The Oregon Ducks held their annual spring football game Saturday in front of more than 40,000 enthusiastic fans at Autzen Stadium. Both Duck defenses dominated the first half, with the halftime score 7-3 in favor of the Green team. The second half showed an example of the offensive firepower fans will expect this fall.
The green team, led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, defeated the white team 28-23.
Oregon State quarterback Dillon Gabriel congratulates Luke Moga after Mona scores a touchdown during the game
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard/USA
More importantly than the score, it gave Oregon coach Dan Lanning and the rest of the coaching staff a chance to evaluate players in live action while under pressure from the fans in attendance. All eyes were on the quarterback position. It's a room so talented you'd think this might be the best quarterback room in America.
Only time will tell, but Gabriel, the Ducks' potential starter, did not disappoint. He completed 14 of 21 for 163 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His final passing touchdown was a 49-yard completion to wide receiver Evan Stewart.
Dante Moore went 11-of-16 for 87 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He scored a long touchdown run at the end of the game, but it was later removed. Third-string quarterback Austin Novosad played in both offenses, going 12-of-22 for 177 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
Novosad may have been one of the biggest surprises of the game. Before the game, Coach Lanning had high praise for the true freshman.
“From being a freshman coming in a little bit like a deer in the headlights, to now Austin really understanding our offense,” Lanning said. “He's able to go out there and operate at a very high level and do that. He's had a really good spring.” Some might argue that it has shrunk.
After the game, Coach Lanning was asked about the quarterback play. He said, “All of our quarterbacks made really positive plays. You'll have to watch the film again to see it really clearly. I really like the group we have here and we have a lot of talent in this room.” I think there is.”
