What Oregon Center Iapani 'Poncho' Laloulu Said About Dante Moore's Response to Indiana Loss

In the No. 8 Oregon Ducks' loss to the No. 3 Indiana Hoosiers, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore appeared to struggle throughout the game, managing only one touchdown early in the first quarter and throwing two late fourth-quarter interceptions.

Despite Moore's performance, both his teammate and Ducks coach, Dan Lanning, say he is responding well.

Oregon Ducks Indiana Hoosiers Rutgers Scarlet Knights offensive line Quarterback Dante Moore Iapani "Poncho" Lalolou Dan Lann — Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) arrives with his teammates before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Growing As A Leader

Against Indiana, Moore threw for a season low 186 passing yards and completed 62 percent of his passes, another season low. A performance like that can have a strain on a player, but Lanning spoke with the media and alluded to the fact that Moore is just fine.

“I think he’s handled it the right way,” Lanning said. “Everybody looks internally and then goes back and says, ‘OK, what could I have improved on, what could I have done better?’ And I think he saw a lot of moments in that game that he could have played to a higher degree and what he’s capable of.”

Moore's ability to respond internally is a step in the right direction from a personal development perspective, but his development as a leader in the locker room is starting to show.

On Wednesday, Oct. 15, starting center Iapani "Poncho" Laluolu met with the media and detailed how Moore is growing as a leader, and helping to shift the mood in the locker room.

"Dante came in with a lot of juice. He's been coming in and emphasizing that everyone has a lot of juice and energy," Laloulu said. "Another thing he's been emphasizing, and me as a leader too, is to make sure we have joy in this game, and to have fun, because at the end of the day, it's hard."

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Oregon's Offensive Line Took Credit For Moore

Moore's low completion percentage and high number of interceptions were largely due to the pressure he faced in the pocket. He entered the matchup with just one recorded sack, but he left being sacked six times, bringing his season total to seven.

"I take ownership of every one of them. That's under us. Me as a leader too, I have to learn from that," Laloulu continued. "Obviously, as an offensive line, you don't want to see something like that, but I know my guys and coach [A'lique] Terry and the Law Firm are going to get it right and focus on what we've got to learn."

Having an offensive line that respects and cares about their quarterback to such a high level is instrumental in not only Moore's success but Oregon's as a whole.

The offensive leadership being seemingly on the same page for owning up to mistakes and having a desire to improve on them -- is vital for locker room morale and Oregon's chances to get back on track.

The opportunity for Moore and Laloulu to prove that the offense is connected again will come on Saturday, Oct. 18, when the Ducks hit the road to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.