Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has turned heads with his early-season performance, but ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes the real evaluation is yet to come. Through two games, Moore has thrown for 479 yards and six touchdowns without an interception, completing more than 75 percent of his passes in both contests. It marks a fast start in his first year as the Ducks’ starter.
Kiper acknowledged the strong opening stretch but pointed to a pivotal moment on the horizon.
“I have been impressed with Oregon quarterback Dante Moore,” Kiper wrote. “He was a big recruit out of high school but struggled in Year 1 at UCLA and then sat behind Dillon Gabriel in Year 2 after transferring. Now he’s taking full advantage of this Will Stein offense in Eugene. Yes, the Ducks have only faced Montana State and Oklahoma State — two teams they should handle most of the time — but Moore is playing at a high level.”
Also read: Dante Moore leads No. 4 Oregon to Evanston for first time since 1974 with Big Noon Kickoff
The 6-foot-3, 206-pound sophomore displayed his touch in Oregon’s win over Oklahoma State, particularly with accuracy on deep throws and the ability to make precise passes while rolling to either side.
Kiper noted Moore’s consistency, saying he has “thrown for at least 200 yards, completed at least 75% of his throws and tossed at least three TD passes in both contests, and he hasn’t thrown any INTs yet.”
That efficiency will soon be tested.
“Now, the schedule is going to get tougher,” Kiper added. “I have Moore’s trip to Penn State circled for late September. How will he handle a ‘white out’ environment? But if Moore keeps playing like this, Round 1 will be in play.”
Before that marquee matchup, Oregon travels to Northwestern this weekend, giving Moore another chance to extend his hot streak.