Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was injured during a late hit to the head in the second quarter of the Ducks’ game against USC. The incident occurred during Oregon’s Big Ten opener against the 12th-ranked Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Moore’s injury led to immediate concern for Oregon’s coaching staff and fans alike, as he was taken from the field on a cart, according to The Associated Press. Teammates rushed to his side during the medical attention, and the situation quickly escalated into a confrontation with USC players. The hit resulted in the ejection of USC linebacker Desman Stephens II for targeting.
Moore was sliding at the end of an 11-yard run when Stephens made contact with his head and chest with his shoulder. Moore’s head snapped backward and hit the ground hard, prompting an immediate medical response on the field.
He was treated for several minutes before being placed on a stretcher with a neck brace and loaded onto a cart. The game was delayed for about 15 minutes while medical staff worked on Moore and assessed his condition.
Teammates gathered around the cart to show support as Moore was taken away from the field. The cart traveled a short distance to a waiting ambulance near the Coliseum tunnel.
Moore could be seen moving both hands while strapped to the stretcher, according to The Associated Press. Oregon coach Dan Lanning later said Moore had movement but declined to provide more details until further medical evaluation was completed.
Moore was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Dylan Raiola, a former Nebraska quarterback, entered the game in place of Moore to keep Oregon’s offense going. Raiola quickly responded by throwing a touchdown pass to Evan Stewart on his second snap. The score gave Oregon a 10-7 lead.
Raiola went on to complete 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Oregon rallied behind its backup quarterback and defeated USC 41-27.
The USC player responsible for the hit is a junior from Clarkston, Michigan, and had been a starter with 89 tackles last season. Stephens was disqualified after officials reviewed and upheld the targeting call.
Both teams received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties following the confrontation that erupted after the hit.
The game itself was a Big Ten opener for Oregon and a ranked matchup against the 12th-ranked Trojans. Oregon entered the game ranked No. 20.
The Ducks trailed 7-3 when Moore was injured. Oregon never trailed again after Raiola entered the game.
Dierre Hill Jr. scored two rushing touchdowns for Oregon in the second half. USC eventually tied the game at 27-27 early in the fourth quarter before Oregon responded.
Raiola connected with Dakorien Moore for a 29-yard touchdown that put the Ducks back in front. Jordon Davison later scored on a 2-yard run to help secure the victory.
Oregon finished the game with 504 total yards. Raiola and his teammates said after the game that Moore’s injury had an emotional impact on the team.
“Seeing him like that shook the whole team,” Raiola told reporters after the victory. He said the Ducks were determined to continue playing for their injured teammate.
Moore’s condition remained under evaluation following the game. Lanning said he did not want to provide information beyond what he had received from medical personnel.
Oregon now enters a bye week following the victory over USC. Moore’s health and recovery will remain a major concern for the Ducks as they prepare for the rest of their season.
IMAGE: Source https://www.flickr.com/photos/32031029@N03/55232585830/ Author Oregon National Guard CC4