Keys to continuing Oregon's turnaround after the bye week - Ducks Wire

The bye week couldn't come at a better time for the Oregon Ducks. On the heels of an emotional win over a bitter rival, using a backup quarterback out of necessity, the Ducks need a breather to regroup and reset before a string of challenging games in Big Ten play.

That stretch begins next Saturday with a ranked matchup against the UCLA Bruins, and it's not a game the Ducks are taking lightly. There is plenty to clean up during the bye week on both sides of the ball, and if Dylan Raiola draws the start while Dante Moore recovers from a concussion, the Nebraska transfer will need to get more starting reps in practice.

Dan Lanning has shifted all of his focus onto UCLA and self-scouting during the bye week. Oregon's defense looked better against USC, making timely stops late in the game, but there is always room for improvement. The offensive line is getting closer to a set group, but a new quarterback in the offense could change the Ducks' game plan for the time being.

The Ducks have plenty to accomplish during the bye week, and the week of rest could be the turning point for everything that happens next. Here are three keys for the Ducks to continue to overcome a slow start and finish the regular season strong with all of their preseason goals still within reach.

Despite giving up 27 points and 446 yards to USC, the Ducks showed signs of improvement defensively, particularly on critical downs and in forcing incompletions. However, the miscues in the secondary from Oregon's safeties continue to stand out.

Lanning mentioned that there was some good and some bad from Koi Perich and Aaron Flowers in the game against the Trojans. Perich had seven tackles and a late interception to seal the win, while Flowers finished with three tackles. But the duo wasn't without plenty of mistakes on Saturday. Perich is often caught looking in the wrong place, often in the backfield, as tight ends cross his face and make a play, while Flowers has been beaten for big plays in the passing game.

Both have struggled with run fits as well, Perich in particular. The Minnesota transfer often plays close to the box, but USC playmakers were running by Perich far too often on Saturday due to poor angles and poor tackling attempts.

Perich and Flowers can still be big pieces for this team, but they haven't played well this season. The hope is that the bye week can be used to finally clean up some of those mistakes, but if not, it could be an opportunity for others to step in. Trey McNutt has been seldom used this season, while Peyton Woodyard has been part of the rotation. Jett Washington has been a big contributor on special teams and has great size for the role, while Davon Benjamin could slide back and already has plenty of experience this season. A rotation on the back end moving forward might be best.

Let's be clear: I don't think Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti have been an issue, despite what some people may say. Uiagalelei leads the Ducks in sacks, and Tuioti has made an impact as a pass rusher while the team experiments with him in coverage. Still, the Ducks need to generate more pressure more often.

Enter Nasir Wyatt. Last season, the Ducks used Wyatt as a freshman as a mercenary of sorts, designing specific situations for him to use his speed and make a play. He picked up three sacks in 2025, and his impact was always felt on the field. So far this season, Wyatt isn't getting as many chances on the edge, making just four tackles and none for a loss.

Simply put, Wyatt needs more opportunities. If Tuioti is dropping into coverage, Wyatt could rush from a linebacker spot or off the edge in a bigger set. Wyatt beefed up coming into his sophomore year, but his speed on the edge is still unmatched. If anything, Wyatt's new blend of power and speed can speed up a quarterback's process early in games, which can lead to bad decisions.

The Ducks need to find a way to get Wyatt on the field more often, and it could force offenses to change game plans if he gets home.

The big question surrounding the program right now is Dante Moore. While his health is top of mind, there will always be a sense of wonder around when the star quarterback will be able to return to the field. And, if Raiola continues to light it up as he did against USC, will there be any urgency?

Lanning already said in a statement that the Ducks will be cautious with Moore to protect his future as a potential high draft pick. The door is certainly open for Raiola to play well and hold the job for a few weeks. If he does, there will certainly be people clamoring for Raiola to remain the starter. As long as Raiola is playing well, it might even make sense to ride the hot hand.

Still, the biggest takeaway from the offense's performance on Saturday night is how far complementary play from the quarterback position can carry a team. Raiola played well within the system. Drew Mehringer adjusted the offense alongside the quarterback change. Raiola was on time and (mostly) accurate, while remaining calm in big spots. Moore struggled in some of those situations against Oklahoma State, but thrived against Boise State before starting hot against the USC defense.

Oregon's roster can still make an argument as the most talented in the nation. Moore and Raiola don't need to win games; they just need to distribute and manage. Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore have been lights out so far this season, and the offensive line seems to be finding a groove that could unlock the running game after the bye.

There will be times when the quarterbacks will need to step up, but the things that Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel did so well at Oregon were to play within themselves and not try to force the action too often. The playmakers were the stars, while Nix and Gabriel just found ways to get them the ball. It rarely took a heroic effort, which we have occasionally seen from Moore and Raiola when he was at Nebraska.

No matter who is under center the rest of the way for the Ducks, they should be overflowing with confidence in the pieces around them to take the pressure off in big games and critical situations.

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.