Oregon likely to start Brock Thomas at QB: Ducks make key change as CFP hopes hang in balance

Oregon is turning to third-string quarterback Brock Thomas over Dylan Raiola with its College Football Playoff hopes on the line against Nebraska, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer. It will be the first start of Thomas' career.

Thomas took the majority of first-team reps in practice throughout the week; he will get his first career start on Saturday. In his mid-week press conference, Ducks coach Dan Lanning explained the factors that went into the quarterback decision with Dante Moore still recovering from a concussion.

"[Saturday's performance] all plays into effect, and the body of work this week all plays into effect. The question was asked of me why not make the change sooner after the game; I think that's fair. On the same note, I think some of the positions we put [Raiola] in weren't successful opportunities as well," Lanning said. "I think we made some adjustments in getting the ball out a little quicker, creating some more open pictures that allowed Brock to do that.

"But you have to be able to protect the ball, that's a part of it, and like I said after the game, Dylan's also a guy that played really well against…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/