senior has completed 62 of 99 passes for 820 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 143 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. His passing production has picked up during UCLA’s recent wins, including 276 yards and three touchdowns against Purdue. The Bruins have been one of the nation’s most productive rushing teams as well, averaging 281.5 rushing yards per game, while Oregon enters the matchup averaging 346.5 passing yards per game. Now, with Moore sidelined, the spotlight shifts to Raiola. For the first time, he will take the field as Oregon’s starting quarterback, with Iamaleava and an undefeated UCLA team waiting on the other side.
