An ugly scene unfolded in the second quarter at the LA Memorial Coliseum as Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore left the game against the USC Trojans.
Moore scrambled for a first down before USC defender Desman Stephens laid a massive hit on the quarterback, who was already on the ground after sliding. A 15-yard penalty was issued, and Stephens was ejected, but the obvious concern surrounded Oregon's star passer.
Moore was placed on a stretcher and left the field on a cart. The entire Oregon sideline exploded onto the field, and there was noticeable animosity between the Ducks and Trojans. As Moore left the field, his arms were seen moving on the broadcast while his entire team gathered around him.
Dylan Raiola entered the game as the backup quarterback
for the Ducks, who are driving to attempt to retake the lead. Raiola was a perfect 11-for-11 last week against Portland State and tossed three touchdowns.
This is awful. Feel so bad for Dante Moore.
— Logan Brown (@LoganABrown) September 27, 2026
Meanwhile, USC's Desman Stephens is smiling and high-fiving teammates on the sideline. See ya later.https://t.co/kq2XkCK6xv
On his first pass, Raiola faked the handoff and found Evan Stewart underneath for a touchdown to put the Ducks back in front, 10-7. Despite battling the emotions of losing their fearless leader, the Ducks responded quickly and took the lead on the road.
This story will be updated when more information on Moore's condition is announced.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon QB Dante Moore leaves game vs. USC after brutal late hit
