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Following Oregon's 17-15 defeat to UCLA, quarterback Dylan Raiola stepped up to address the media, owning his role in the team's offensive struggles. Raiola, who had been celebrated for his heroic relief appearance against USC just two weeks prior, faced heavy criticism after a dismal showing against the Bruins.
In his first career start for the Ducks, Raiola completed only 6 of 19 passes for 43 yards before being benched in favor of third-string quarterback Brock Thomas late in the third quarter. The Nebraska transfer threw two interceptions and lost a fumble at midfield that directly led to UCLA points, contributing to Oregon's seven-turnover day.
Despite the disappointing outing, Raiola did not avoid accountability. He acknowledged his reckless play and pledged to improve. "I've got to do a better job of rallying the guys, making a play, or getting us going to flip the switch," Raiola said. "Because we're really one play away from things going the other way. But I can't turn the ball over. I was reckless with the ball today, and you can't win football games like that."
Raiola felt prepared by the coaching staff and believed he read the field well, but he often tried to force throws and missed open receivers. His tendency to hold the ball too long in the pocket, even while evading pressure, increased the likelihood of mistakes.
Head coach Dan Lanning expressed confidence in Raiola leading up to the game, recalling his stellar performance against USC when he replaced the injured Dante Moore. "Two weeks ago, he was phenomenal," Lanning said. "What you've always got to recognize is that there's going to be a lot of praise in moments, and then there are going to be some negative moments. Probably neither one of them is true. Early in the year, we identified some throws where we said, 'Hey, that throw worked here, but does it really work when you go play a team that's comparable and talented?' We didn't get some of those things fixed, and that showed up today."
Oregon's running game failed to provide support, but the offensive line held up well against UCLA's unique blitzes, giving Raiola opportunities through the air. Raiola deflected blame from his linemen and credited the Bruins. "I've got to make those throws. That has nothing to do with the run game," he said. "Credit to (UCLA). They're a good football team. They're undefeated for a reason. They obviously had a plan to stop our running attack. I wouldn't put it on our O-line. They're awesome, and I wouldn't trade them for anybody. We'll go to the doctor tomorrow, figure this thing out, and hopefully get it turned around."
The loss adds to a season of highs and lows for Oregon, which had been touted as a College Football Playoff contender. Earlier setbacks against Boise State and Oklahoma State served as reality checks, and Raiola's latest performance raises questions about whether he will start again next week against Nebraska if Moore remains sidelined.
Lanning reaffirmed his support for Raiola. "He has to know that we have a team here that's going to support him," Lanning said. "We have a coaching staff that's here to support him and just wants to see him continue to improve, get better and get some of his confidence back. Certainly, he's lost some of that today. If he pays too much attention to the news, he's going to lose some more of that. If he just goes out there, works and focuses on improvement, then he's got a chance to continue to become a good player."
Raiola, who had a reputation at Nebraska for lacking maturity, has shown humility and accountability at Oregon. His decision to face the media after the game underscored his growth as a leader. "I got a younger brother (tight end Dayton Raiola), and he looks up to me. This isn't just football; this is life," Raiola said. "Tough situations happen, and you've gotta own them. There is no running around them, there's no dodgin them. The product we put out there – the product I put out there – I've gotta live with that. I've gotta own everything."
Lanning did not clarify who will start at quarterback next week against Nebraska or whether there will be a change in offensive play-calling. If Raiola gets another opportunity, he plans to be ready. "Take it on the chin and move forward," he said.
Originally reported by yahoo.