Nobody expected Dylan Raiola to be the biggest story coming out of Oregon-USC.
But when Dante Moore went down with a frightening injury in the second quarter, Oregon suddenly had to turn to its backup quarterback in one of the biggest games of the season. Raiola walked into the Coliseum against No. 12 USC and looked completely unfazed.
He finished 19-of-25 for 289 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions, leading No. 20 Oregon to a massive 41-27 road victory.
His first touchdown came almost immediately. On just his second snap after replacing Moore, Raiola found Evan Stewart for a three-yard touchdown. Then, with USC tying the game at 27 in the fourth quarter, Raiola responded again, finding Dakorien Moore for a 29-yard go-ahead touchdown.
That’s what made this performance so impressive.
Raiola wasn’t preparing all week to be the guy. He was thrown into an emotional situation, on the road against a ranked opponent, with Oregon desperately needing a win after its rough start to the season.
And he delivered.
Oregon scored four second-half touchdowns with Raiola leading the offense and finished with 504 total yards. The Ducks didn’t simply survive without their starting quarterback — they took control of the game.
Everyone knew Raiola had talent after his two seasons starting at Nebraska. Now we know Oregon might have one of the best backup quarterbacks in the country.
Dylan Raiola waited for his opportunity. When it finally came on one of college football’s biggest stages, he absolutely delivered.
