Oregon Ducks showcased a remarkable recovery after their loss at Oklahoma State, achieving an impressive 84-0 triumph against Portland State last weekend. Quarterback Dante Moore demonstrated precision, completing 19 of 23 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns without any interceptions. Dylan Raiola also contributed effectively, achieving 11 completions on 11 attempts for 124 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions, leading the Ducks’ offense to accumulate a total of 453 yards.
Despite the victory, Oregon is facing difficulties. Head coach Dan Lanning disclosed on Monday that junior wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan sustained a broken foot, rendering him unavailable for an indefinite period. McClellan reportedly aggravated the injury during pregame warmups preceding the Portland State game and was observed in street clothes, donning a walking boot on his right foot before the game started.
McClellan, originally a promising recruit from St. Louis, Missouri, joined the Ducks in December 2023, choosing Oregon over more than 40 other leading college football programs. He had limited exposure as a freshman in 2024, but became one of Moore’s key assets last season, ranking third on the team in receiving yards with 557 yards and securing 38 receptions. He followed receiver Malik Benson and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who are now both part of the NFL.
The expectations for McClellan were high for this season, anticipating him to rise as one of Moore’s principal targets. Consequently, his absence will be felt significantly, especially considering he had already logged seven catches for 170 yards and a touchdown, with an average of 24.3 yards per catch through the initial three games.
The timing could prove challenging for Oregon with an imminent match against Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This pivotal Big Ten contest involves two ranked teams competing for a coveted position in the College Football Playoff. Moore will need to steer the Ducks to victory without one of his key receivers, emphasizing the necessity to overcome this recent setback.