The No. 7 Oregon Ducks kicked off their 2025 campaign with a 59-13 demolition of FCS powerhouse Montana State, sending a clear message that this reloaded roster is ready to chase a national title. In front of 57,257 at Autzen Stadium, the Ducks showcased depth, versatility, and a youth movement that could define their season. Here are the key takeaways from a dominant performance that answered questions and raised expectations.
1. Dante Moore’s Poise Signals a New Era at QB Stepping into the spotlight after a year behind Dillon Gabriel, transfer quarterback Dante Moore delivered a near-flawless debut: 18-of-23 for 213 yards, three touchdowns, and zero risky throws. His decision-making, a point of growth since his UCLA days, stood out—especially on a play where he tucked and ran to secure a field goal rather than forcing a pass. “He was sharp,” coach Dan Lanning said, praising Moore’s ability to execute a simplified game plan. Against a Montana State secondary with four new starters, Moore spread the ball to 10 different receivers, showing he can manage a complex offense without leaning on a single target. As the competition ramps up, his clean stat line bodes well for Oregon’s high-powered attack.
2. Running Back Depth Lives Up to the Hype The Ducks’ running back room, touted as the deepest in the Dan Lanning era, proved its billing by rotating all seven scholarship backs for 186 yards on 30 carries (6.2 yards per carry). Noah Whittington led with 68 yards and a touchdown, including a 35-yard burst to open the game. True freshman Jordon Davison stole the show, bulldozing for three goal-line scores—a school record for a frosh in an opener—while Dierre Hill Jr. added 48 yards on five carries with a 28-yard scamper. Surprisingly, All-American transfer Makhi Hughes was barely used (one carry, one catch), raising questions about whether he’s being saved or still adapting. “We got a ton of really good backs,” Lanning said, noting the challenge of distributing snaps. This versatile stable could overwhelm defenses all season.
3. Receiver Room Reloads with Egalitarian Approach Despite losing Tez Johnson, Traeshon Holden, and Evan Stewart (injury), Oregon’s passing attack didn’t miss a beat. Ten players caught passes, averaging 13.3 yards per grab, with big plays like Kyler Kasper’s 40-yard strike and Jay Harris’s 50-yard screen. Malik Benson led with five catches for 51 yards and a score, but the committee approach—featuring Gary Bryant Jr. (four catches), Dakorien Moore (three), and others—showed depth is the Ducks’ superpower. “Everyone has to do their one-eleventh,” Bryant said, highlighting the unit’s buy-in. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq’s 20-yard touchdown hurdle added flair, proving this group retains the big-play threat of years past.
4. Youth Movement Takes Flight Lanning’s mantra—“If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”—came to life as 12 freshmen saw action, up from one in last year’s opener. True freshman Dakorien Moore, the nation’s top receiver recruit, started and dazzled with three catches, two runs, and a pancake block that went viral. Jordon Davison’s three scores made history, while corner Brandon Finney started, and edge rusher Nasir Wyatt notched his first sack. Redshirt freshman Jeremiah McClellan blocked a punt and caught a pass. “We have a lot of guys who are good enough right now,” Lanning said. This infusion of talent, with many playing meaningful snaps early, signals a sky-high ceiling for a roster tailored to Lanning’s vision.
5. Run Defense Stifles a Formidable Foe Montana State’s rushing attack, which averaged nearly 300 yards per game last season, was a litmus test for Oregon’s front. The Ducks aced it, holding the Bobcats to 46 yards on 27 carries (1.7 yards per carry). “We really had one goal—let’s control the run game,” Lanning said. With 27 Ducks recording tackles, the defensive depth matched the offense’s, neutralizing a strength of the FCS runners-up. Montana State’s Brent Vigen admitted, “They are a high-operating machine.” As Oregon faces tougher Big Ten ground games, this performance sets a strong foundation.
6. Strategic Restraint Sets the Stage Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein kept the playbook conservative, avoiding wrinkles to limit film for future opponents. “What you put on film is what you’re going to see for the rest of the season,” Lanning noted, referencing last year’s early miscues. The Ducks still executed flawlessly, scoring on seven straight drives and avoiding negative plays until the final kneel-down. This discipline, paired with over 50 players seeing action, suggests Oregon is pacing itself for a long season while building confidence across the roster.
7. Dakorien Moore’s All-Around Impact True freshman Dakorien Moore lived up to his five-star billing, not just as a receiver (three catches, 26 yards) but as a tone-setter. His highlight-reel block on Gary Bryant Jr.’s third-quarter touchdown—pancaking a defender into the end zone—drew raves. “He’s electric with or without the ball,” Benson said. Lanning, grinning, noted Moore blocked the “wrong guy” but lauded his effort. Moore’s willingness to embrace the “no block, no rock” mantra signals he’ll be a cornerstone of Oregon’s offense, even among a crowded receiver room.
Final Word Montana State was no match for Oregon’s talent and depth, but the Bobcats’ pedigree as FCS runners-up makes this rout more than a cupcake win. The Ducks’ ability to dominate while holding back, integrate freshmen seamlessly, and showcase versatility across positions bodes well for their Big Ten title defense and playoff aspirations. With Oklahoma State next on the slate, Oregon’s “high-operating machine,” as Vigen called it, looks poised to keep rolling. If Saturday was a preview, 2025 could be a season to remember in Eugene.
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