Oregon QB Dante Moore Taken Off by Ambulance After Targeting Hit at USC

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was taken off the field by ambulance during the second quarter of Saturday's game at Southern California, after absorbing a hit that resulted in a targeting penalty against a USC player.

Moore was carted off following the play, with medical personnel attending to him before he was transported from the stadium by ambulance. The incident halted play as players and coaches from both sidelines looked on.

Targeting call draws scrutiny

Targeting penalties, which are reviewed by officials to determine whether a player made forcible contact against a defenseless opponent, typically result in an automatic ejection for the offending player in addition to the penalty yardage. The call on the hit that injured Moore is likely to draw scrutiny given the severity of the outcome.

No further details on Moore's condition were available following his departure from the stadium, and his status for Oregon's upcoming games was not immediately known.

The incident is likely to prompt continued discussion about player safety enforcement in college football, particularly around hits to quarterbacks in the pocket.