STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- In a breathtaking display of skill and resilience, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore faced an emotional moment after leading his team to a stunning 30-24 double-overtime victory against the No. 3 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. As he paused to take in the significance of the win, tears welled in his eyes, overwhelmed by the moment on the Beaver Stadium grass. This victory marked a pivotal point in Moore's career, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
Ducks head coach Dan Lanning could hardly contain his excitement after the game, exuding pride in his team's performance. He described this contest as the best game he has ever experienced in his career. Lanning emphasized the unshakeable poise exhibited by each player, particularly highlighting Moore's impressive performance during his fifth career road start. “I think we've got the best quarterback in college football,” Lanning asserted, underscoring Moore's potential.
In this high-stakes matchup, Moore threw for an impressive 248 yards, recording three touchdowns while also rushing for 35 yards. He demonstrated exceptional control, avoiding turnovers and sacks in front of a raucous crowd of 111,015, the second largest in the history of Penn State football. Lanning and his coaching staff placed their full trust in Moore, especially during critical moments of the game, which included 18 third downs and seven fourth downs, of which the Ducks successfully converted five.
Throughout the week leading up to the game, Lanning instilled in his players the mindset of "death by a thousand cuts," emphasizing the importance of each play. This strategy played out effectively as the Ducks executed their game plan, culminating in a crucial fourth-and-1 conversion early in the fourth quarter. Running back Jordon Davison showcased his skills by slicing through the Penn State defense for an 8-yard touchdown, extending Oregon's lead to 17-3.
Despite Oregon's commanding lead, the Nittany Lions responded with determination, orchestrating two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter that forced the game into overtime. During the first overtime period, Penn State quickly scored a touchdown, putting pressure back on the Ducks. Moore, however, remained unfazed, leading a seven-play march that included a pivotal fourth-and-1 conversion, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
In the subsequent drive, Moore executed a masterful sidearm throw to Gary Bryant Jr., resulting in a 25-yard touchdown. Although the Ducks' two-point conversion attempt fell short, it only took one more critical play for Oregon to seal the victory. Defensive back Dillon Thieneman intercepted Penn State's Drew Allar on the first pass of the second overtime, a moment that Lanning described as hitting the "jugular." It was a testament to the Ducks' strategic execution and teamwork.
For Moore, this victory symbolizes a hard-earned breakthrough, especially after transferring from UCLA, where he faced challenges during his freshman year. After spending a year redshirting and learning the Ducks' offense, he finally had the opportunity to shine. His teammates expressed unwavering confidence in his abilities, with linebacker Bryce Boettcher praising Moore's composure and maturity at just 20 years old.
Lanning regarded this victory as a significant growth moment not only for Moore but for the entire Ducks team. The ability to manage a challenging road environment while maintaining composure sent a strong message about the team's readiness for future challenges. Lanning anticipates facing Penn State again, whether in the Big Ten title game or the College Football Playoff, and he believes Moore and the Ducks have proven they can handle high-pressure situations effectively. “We said the White Out was really gonna be a white canvas for us today. We got an opportunity to paint our masterpiece, and those guys did it,” he concluded.
