Desman Stephens Taunted Oregon Sideline While Dante Moore Laid Out on the Field Motionless, Fans Call for Suspension

Dante Moore showed concussion symptoms after Desman Stephens tackled him to the ground.

Desman Stephens Taunted Oregon Sideline While Dante Moore Laid Out on the Field Motionless, Fans Call for Suspension

USC linebacker Desman Stephens celebrates after a late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (Image via Sports Illustrated/X)

Fans love watching physical football, but some tackles leave a sour taste in everyone’s mouth regardless of allegiance. For instance, during Saturday’s crunch fixture between USC and Oregon, Ducks quarterback Dante Moore took a strong hit from the Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens and stayed down.

Oregon arrived in California with a point to prove against an unbeaten USC. The Ducks conceded a shock Week 2 loss to Oklahoma State, but bounced back by dropping 80 points the following week against Portland State.

Moore had 9 touchdowns in the first three outings, including four last week. He was primed to add to that tally in Cali on Saturday. However, a late hit from Trojans linebacker Stephens left him flat on the turf. Stephens showed little remorse for his opponent and celebrated.

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Football fans demand strict action against USC’s Desman Stephens for his attitude after tackling Dante Moore

It was the second quarter, with USC leading by four points thanks to the connection between quarterback Jayden Maiava and wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt. With 10 minutes still to play, Oregon had the ball 2nd & 9 inside their own half. After the snap, Moore scrambled past the USC entourage and crossed the first-down marker.

Desman Stephens Taunted Oregon Sideline While Dante Moore Laid Out on the Field Motionless, Fans Call for Suspension
Dante Moore (Image via Sports Illustrated)

Moore slid to avoid a hit, but it was meant to be. Stephens lowered his shoulder and rammed into Moore’s helmet. The senior quarterback lay flat on the ground with both of his hands flailing upwards to the sky, a telltale sign of a concussion.

The stadium cheered the tackle but went quiet upon seeing Moore’s condition. Stephens, meanwhile, distanced himself from the spot and celebrated his tackle. A fight broke out between Oregon and USC players.

Stephens was ejected from the game. But outraged fans urged the NCAA to ban Stephens for the rest of the year.  

Moore was carted off and will be checked out at the nearby medical facility. Dylan Raiola replaced him for the rest of the day. Raiola, a five-star prospect who transferred from Nebraska in the offseason, took over and threw a 3-yard TD pass to Evan Stewart on his first pass.

Raiola threw his second TD pass to Dakorien Moore. In total, he threw 19 completions for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Oregon won 41-20 and improved to 3-1.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning updated on Moore’s condition after the game.

He’s in recovery, so I don’t want to speak too soon, but he’s moving, he has the ability to move… So, we’ll continue to assess him, but I don’t want to speak too soon; he’s moving.

Lanning said via Oregon Live

Now, the next week’s fixture becomes vital for Oregon and Moore. Eugene will host the UCLA Bruins. Moore started his college career with the Bruins before transferring to Oregon in 2024.

Moore will definitely try to play against his old team. But depending on his condition, Raiola could start his first Oregon game.

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