Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was taken by ambulance to Los Angeles General Medical Center after USC’s Desman Stephens II was ejected for targeting. NBC analyst Chris Simms drew backlash for saying Moore’s late slide left Stephens in a “no-win situation.”
The hit came with 10:05 left in the second quarter as Moore scrambled for a first down; Stephens struck him above the shoulders as he began sliding. Moore was down for several minutes and taken away on a stretcher. NBC reported he had movement in his arms and legs during transport; Oregon had not announced a diagnosis as the game continued.
On NBC’s halftime show, Simms said defenders must be careful around quarterbacks but argued Moore slid late, leaving Stephens in a difficult split-second position. Critics cited the targeting call and said quarterbacks are taught to slide. Stephens also drew criticism for celebrating with USC teammates while Moore was down. Backup Dylan Raiola replaced Moore and threw for more than 200 yards and a touchdown as Oregon led 27-20 entering the fourth quarter.
