Oregon QB Dante Moore carted off after targeting hit by USC

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was removed on a cart after a hit to the head by USC linebacker Desman Stephens, who was ejected for targeting. The incident occurred during the Big Ten matchup between the No. 20 Oregon Ducks and the No. 12 USC Trojans.

With approximately five minutes remaining in the first half, Moore ran for a first down and slid to the ground. As he made contact with the turf, Stephens delivered a blow to Moore's head. Officials flagged Stephens for targeting and removed him from the game. Medical personnel attended to Moore on the field for an extended period while teammates gathered around him.

USA Today reported that Moore, a senior from Detroit, did not appear to be moving during the initial assessment. However, NBC Sports broadcast coverage indicated that Moore was able to move his hands and feet and rotate his arms while being loaded onto the cart. He was subsequently transported to a waiting ambulance. The specific nature of the injury has not been disclosed.

The ejection of Stephens drew attention to his conduct on the sideline as he was congratulated by teammates while Moore was still being attended to on the field. Following the injury, former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola entered the game and completed a touchdown drive to wide receiver Evan Stewart. Oregon added a field goal late in the half to secure a 13-10 lead at the break.