Oregon defeats USC 41-27 after backup quarterback steps in for injured starter
Backup Dylan Raiola led Oregon to a 41-27 win over USC after starting quarterback Dante Moore was injured, preserving the Ducks' Big Ten title hopes.
Oregon rallied to a 41-27 victory over USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum after starting quarterback Dante Moore was taken off the field on a stretcher in the second quarter. Backup Dylan Raiola, a transfer from Nebraska, completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Ducks on five scoring drives in the second half. The win keeps Oregon in contention for a Big Ten championship and a possible College Football Playoff berth.
Moore suffered a hard hit while sliding and was hospitalized for evaluation, though he retained feeling in his extremities. Raiola's first play after entering the game resulted in a short touchdown pass, and he later connected with Dakorien Moore on a long pass for another score. Oregon's defense limited USC to 166 total yards.
USC, coached by Lincoln Riley, struggled to contain Oregon's offense and could not match the Ducks' scoring output. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 224 yards and a touchdown, but the Trojans' defense could not stop Oregon's late surge. The loss adds to a pattern of USC being outperformed by top opponents this season as they prepare for upcoming Big Ten matchups against Ohio State and Indiana.
Mississippi State also secured a 31-24 win over Missouri, with quarterback Kamario Taylor throwing for 360 yards and three touchdowns, marking the Bulldogs' first top-25 victory since 2014. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State ended an 18-game conference losing streak with a 41-24 win over West Virginia.