Oregon cruised to a 69-3 victory over Oklahoma State last weekend, but one noticeable absence raised questions. Backup quarterback Austin Novosad, who had played in the opener, did not appear in the second half. On Monday evening, head coach Dan Lanning provided clarity.
According to Lanning, Novosad is managing a lat issue that the staff is treating carefully.
“I think Austin could go but his lat has been bothering him a little bit,” Lanning said. “More precautionary probably than anything. He’s been able to practice, but we’ve just been trying to limit him and get him in position to where he can go again.”
Novosad played against Montana State in Week 1, completing one of two passes for 40 yards, the longest connection of the game to Kyler Kasper. That appearance marked his seventh career outing in three years with the Ducks.
With Novosad unavailable, redshirt freshman Luke Moga stepped in during the third quarter against the Cowboys. Moga directed a touchdown drive, completing two of three passes for 53 yards and rushing for 22 more. Freshman Brock Thomas also saw time, attempting one pass that fell incomplete.
Novosad competed with starter Dante Moore for the top spot throughout the offseason. Although Moore ultimately won the job, Lanning praised the progress of the entire position group.
“I’m excited about the growth of everybody in our quarterback room,” Lanning said. “It’s just the way you use your cadence to command the offense and the way you break a huddle. All those areas have been a big improvement.”
Lanning also provided an update on wide receiver Evan Stewart, who has missed both games with a knee injury sustained in June. The coach offered few specifics.
“It’s not right now for Evan,” he said, before adding, “There’s some guys who weren’t available last week who I think will be available this week.”
Oregon’s receivers have stepped up in Stewart’s absence, with all seven healthy scholarship wideouts catching passes this season. The No. 4 Ducks (2-0) will open Big Ten play at Northwestern (1-1) on Saturday, a 9 a.m. kickoff on FOX.