All articles tagged with #desman stephens
USC suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game following a targeting hit that hospitalized Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during a 41-27 loss. The incident, which occurred in the second quarter, drew severe criticism for Stephens' celebratory reaction, prompting apologies from the player and coach, while NBC analyst Chris Simms also apologized for insensitive comments about the injury.
USC lost 41-27 to Oregon, marking the first loss of the season but reinforcing a pattern of late-game collapses under head coach Lincoln Riley. The defeat, compounded by a controversial targeting hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, has intensified calls for the university to move on from Riley. Critics argue that five seasons of similar failures demonstrate a systemic inability to close games, despite strong early-season starts. While Riley defended his team’s effort, the loss exposed defensive weaknesses and a lack of discipline, leading many to believe the program has reached its ceiling under his leadership.
USC suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game following his targeting hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Moore was hospitalized with a concussion, and Stephens faced criticism for celebrating the injury. Coach Lincoln Riley called the actions unacceptable, while the Big Ten supported the suspension. Stephens will miss the Oct. 3 game against Washington.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was hospitalized after suffering a severe head injury from a targeting hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II during a game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Moore was carted off the field after his head struck the ground, and while he was reported to be moving his extremities, the incident led to Stephens' ejection and a near-brawl between teams. The hit has drawn widespread criticism, particularly regarding Stephens' post-play reaction, while Oregon backup Dylan Raiola led the Ducks to a 41-27 victory.