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The Express Gazette
Sunday, September 27, 2026

USC-Oregon Game Erupts in Chaos After Brutal Hit on Quarterback Dante Moore

A targeting penalty on USC's Desman Stephens II led to a near brawl and Moore being taken to the hospital.

US Politics • 2 hours ago
USC-Oregon Game Erupts in Chaos After Brutal Hit on Quarterback Dante Moore

A severe hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II ignited a volatile scene at the Coliseum, escalating into a near brawl between the two teams and resulting in Moore's removal from the game via ambulance. The incident occurred when Stephens II delivered a forceful forearm to the head of a sliding Moore.

Following the hit, which left Moore motionless on the field, players from both USC and Oregon converged. Several Oregon players immediately engaged with Stephens II, who raised his hands defensively as more players joined the fray. The situation rapidly intensified into a chest-to-chest confrontation involving multiple players, prompting assistant coaches to rush onto the field in an effort to de-escalate the tension.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was observed on the sidelines confronting USC head coach Lincoln Riley. Officials ultimately restored order, assessing offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on both teams. Stephens II was ejected from the game for targeting.

Moore was placed on a stretcher, transferred to a gurney, and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. At halftime, Lanning provided a brief update, stating that Moore was "moving his extremities" and that he was being thoroughly checked out. "We're all praying for him right now," Lanning added.


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