Oregon Ducks: PFF's top-graded performers against Montana State

Andrew Nemec

Oregon Ducks: PFF's top-graded performers against Montana State image

The No. 7 Oregon Ducks blasted Montana State 59-13 in its season opener Saturday afternoon.

It didn't take long for PFF to grade the individual performances from the Ducks. 

Here's the highest-rated players from Saturday (as well as some key grades in individual categories):

Of note, because so many athletes rotated in during the game, the minimum for inclusion was 20 snaps. 

Matayo Uiagalelei, edge-rusher - 87.8 

After registering an impressive 10.5 sacks last year, Uiagalelei picked up right where he left off registering two sacks against Montana State.

The potential future NFL first-round pick scored a 90.6 pass-rushing grade and a 63.1 grade in run defense.

>>> Oregon Ducks takeaways: 9 things to watch after season-opening win

Alex Harkey, right tackle - 87.2

The Texas State transfer looked right at home in Autzen Stadium. 

He was the highest-graded offensive player for the Ducks.

Dakorien Moore, wide receiver - 75.2

True freshman Dakorien Moore had five touches on offense and accumulated 43 yards (17 rushing, 26 receiving).

But he also picked up a key block on a touchdown pass and scored a 90.1 run blocking grade.

Moore did the dirty work - something a lot of five-star wide receivers shy away from.

Noah Whittington, running back - 74.0

Oregon's starting running back carried the ball 10 times for 68 yards and a touchdown.

A’mauri Washington, defensive tackle - 73.9 (76.7 run defense, 29.9 tackling)

Washington flashed as a difference-maker in the run game, knifing through the Montana State defense for a couple of big stops.

Tackling was an issue for the big-bodied athlete, but is disruptive nature carried the grade.

Noteworthy

Dante Moore, quarterback - 68.8

While the former five-star quarterback drew rave reviews from fans, he had a solid day, according to PFF.

Missing Sadiq on a wheel route for what should've been a walk-in touchdown may have altered this grade somewhat. While the ball was potentially catchable, Moore could've simply led Sadiq and floated it in there. 

Moore had - and made - a lot of easy throws Saturday, which is likely why he gets a solid, but unspectacular grade. 

Isaiah World, offensive tackle - 87.6 pass-blocking grade

The former Nevada tackle was as advertised in Week 1.

He led all Oregon players in pass-blocking grade, but delivered a lackluster 54.2 run blocking grade.

World is at his best a a pass blocker, and that showed up Saturday. 

Kenyon Sadiq, tight end - 84.2 run-blocking grade

Sadiq is a potential NFL first-round pick because of his athleticism and play-making ability.

But to climb as high as he can in the draft he as to do the dirty work.

Sadiq did that in Week 1, delivering a strong 84.2 run-blocking grade. 

Dillon Thieneman, safety - 82.3 tackling grade

It was a quiet day for Thieneman, who largely played a free safety role.

But he did his job, leading all tacklers with an 82.3 grade. 

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Andrew Nemec

Andrew Nemec has covered high school sports and the recruiting landscape for more than a decade, with an emphasis on the former and current Pac-12 footprint. Nemec, who hosts his own radio show on ESPN-affiliate 1080 The FAN in Portland, Oregon, is a graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication.