Image Source: Los Angeles Times
USC football entered Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup with Oregon facing one of its biggest tests of the season. By halftime, the No. 12 Trojans trailed the No. 20 Ducks, 13-10, in a tense game at the Coliseum that included a major injury, a controversial targeting penalty and a sudden quarterback change for Oregon.
USC Football Faces Dramatic Second-Half Challenge
The game began with both teams struggling to turn promising drives into touchdowns. USC opened with a long possession but saw Caden Chittenden miss a 33-yard field-goal attempt wide right. Oregon then moved into scoring range behind a 45-yard run from Jordon Davison, but the Ducks settled for a 30-yard field goal by Gage Hurych.
USC eventually answered with an explosive play from quarterback Jayden Maiava. After a short completion and a penalty against Oregon, Maiava delivered a deep pass to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt for a 31-yard touchdown. The extra point gave the Trojans a 7-3 lead with 12:57 remaining in the second quarter.
Injury Creates Tension Between Oregon and USC
The game’s most serious moment came on Oregon’s next scoring drive. Quarterback Dante Moore scrambled for 11 yards on second down at the USC 23-yard line. As Moore began to slide, USC linebacker Desman Stephens II lowered his shoulder and struck Moore in the head.
Officials called Stephens for targeting, and players from both teams gathered near the play. The confrontation briefly cleared both benches, prompting officials to assess an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to every player on both teams. Medical personnel treated Moore on the field for an extended period before he was placed on a cart and taken away to a nearby ambulance.
The crowd applauded as Moore left the field. The Oregon quarterback’s arms were moving while he was being transported, but no further injury update was available in the source report.
The penalty changed the tone of the game and put the focus on player safety and defensive discipline. It also forced Oregon to turn to backup quarterback Dylan Raiola during a critical scoring opportunity.
Raiola Steps In and Oregon Regains Momentum
Raiola immediately helped Oregon capitalize on the field position. On first-and-goal from the USC 7-yard line, Jordon Davison ran for four yards before Raiola faked a handoff and found Evan Stewart for a three-yard touchdown pass.
The score put Oregon back in front, 10-7, with 9:11 remaining in the second quarter. USC responded with a methodical drive that featured a 27-yard run by King Miller and productive carries from Waymond Jordan. Chittenden finished the possession with a 38-yard field goal, tying the game at 10.
Oregon controlled the final possession of the half. Raiola completed several key passes, including throws to Messiah Hampton and Evan Stewart, while Davison powered the Ducks into the red zone. Oregon reached the USC 1-yard line but could not break through for a touchdown.
After Davison was stopped on second down, USC defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren was injured on the play. Oregon eventually settled for Hurych’s 19-yard field goal with four seconds remaining. Jayden Maiava took a knee on USC’s final play of the half, leaving Oregon with a 13-10 advantage.
What USC Needs After the Break
For USC coach Lincoln Riley, the second half will test whether his team can correct the late-down defensive problems that surfaced during last week’s narrow victory over Rutgers. The Trojans entered the game unbeaten, but their defense had struggled to finish drives and stop opponents in critical situations.
- Jayden Maiava must remain composed against Oregon’s aggressive defense.
- USC’s defense needs cleaner tackling and better discipline after the targeting penalty.
- The Trojans’ special teams must be sharper after an early missed field goal.
- Oregon’s offense will depend on Raiola if Moore cannot return.
USC’s offense has shown big-play potential, particularly through Maiava’s connection with Dixon-Wyatt. However, the Trojans will need sustained drives and stronger red-zone execution to overcome Oregon’s physical defensive front.
The halftime score keeps the game within one possession, but the stakes are enormous. A USC victory would strengthen the Trojans’ College Football Playoff aspirations and provide a significant statement in the Big Ten. Oregon, meanwhile, is trying to protect its lead while navigating the loss of its starting quarterback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USC football score against Oregon at halftime?
Oregon leads USC, 13-10, at halftime.
What happened to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore?
Moore left the game after being hit in the head while sliding. USC linebacker Desman Stephens II was called for targeting.
Who replaced Dante Moore at quarterback?
Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola replaced Moore and threw a touchdown pass to Evan Stewart.
Who scored USC’s touchdown?
Jayden Maiava threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt.
Why is this game important for USC?
The matchup is a major Big Ten test and could influence USC’s College Football Playoff hopes and the pressure surrounding coach Lincoln Riley.
