Oregon defeats USC 41-27 after backup quarterback steps in

Oregon overcame an early injury to starter quarterback Dante Moore, who left the game after a collision, by turning to backup Dylan Raiola. Raiola completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Ducks to a 41-27 victory over USC before a crowd of 75,500 at the Coliseum. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns but also threw an interception in the final seconds.

The Trojans fell behind early and were unable to stop Oregon’s offense, which scored 34 points in the second half. Defensive lapses, including missed tackles and a roughing-the-passer penalty on defensive tackle Jide Abasiri, contributed to the loss. USC coach Lincoln Riley described the locker room as disappointed and said the team had “all the momentum in the world,” but acknowledged the need to improve execution in key moments.

After the injury, Oregon’s defense and special teams kept the pressure on USC, and the Ducks converted a fourth-down play near midfield late in the fourth quarter to maintain possession. A two-yard touchdown run by Jordan Davison with 1:55 remaining helped seal the win, extending Oregon’s streak of victories over USC to five.

Both teams received offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties following the incident that injured Moore. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning called the hit on Moore “disgusting,” while Riley said he did not see the defender celebrating and allowed him to remain on the sideline after an ejection for targeting. Riley expressed concern for Moore’s health and wished him a speedy recovery.

The loss leaves USC with a 4-1 record and upcoming games against Penn State, Ohio State, Indiana and UCLA, while Oregon improves to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.