Oregon quarterback Dante Moore diagnosed with concussion after collision with USC defender
Oregon coach Dan Lanning confirmed quarterback Dante Moore suffered a concussion in Saturday's game against USC; scans were clear and the player is entering protocol with an uncertain return date.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said on Sunday that quarterback Dante Moore sustained a concussion during the Ducks' 41-27 victory over USC on Saturday. > "Dante sustained a concussion in last night's game, but fortunately, his MRI and CT scans came back clean, and he did not suffer any additional injuries," Lanning stated. He added that the team will proceed with caution as Moore moves through the standard concussion protocol, though no timetable for his return has been set.
Moore left the contest in the second quarter after a hard hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens, which also resulted in Stephens' ejection. The play caused a several-minute delay while Moore was taken to a local hospital; officials reported he retained movement in his limbs. Before exiting, Moore had completed eight of ten pass attempts.
Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Nebraska, assumed the role and led Oregon on six scoring drives. Raiola is expected to start while Moore recovers, and the Ducks have a bye week before facing UCLA and Nebraska.
USC coach Lincoln Riley commented on the incident, saying, > "Never want to see that with any opponent, no matter how competitive the game is. These are all people at the end of the day on both sides. So, wish him a speedy recovery." Riley also addressed questions about Stephens remaining on the sideline after his ejection.
Lanning expressed disappointment with the hit, describing it as a play that should not occur and emphasizing the importance of player safety and sportsmanship.