Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore Ready for Challenge Against Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is poised to make his mark in a high-stakes matchup against No. 3 Penn State on Saturday, inspired by his growth since transferring from UCLA. After a year of challenges, Moore has emerged as a formidable force for the sixth-ranked Ducks, completing 75 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and only one interception heading into this pivotal game.

Moore, a five-star recruit in the 2023 signing class, transferred to Oregon in 2024 after a rocky freshman stint at UCLA, where he struggled in several key contests. Despite a redshirt season behind Dillon Gabriel, Moore has demonstrated impressive progress this season, showcasing a powerful arm and remarkable poise under pressure.

A defensive coordinator familiar with Moore emphasized his strong skills, stating, “He was smooth as hell, and no panic. He has a big powerful arm and throws some unbelievable deep balls. Right now, he looks so comfortable.”

The matchup against Penn State will be a true test of Moore’s capabilities, especially amid the intensity of a White Out crowd. Last season, Oregon faced Penn State in a Big Ten championship game, where they averaged 6.4 yards per play in a close victory. The Nittany Lions, meanwhile, have had a strong defense this season, allowing just 17 points in three games.

Moore’s primary target, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, has also been pivotal for the Ducks’ offense. With nine catches for 155 yards and three touchdowns, Sadiq brings athleticism and an ability to dominate on the field. A defensive coordinator who faced him described Sadiq as “an unbelievable athlete” who is a match-up nightmare for opponents.

On the other side, Penn State’s head coach James Franklin approaches his 21st game against a top 10 opponent with a mixed history, winning only four of the previous encounters. This time, however, the Nittany Lions are slight favorites, bringing a new sense of expectation to the field.

As Moore prepares for this decisive battle, both teams are looking to prove themselves in the ever-competitive landscape of college football. The outcome could significantly impact their playoff aspirations as the season progresses.