Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 27

Oregon's Dan Lanning Blasts USC Hit That Hospitalized QB Dante Moore in 41-27 Win

Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 27

Oregon's Dan Lanning Blasts USC Hit That Hospitalized QB Dante Moore in 41-27 Win

Q: With a bye week looming, will Dante Moore reclaim his spot, or has Dylan Raiola stolen the starting job?

Dante Moore is still Oregon’s starter if he clears concussion protocol; Dylan Raiola has not permanently taken the job, but he has made the decision more complicated. The clearest factor is health. Multiple reports indicate Moore avoided structural injury and is dealing with a concussion, with no firm timetable for return. Oregon’s bye week helps, but concussion recoveries are unpredictable. If Moore is not fully cleared for UCLA, Raiola is the expected starter. If Moore is cleared, the body of work still favors him. Before the injury, he had opened the season strongly, completing nearly 70% of his passes with nine touchdowns and no interceptions through three-plus games. He was also viewed as Oregon’s established QB1 entering the season and a potential first-round NFL prospect. Raiola’s relief performance was outstanding and impossible to ignore. He went 19-for-25 for 289 yards and two touchdowns, led six scoring drives in seven possessions, and avoided turnovers and sacks. That proved Oregon can win at a high level with him and gives Dan Lanning real confidence if Moore misses time. But one excellent half typically does not overturn a starter who was already playing well, especially when the incumbent lost his spot only because of an illegal hit. Unless Moore’s recovery lingers or Raiola keeps producing at that level over multiple starts, the most likely outcome is this: Raiola starts only if Moore is unavailable, and Moore reclaims QB1 once healthy.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 27

Dante Moore left Oregon's 41-27 win over USC after an illegal hit by linebacker Desman Stephens while the quarterback was sliding for a first down, sending the Ducks star to a hospital.
Dan Lanning called the blow a "disgusting play," saying Oregon players and coaches respect the game and praising his team for avoiding a retaliatory "street fight."
Lanning said Moore's early prognosis looked encouraging, with the quarterback in recovery and able to move, but he declined to give a fuller medical update.
Dylan Raiola steadied Oregon after Moore's exit, completing 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns without a turnover or sack.