Ducks QB Moore concussed; USC's Stephens suspended for hit — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Dante Moore sustained a concussion on a hit while sliding in the second quarter of Oregon's 41-27 victory over USC, coach Dan Lanning announced Sunday, adding that Moore's MRI and CT scans returned clean with no additional injuries.
- Moore was tended to on the field for an extended period, stabilized on a stretcher, and transported by ambulance to Los Angeles General Medical Center, where a school spokesperson confirmed he had movement in all extremities.
- Desman Stephens II was penalized for targeting, ejected from the game, and suspended for USC's Oct. 3 home game against Washington after coach Lincoln Riley announced the discipline Sunday, citing Stephens celebrating the hit while Moore remained injured on the field.
- Stephens issued his own apology via the school calling his celebration 'completely inappropriate and inexcusable' while wishing Moore a speedy recovery.
- Moore, a preseason Heisman contender widely projected as a 2026 NFL draft top pick before returning for his senior year, has 926 passing yards and nine touchdowns through four games; backup Dylan Raiola relieved him as Oregon improved to 3-1.
- Oregon enters a bye week before hosting No. 23 UCLA on Oct. 10, leaving Moore's availability uncertain under the program's stated 'abundance of caution.'
Why it matters: Oregon's Heisman-contending QB1 enters concussion protocol ahead of an Oct. 10 home game against No. 23 UCLA, with backup Dylan Raiola forced into action against USC; USC simultaneously loses starting linebacker Desman Stephens II for its Oct. 3 game against Washington after he was ejected and disciplined for celebrating while Moore was down.
Ask SkimNews
