Oregon QB Austin Novosad Gets Second-String Nod Over Dante Moore

Oregon freshman quarterback Austin Novosad got his first action of the 2024 season on Saturday, checking into the final drive of the Ducks' 34-13 win over UCLA before former five-star recruit and presumed second-stringer Dante Moore.

While Novosad didn't attempt a single pass in his short spurt of playing time, Oregon fans and other onlookers were surprised they didn't see Moore behind center in the Ducks' blowout win.

Moore started several games for UCLA a season ago, recording 1,610 yards and eleven touchdowns through the air over nine total appearances.

Additionally, the true sophomore entered the college ranks as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. Moore was listed as the No. 3 quarterback and No. 4 overall player in the class of 2023 according to 247Sports.

Furthermore, the UCLA transfer was the first and only reserve quarterback to enter the game for the Ducks' in their 49-14 victory over Oregon State, where he completed three-of-three pass attempts for 15 yards.

As a result, Moore was seen as Oregon's second-string quarterback until Saturday, where Novosad got the first nod off the bench.

Moving forward, it's unclear which quarterback head coach Dan Lanning will go to when a second-stringer is next needed. Novosad could be the true backup, or he could have simply been getting a taste of his first snaps of the season.

The Ducks will be in action again on Friday as they host Michigan State. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. PST.