Lanning calls USC hit on Ducks' Moore 'disgusting' after quarterback carted off

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was carted off the field during Saturday's game against USC after absorbing a late hit from Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II, an incident that drew a sharp rebuke from Ducks head coach Dan Lanning.

Lanning described the hit as a "disgusting play" in comments after the game, expressing frustration over the tackle that left his starting quarterback needing to be carried off on a cart.

Immediate Reaction

The hit occurred in a manner that prompted immediate concern from the Oregon sideline and medical staff, who attended to Moore before he was taken from the field.

Plays involving hits on quarterbacks after they are no longer in position to protect themselves typically draw scrutiny from officials and conference disciplinary reviews, though the exact outcome of any review was not detailed in the initial reporting.

Lanning's pointed criticism reflects the broader concern coaches often raise about player safety, particularly hits that land on a quarterback in a vulnerable position.

The extent of Moore's injury and his availability for the Ducks' upcoming games had not been confirmed as of the latest reports, with the team expected to provide updates on his condition in the coming days.

The incident added a contentious note to the matchup between the two programs, with attention now turning to how the conference and both schools address the play going forward.