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Lanning Calls USC's Hit on Moore 'Disgusting
Confirmed
In Short: Lanning provided a cautiously positive update on Moore's condition, noting that he had movement in all extremities.
During Saturday's game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Moore was hit by Stephens as he attempted to slide, resulting in a brutal late hit to the head.
Moore was carted off the field and taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Stephens was ejected for targeting but returned to the USC sideline later in the game.
Lanning, visibly upset, called the hit a 'disgusting play' and emphasized that his players respect the game.
Our guys respect the game," Lanning said, adding, "I don’t think you’d ever see that from our players or coaches.
Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola filled in for Moore, throwing for 289 yards and two touchdowns.
Lanning provided a cautiously positive update on Moore's condition, noting that he had movement in all extremities.
Both coaches expressed concern for Moore's health, with Lanning appreciating USC coach Lincoln Riley's inquiry into Moore's well-being.
What's confirmed
- Oregon star quarterback Dante Moore was carted off the field and taken to the hospital by ambulance after taking a brutal late hit to the head from USC linebacker Desman Stephens on Saturday night at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- After the game, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning met with the media and referred to the hit that injured Moore as a “disgusting play.” Dan Lanning didn’t hold back when addressing the targeting play that injured Dante Moore.
- "He's in recovery, so I'm not going to speak too soon, but he is moving," Lanning said.
What's still developing
- Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge on the call for NBC. https://t.co/Do9vWFEsvc pic.twitter.com/MpU82lMf47 Stephens was also seen smiling and celebrating the play with his USC teammates while Moore was motionless on the ground for several minutes.
- Dan Lanning didn’t hold back when addressing the targeting play that injured Dante Moore. pic.twitter.com/oAQgWMzfpw — FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 27, 2026 “Our guys respect the game,” Lanning said.
- Here is the video of Lanning https://t.co/c3ud0Oqf76 pic.twitter.com/mDoaApFiN8 “Three wins against these guys,” Lanning said about his 3-0 career record against USC.
- "It's a disgusting play," Lanning said after the game, per Sports Illustrated's Bryan Fischer.
- As Moore was scrambling for a first down in the second quarter, he started to slide before he was hit by Stephens above the shoulders.
- Oregon head coach Dan Lanning wasn't pleased with the hit by linebacker Desman Stephens II that injured Ducks quarterback Dante Moore during Saturday's matchup between the two teams.
- Moore stayed down on the ground following the collision before he was eventually stretchered off the field and taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
- The hit, which happened as Moore was attempting to slide on a scramble, slammed the quarterback's head into the ground and left him down on the field for an extended period of time.
- With emotions running high after Moore's departure, Lanning called in his team for a prayer, and the Ducks found themselves galvanized by his absence.
- "There's some breathing exercises that go on," Lanning said.
- Riley began his news conference by saying he hoped Moore was doing OK, and Lanning complimented Riley's postgame inquiry into Moore's health.
- Asked whether Stephens should be given further discipline for the hit, Lanning said he deferred that decision to either the Big Ten or Riley.