Oregon QB Dante Moore Shows Positive Signs After Scary Hit
Top prospect Dante Moore was taken to the hospital by ambulance after a hard hit, but Oregon coach Dan Lanning reported encouraging updates on his condition.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is showing positive signs of neurological responsiveness after being taken to the hospital in an ambulance following a significant hit during the Ducks' 41-27 victory over USC on Saturday. The incident occurred in the second quarter at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Moore scrambled for an 11-yard gain and began to slide near the USC 12-yard line when USC linebacker Desman Stephens II delivered a shoulder strike to his head. The impact caused Moore's head to snap backward and hit the turf. He remained motionless on the field for approximately 15 minutes before medical staff placed him in a neck brace, secured him to a backboard, and transported him to Los Angeles General Medical Center.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning confirmed postgame that Moore was recovering and exhibiting positive early responses. "He's in recovery, so I don't want to speak too soon, but he is moving," Lanning told reporters. "He has the ability to move."
A spokesperson for the Oregon team also stated that Moore retained movement in all extremities while being evaluated at the hospital. Lanning criticized Stephens' actions, calling the play "disgusting" and expressing disappointment in the lack of sportsmanship, particularly after Stephens appeared to celebrate the hit.
The collision resulted in offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and the ejection of Stephens for targeting. Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola replaced Moore, completing 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, helping Oregon secure the comeback victory.