The No. 7 Oregon Ducks hit the ground running in their season opener against FCS opponent Montana State, 59-13.
That was much better than last year's 24-14 head-scratching win over Idaho.
It was a victory that highlighted both the growth and depth of the Oregon program under Dan Lanning.
But what are the most important takeaways in a win like the one Oregon cruised through Saturday.
Here's a look:
1. 3-phase dominance
Oregon was crisp and dominant in all three phases in the first half, leading 38-3 at half, and remained so for much of the second half.
The Ducks offense scored on every one of its drives until time ran out - 9 straight - had 253 yards passing and rushing (how's that for balance?) and didn't have a negative play until a kneel down on the final snap.
Defensively, the Ducks allowed just one field goal in the first half and dominated at the line of scrimmage.
On special teams, Oregon got a hand on one punt, flat-out blocked another and made all 9 of its kicks (1 field goal, 8 extra points).
They were also disciplined with just three penalties.
Duck fans know as well as anyone that a sloppy first game is far from panic time, because Oregon struggled against Idaho then went undefeated last year.
But it's a welcomed change to see Oregon look crisp and ready to roll from the word, "Go."
2. Dante Moore looks ready
Pump the brakes on anointing anyone a superstar after looking crisp against an FCS opponent.
But Moore looked comfortable and showed off a lively arm and solid pocket presence with the ability to run when needed.
On a fourth and goal, Moore chose to run out of bounds for a field goal rather than force a ball into the endzone when it wasn't there (maturity, poise).
On the next drive, he hung in the pocket, worked through his progressions and found a receiver for a big gain over the middle.
Add in a dart for a touchdown to Malik Benson before the half and Moore really flashed a complete tool set.
Dante Moore throws a dart to Malik Benson, the transfer from FSU 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iGFA2sfVte
— Austin 🦆 (@deviousduck_) August 30, 2025
Moore finished 18-of-23 for 213 yards and three touchdowns.
The road will, inevitably, get a lot tougher, but Moore showcased the arm, athleticism and talent that made him a five-star quarterback coming out of high school.
There will likely be ups and downs, but his future appears bright.
3. Offensive line is improved
Last season, Oregon's offensive line needed some tweaks after wins over Idaho and Boise State before the group found its groove.
No such problems this year.
Oregon's opening drive was a physically-dominating ground effort, culminating in a touchdown run from Jayden Limar.
Even after talented interior lineman Emmanuel Pregnon went out with what looked like an ankle injury (fingers crossed), the Ducks didn't miss a beat.
Of note, Pregnon walked off under his own power and returned to the field in full pads.
While he warmed up at halftime, it did not appear as though he returned to action.
Still, the padded warm-up attempt speaks to a player who is likely just fine.
Overall, Oregon's offensive line was physically dominant and were relatively clean when it came to penalties.
The Ducks did not have a negative play
4. Freshmen, freshmen everywhere
Oregon's freshmen made their presence felt early and often in Oregon's big win.
Celebrated five-star wide receiver Dakorien Moore had a handful of touches in space and showcased his cutting ability - and even a hurdle - but failed to get free for a huge gain.
Equally important, Moore delivered the key block on a wide receiver screen that led to a touchdown for a Gary Bryant Jr. score.
True freshmen defensive backs Na'eem Offord and Brandon Finney Jr. each flashed ability in coverage and drew praise as potential future NFL cornerbacks.
Redshirt freshman Ify Obidegwu, billed as a potential lockdown corner this offseason, got in on the action early, breaking up a pass and registering a big hit.
True freshmen running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill also saw action - with Davison scoring three short touchdowns (six carries, 26 yards) and Hill delivering a solid kick return that set up a scoring drive before the half.
Hill returned to significant action in the fourth quarter and showcased both his burst and power, contributing five carries for 48 yards.
In the fourth quarter, former Mater Dei bluechip edge-rusher Nasir Wyatt delivered a bone-crushing sack.
5. Kenyon Sadiq has arrived
The hype has been loud, and NFL Draft experts are talking about Kenyon Sadiq like an NFL first-round pick.
Last year, he flashed a ton of upside, but had just 24 catches for 308 yards and two touchdowns.
Safe to say he'll outperform those numbers.
Sadiq wasn't needed for long Saturday, catching a short pass, tossing a would-be tackler to the turf and sprinting to a 20-yard touchdown.
His only other touch? A three-yard run in which he hurdled another would-be tackler.
Two touchdowns, two highlights, one touchdown.
Pretty good ratio.
He'll see a lot more action as competition improves - and he's ready.
6. Running back by committee, but not the way we thought
Oregon's running backs have generated a lot of positive buzz this offseason.
But many believed Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes would be the key after rushing for 1,400 yards last year.
Instead, by my count, he was the fifth running back to touch the football.
Noah Whittington led the way, followed by Jayden Limar, Jay Harris and Jordon Davison, who delivered three rushing touchdowns.
Overall, Oregon's running backs carried the ball 33 times for 201 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
It will be fascinating to see if that changes depending on the opponent.
The group feels unsettled, but only due to its depth, not a lack of talent.
A committee approach was effective - and expected - but not really in the order we anticipated.
How will the checking order evolve this season?
7. A'Mauri Washington is more than a "freak"
After making the top-five of Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List" for college football, defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington suddenly had a spotlight on him.
Even moreso than the difficult task of replacing NFL first-round pick Derrick Harmon and NFL third-rounder Jamaree Caldwell.
But the 6-foot-3, 330-pound mauler got off to a stellar start, knifing through the Montana State offensive line for a pair of big stops in short yardage situations and also pushing the pocket on passing downs.
Like with every other takeaway from Saturday's action, that impact needs to continue to be felt against better competition, but it's a great sign at a key area of need for the Ducks.
8. Dillon Thieneman in free safety role
Thieneman registered over 100 tackles in each of his two seasons at Purdue, but he was the Freshman of the Year nationally with six interceptions in Year 1 and zero picks as a sophomore.
He also saw his PFF grade drop significantly from Year 1 (elite; 89.5) to Year 2 (well above average; 72.4).
What changed?
Thieneman switched from a true free safety role to more of an in-the-box player to help against the run.
Thieneman is at his best as a deep, rangy safety - and that's where he was for most of the day against Montana State.
The potential NFL first-round draft pick is so talented and so versatile that his role is likely to evolve over the course of the season, as he plays in more exotic looks against better competition.
But it was nice to see Thieneman in his natural free safety role, something the announcers noted themselves in the second half.
9. Special teams delivers
Your depth and attention to detail tend to show up on special teams.
That's a good sign for Oregon.
The Ducks were crisp in all three phases, but made some big plays on specials teams, getting a hand on one punt, flat-out blocking another and making all of their kicks (1 field goal, 8 extra points).
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