Dante Moore Taken to Hospital After Targeting Hit in Oregon-USC Game
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was carted off after a hit to the head in the second quarter against USC. USC linebacker Desman Stephens III was ejected for targeting on the play. A team spokesperson said Moore had movement in all extremities and was being evaluated at a Los Angeles hospital.
The injury occurred late in the second quarter, with 10:05 left, during Saturday’s Oregon-USC matchup. Moore had left the pocket under pressure and started to slide when USC linebacker Desman Stephens III made contact with his head. Officials reviewed the play and determined it was targeting, leading to Stephens’ ejection.
Moore was placed on a stretcher with a neck brace before being carted toward an ambulance outside Oregon’s tunnel. A team spokesperson reported that he could move his arms and legs and was undergoing evaluation at Los Angeles General County Hospital. Backup Dylan Raiola threw a three-yard touchdown to Evan Stewart on his first snap, and both signaled five fingers for Moore.
The incident may intensify discussions among players, coaches, and fans about head injuries and targeting penalties in college football. Moore’s recovery could affect Oregon’s season and his teammates’ morale, while the ejection may shape how USC adjusts. For broader audiences, such scenes may renew attention to safety protocols and emergency care at sporting events, though the long-term impact remains uncertain.