Coach Dan Lanning's Oregon Ducks are 3-2, 1-1 in the Big Ten heading into Week 7's game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Autzen Stadium, and could be without leading receiver Evan Stewart. A quarterback competition began brewing in practice this week with Dante Moore still out and Dylan Raiola vying for reps with Brock Thomas.
Thomas is expected to start against the Cornhuskers, not Raiola, according to a rumor shared by Chris Hummer of CBS Sports.
“It's trending toward Oregon starting Brock Thomas at QB tomorrow against Nebraska, sources tell Matt Zenitz and me,” Hummer wrote of his CBS colleague.
“Thomas began the year as the Ducks' third-string QB but replaced Dylan Raiola late in Oregon's game vs. UCLA.”
Raiola played two seasons with Matt Rhule's Cornhuskers compiling over thirty touchdowns and nearly 5,000 yards during his time in Lincoln. He has struggled as Moore's backup this season, although his stats are solid with a 65-plus completion percentage, five touchdown passes and two interceptions.
Thomas has been with the Ducks for three seasons and has completed 70% of his passes so far with one touchdown and no interceptions. He is a native of Eugene, Oregon and came to Lanning's program as a three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com.
Article Continues BelowThomas winning the competition so far echoes a previous rumor from another college football insider who stated that he has shown more consistency in practice with Moore still out.
The Ducks need a win in the worst way, and will have a chance to score another one with the Cornhuskers game just hours way. Both teams have powerful offenses meaning the game could be a shootout by the time the smoke clears.