Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore Carted Off Field After Brutal Targeting Hit

Liberty Check

• College football officials must enforce player safety rules to protect student-athletes
• USC linebacker Desman Stephens was ejected for targeting, upholding game integrity
• Teammates’ celebration while Moore remained on the field raised serious questions about sportsmanship

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore suffered a frightening head injury during Saturday night’s Big Ten matchup against USC. The senior signal caller was carted off the field after taking a vicious hit from USC linebacker Desman Stephens. Moore had scrambled for a first down when he slid to give himself up, but Stephens delivered a brutal shot that left the quarterback motionless.

Medical personnel tended to Moore on the field for an extended period. The USC linebacker was immediately flagged for targeting and ejected from the contest. Reports indicate Moore showed some movement in his extremities while being removed from the field in an ambulance.

“He was seen smiling and laughing while getting congratulated by teammates as Moore was still being taken off the field,” noted observers watching the scene unfold. This lack of concern from Stephens and his USC teammates drew sharp criticism for poor sportsmanship.

Dylan Raiola replaced Moore under center and led the Ducks to a touchdown on the drive. Oregon added a field goal before halftime to take a 13-10 lead into the locker room. The injury comes at a critical juncture for the Ducks, who entered the game ranked No. 20 facing the No. 12 Trojans.

Our freedoms depend on staying vigilant.