The Incident
Oregon’s star quarterback Dante Moore took a massive hit during the second quarter of the Ducks' 41-27 win over USC on Saturday, and the aftermath was nothing short of terrifying. The play resulted in the immediate ejection of USC linebacker Desman Stephens. After being carted off the field and taken to a local hospital, the good news is that Moore is moving his extremities, according to NBC and Oregon head coach Dan Lanning.
What’s Next for the Ducks
While the injury is officially a concussion, Moore is expected to return later this season. He’s currently in protocol with no set return date. Oregon coach Dan Lanning is calling for better discipline in the game, stating, "There's a reason targeting exists in football, and it's as clear as day targeting. It's a shame that that happened to a good player."
In the meantime, Dylan Raiola is stepping up as QB1. Raiola, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Nebraska, finished the game for Oregon and led them on six scoring drives. He’s going to be the guy while Moore recovers, and the schedule doesn't get easier—the Ducks have a bye week before facing undefeated UCLA and a reunion matchup against Raiola’s former team, Nebraska.
The Aftermath
USC coach Lincoln Riley expressed concern for Moore’s recovery, saying, "Never want to see that with any opponent." Meanwhile, the fallout for Stephens was immediate, with fans flooding his social media, causing him to take his account private. It's giving major drama, and the tension between the two programs was high throughout the rest of the match.
Why it matters
Moore was a projected first-round pick who returned for his fourth year, and his health is a massive factor for Oregon’s championship run. With Raiola at the helm, the Ducks have to pivot their offensive identity quickly if they want to stay in the title conversation.
