Oregon’s latest “Ducks vs. Them” video is shaping up to be one of the program’s most anticipated releases, and the reason is obvious: Saturday’s 41-27 win over USC came with a halftime scene nobody in the sold-out Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum could have scripted.
The Ducks spent the second half trying to finish a top-20 road win while their starting quarterback, Dante Moore, was at a Los Angeles hospital after a frightening hit in the second quarter. Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola suddenly had the offense in one of Oregon’s biggest games of the season, and the Ducks were pushing to win “for five” - Moore’s jersey number.
At halftime, Oregon led 13-10, but the scoreboard was only part of the story. Moore had left the Coliseum by ambulance after Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II lowered his shoulder into Moore while he was sliding. Oregon coach Dan Lanning walked into halftime needing to steady a team that still had 30 minutes left and a teammate everyone was desperate to hear about.
That’s the moment the “Ducks vs. Them” video could answer the biggest question: what did Lanning tell his team when everything around them had changed?
Oregon already dropped a teaser with the caption, "Respect the game." The video features a slow-motion piano soundtrack over game highlights, setting the tone for what should be a loaded behind-the-scenes look.
The on-field story was every bit as dramatic. Raiola helped Oregon take control after Moore’s injury, including a touchdown pass to receiver Evan Stewart shortly after the hit. Tight end Jamari Johnson turned in a career day, running back Jordon Davison delivered a gritty performance, and Raiola eventually threw the go-ahead touchdown to receiver Dakorien Moore in the fourth quarter.
The Ducks’ win was their fifth straight over USC and their third straight in Los Angeles. It also gave Lanning another chance to go after the Trojans publicly after the game, when he called out USC’s attendance and made a recruiting pitch aimed squarely at California prospects.
“Three wins against these guys. I guess if you’re interested in winning football games and you’re from this area, you should go to Oregon. If you want to go to a Chris Brown concert, go here,” Lanning said.
The upcoming video should have no shortage of memorable moments, especially with the emotional backdrop of Moore’s injury and Oregon’s response. Lanning’s “Ducks vs. Them” clips have already produced plenty of defining speeches, including his “death by a thousand cuts” message before a double-overtime win at Penn State and his “They are playing for clicks, we are playing for wins” line before beating Colorado and coach Deion Sanders.
The USC version may belong in that same category. Lanning’s pregame message was pointed from the start.
"After they start to bleed, we say one more round. Really simple.
For the seniors in this room, you get an opportunity to lay it on the line. They're living off their history.
Matt Leinart, he ain't walking through there. Reggie Bush ain't going to show up," Lanning said.
"Understand something. Why are you wearing black? You're going to a Trojan funeral," Lanning said.
Oregon then went out in white and still beat USC anyway.
Moore’s injury update brought some relief Sunday, when Lanning said the quarterback had suffered a concussion but that his MRI and CT scans were clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries.
"Dante sustained a concussion in last night's game but fortunately his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries. Every concussion is different and we are going to move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure we make the best decisions for Dante and his future," said Lanning.
The concern in the moment went well beyond the next game. Moore was taken off on a stretcher, with some movement in his hands and feet, after his head slammed into the ground. He also showed the fencing response, which often comes with serious head trauma.
The hit nearly sparked a fight on the field, and Stephens was later seen laughing and taunting from the sideline. USC suspended Stephens II for one game.
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Oregon Suddenly Has A Bigger Quarterback Question After Beating USC
Dylan Raiolas primetime debut gave Oregon a timely burst of stability in a game that briefly tilted toward uncertainty. After starting quarterback Dante Moore left with an injury, Raiola stepped in and delivered a poised performance, completing 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions as the Ducks pulled away for a 41-27 win over USC.
Dan Lanning came away impressed with the way Raiola handled the moment, especially the confidence he showed in a spotlight game that could have unraveled quickly. Still, the bigger question for Oregon now is Moores health, and the Ducks will spend their bye week sorting out how serious the injury is and what it might mean for the stretch ahead. [Read more 🡒]
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Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns, a line that will resonate with Ducks fans who still keep one eye on his NFL stops. Seattle got big production from Sam Darnold in his return from injury, as he threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns, but also turned it over twice, leaving Mariota and Washington with the final edge in a high-scoring finish. [Read more 🡒]