Oregon’s Dante Moore leaves game after being hit in nose

Oregon starting quarterback Dante Moore left in the third quarter of Saturday’s 21-7 home win over Wisconsin because of what coach Dan Lanning termed a “bloody nose.”

Moore appeared to be struck in the face when he was tackled after a designed run. He was holding his nose, which was bloodied, on his way to the sideline.

Moore was sent to the medical tent and replaced by sophomore Brock Thomas, who stayed in the game as quarterback the rest of the way. Moore later emerged from the tent with his helmet on and remained on the sideline.

Lanning said after the game that Moore “got dinged” in the nose on a tackle, but should be in “great shape.”

“I think we could have pushed to get him back in, but he’s going to be good,” he said. “He had a bloody nose, he got hit pretty good, but it looks like he’s in great shape.”

Oregon’s offense, which ranks as one of the 10 best units in the country, struggled against Wisconsin early on, leading 7-0 when Moore exited. Thomas continued the Ducks’ drive, which culminated in a touchdown run by Jordon Davison that pushed the lead to 14-0. Thomas added a 1-yard touchdown pass to Gernorris Wilson early in the fourth quarter.

Moore threw for just 86 yards on 9-of-15 passing. Thomas was 4-of-4 for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Lanning credited Thomas for coming in and doing “everything that we asked him to do.”

“[Moore] was probably in position that he could have gone in, but for Brock to come in and perform the way he did, really excited for him to be able to do that,” Lanning said. “I know the players were really proud of him.”