The Ducks defeats the Trojans motivated by injury to Dante Moore. / IVN Photo by Gary George
Los Angeles, CA — What began as an important matchup between two nationally ranked teams became one of the most dramatic games of the season. No. 20 Oregon defeated No. 12 USC 41-27 on Saturday night, although Oregon’s quarterback, Dante Moore sustained a frightening injury and a second-half comeback by the Trojans. Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola led the Ducks to victory, proving himself to both the team and their fans.
Dan Lanning, Oregon Ducks coach did not mince words when discussing the hit that injured Dante at their postgame press conference: “It’s a disgusting play.”
Early in the second quarter, Moore suffered a dramatic injury from targeting, bringing the game to a halt. He was rushed to a nearby hospital by paramedics.
Drama on the field ensued as tension between both teams rose as USC linebacker Desman Stephens II was subsequently shown celebrating.
Friction continued post-game between USC and Oregon in a scuffle in the tunnel between both teams.
Desman Stephens II was ejected from the game and later suspended by USC Football for his conduct. Fans also noticed that Stephens deactivated his Instagram account directly after the hit.
The game was significant to both teams, as Oregon and USC entered the matchup both nationally ranked. USC had a 4-0 record while Oregon’s record was 2-1. As previous longtime rivals within the Pac-12, both teams moved to the Big Ten in 2024 to continue the rivalry.
“Overall, I said the most physical team’s going to win, and that definitely showed up tonight,” said Lanning.
Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola took the stage when Moore was sidelined and immediately provided a spark for Oregon. The Ducks built a lead in the third quarter after Raiola’s touchdown pass to wide receiver Evan Stewart, bringing the game to a 13-7 score.
With 12:42 remaining in the fourth quarter, USC tied the game 27-27. Raiola responded by throwing a 29-yard touchdown to Dakorien Moore, putting them back in the lead 34-27.
“This guy prepared for his moment, like he was going to be out there on the field when his number got called, not knowing that it would, but when his number got called, he was ready for it and he was able to execute. Really proud of Dylan from that standpoint,” said Coach Lanning.
Oregon sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter when running back Jordon Davison scored on a two-yard touchdown run with just two minutes remaining. That put Oregon in a 41-27 final score, defeating the Trojans.
Raiola finished the game 19 for 25 passing for 289 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Although he stepped into the game unexpectedly, his ability to move the ball helped Oregon hold off USC’s second-half comeback.
“The energy changed whenever Dante got hurt. We had a lot of guys on the sideline that were emotional at that moment, including myself,” said Coach Lanning. “But I’ll say, these guys went out and played for them.”
Oregon confirmed Sunday that Moore’s injury was ruled a concussion. He is not expected to miss the remainder of the season, though there isn’t a definite time for his return yet.
While the victory marked an important night for Oregon, the focus remains on Moore’s health and the circumstances surrounding his injury. At the same time, Raiola’s performance demonstrated Oregon’s depth at quarterback and helped the Ducks turn a frightening setback into one of their most significant wins of the season.
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By: Julissa Wilson, Inland Valley News
