Oregon coach condemns targeting hit that hospitalized quarterback Dante Moore

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning described a late hit on his starting quarterback Dante Moore as "disgusting" after Moore was carted off the field and taken to Los Angeles General Medical Center during the Ducks' 41-27 victory over USC. The hit occurred in the first half when Moore was scrambling and attempting to slide, and USC linebacker Desman Stephens II struck him in the head. Stephens was penalized for targeting and removed from the game.

Moore, who was able to move his fingers, feet and rotate his arms, remained in the hospital for evaluation. An Oregon spokesperson said he had movement in all extremities. Lanning said, "> He’s in recovery, so I’m not going to speak too soon. But he is moving. He has the ability to move. So we continue to assess him."

The incident sparked on-field fights, leading to unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for both teams. Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola, who replaced Moore, said, "> Seeing him like that shook the whole team. But at the same time, we knew that it was our brother, and we were gonna fight for him."

USC head coach Lincoln Riley confirmed that Stephens remained on the sideline after his ejection, stating, "> He’s on our football team," and expressed concern for Moore’s health, which Lanning said he appreciated.

Moore had completed 8 of 10 passes for 77 yards before the injury, while Raiola threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Moore, a former All-Big Ten third-team selection and projected NFL draft prospect, had recorded 849 passing yards and nine touchdowns in three games this season.