Raiola Leads Oregon Past USC After Moore Leaves in Ambulance

Raiola Steps in After Scary Moment

Oregon star quarterback Dante Moore left the field in an ambulance during the second quarter on Saturday night. USC linebacker Desman Stephens II hit him late on a slide. The scary moment forced backup Dylan Raiola into action.

Raiola did not hesitate. On his second snap of the game, the Nebraska transfer threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Evan Stewart. He finished the game with 289 passing yards and two touchdowns, helping the 20th-ranked Ducks secure a 41-27 win over No. 12 USC.

Ducks Pull Away Late

Oregon generated 504 total yards in their Big Ten opener. Dierre Hill Jr. rushed for two touchdowns after halftime to keep the Ducks moving.

USC did not go quietly. The Trojans rallied from a 10-point deficit in the second half. Jayden Maiava, who threw for 326 yards and two scores, found Tanook Hines for a touchdown to tie the game with 12:41 remaining.

Oregon responded quickly. Raiola drove the Ducks down the field and threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Dakorien Moore with 8:35 left. Jordon Davison sealed the victory with a 2-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes remaining.

What It Means Moving Forward

The victory is a major boost for Oregon after a tough start to the season. The Ducks barely beat Boise State and lost to Oklahoma State earlier in September. While the win is big, Moore's health remains the most important story for the team moving forward.

For USC, the defeat exposes familiar problems. Coach Lincoln Riley has still not found a breakthrough victory in his fifth season. The Trojans defense, now led by coordinator Gary Patterson, struggled to stop both Oregon quarterbacks. USC has now lost five straight games to Oregon, with their last win in the rivalry coming back in 2016.