Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was forced to leave the game early Saturday night after a late hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II. The incident occurred with 10:05 remaining in the second quarter at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Moore, who was scrambling and attempting to slide, was struck in the head. Stephens was called for targeting and ejected from the contest. Moore was placed on a stretcher, moved to an ambulance, and taken to L.A. General Medical Center. He was able to move his fingers and feet and rotate his arms before transport.

Game impact

At the time of the injury, No. 20 Oregon held a 13-10 lead over No. 12 USC. Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola, a transfer from Nebraska, stepped in and completed six of eight passes for 64 yards and a touchdown, helping the Ducks maintain their advantage.

Moore had been 8-of-10 for 77 yards before exiting. He was an All‑Big Ten third‑team selection last season, posting 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as Oregon finished 13-2. This season he had already amassed 849 passing yards and nine touchdowns in three games.

Background

Moore began his college career at UCLA in 2023, appearing in nine games before transferring to Oregon for the 2024 season. His early performance this year has positioned him as a key leader for the Ducks’ offense.

Both teams were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after a brief scuffle broke out on the field while Moore was down. The game will continue with Raiola under center as Oregon looks to preserve its lead.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.