Overview
- Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was struck in the head on a late hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II, was stabilized with a neck brace, put on a stretcher and taken into an ambulance following the play on Saturday, Sept. 26.
- Officials ruled the hit targeting and ejected Stephens, and a near-melee broke out on the field that resulted in offsetting unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties against both teams.
- Broadcast footage showed Moore moving his arms and feet while being loaded into the ambulance, but Oregon has not released a formal medical diagnosis and he was transported to L.A. General Medical Center for further evaluation.
- Backup Dylan Raiola replaced Moore and completed a touchdown pass two plays after entering, giving Oregon an immediate offensive response while the team awaits news on Moore’s condition.
- Moore’s status has wider implications because he is a returning Heisman candidate and top NFL prospect, and the incident could trigger disciplinary review of player conduct and renewed scrutiny of head-contact enforcement in college football.