In a thrilling finish at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, the Oregon Ducks faced a critical moment in their season as they trailed the Iowa Hawkeyes 16-15 with under two minutes remaining. The stakes were high; a loss would likely eliminate the Ducks from the College Football Playoff picture and jeopardize their aspirations for a national championship.
Quarterback Dante Moore, who had struggled through much of the game with just eight completions on 14 attempts for a modest 65 yards and an interception, was tasked with leading the final drive. In this high-pressure moment, Moore exhibited a remarkable calmness, reminiscent of some of football’s biggest stars, despite never having faced such a situation before.
Reflecting on the moment, Moore stated, “We do two-minute drills so many times in practice… I’ve never been in a situation where I had to do a two-minute drive with the team to win the game and, during that moment, I didn’t feel nervous at all, to be honest.”
Drawing inspiration from NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes, known for his clutch performances and game-winning drives, Moore approached the task with a strategic mindset. He focused on protecting the ball, moving it efficiently down the field, and being mindful of the clock.
With just 34 seconds left and the Ducks positioned at their own 41-yard line, Moore delivered a perfectly timed 24-yard pass to wide receiver Malik Benson, placing the Ducks firmly in field goal range. Following that, he calmly connected with receiver Jeremiah McClellan for a six-yard gain, setting the stage for a potential game-winning kick.
Kicker Atticus Sappington capped off the drive with an impressive field goal, solidifying the Ducks’ victory. “Of course, Atticus made a great kick at the end,” Moore remarked, praising the kicker’s performance in challenging weather conditions as Sappington successfully converted all three of his attempts.
Moore’s composed demeanor during the decisive drive has energized the Oregon program, reaffirming their hopes in the playoff race and highlighting the quarterback’s potential as a leader on the field. His performance serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ducks as they navigate their season.