Ducks Weren't Ready for Moore's Big Touchdown Moment

Originally posted on Washington Huskies on SI
By Dan Raley | Last updated Dec 2, 2023 3:50 AM ET

Entering the Pac-12 championship game, Quentin Moore had 6 career catches for the University of Washington football team, not exactly someone who Oregon was going worry about.

Yet on Friday night at Allegiant Stadium, typical of Kalen DeBoer's coaching staff with its preference for the element of surprise, the Huskies had a play all designed for the 6-foot-4, 255-pound junior tight end from Kenmore, Washington.

Naturally it worked to perfection, with Moore catching a 2-yard scoring toss from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with 2:44 left to play, giving the Huskies an insurmountable 10-point lead that became a 34-31 victory in Las Vegas.

"That play call to Quentin Moore was a play call we've been holding for a couple of weeks," Penix said. "We knew once the moment came, we were going to be able to execute it at a high level. That was a special moment for Q."

Moore more often is the third or fourth Husky tight end sent in on game day, a former Kansas junior-college transfer known best for his blocking.

In his third season with the UW, he had just those 6 receptions for 69 yards entering the game, with just one catch to show for it this season, an 8-yarder against Tulsa.

However on third-and-goal against Oregon, Moore drifted out to the left side and no one was there to guard him as caught the ball, crossed the goal line without any opposition and began to celebrate with fellow tight end Jack Westover. Unlike the Ducks, he was well aware all along this play was coming.

"I know how excited he was," Penix said. "You should have seen him in practice when were installing it or whatever. He couldn't stop smiling — because he knew he was going to get a touchdown on that play."

This article first appeared on Washington Huskies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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