USC has suspended linebacker Desman Stephens for one game after he hit Oregon quarterback Dante Moore late in a match on Saturday. Moore was scrambling but appeared ready to slide after gaining enough for a first down; Stephens struck him in the head, was ejected for targeting and Moore was taken from the field on a stretcher. The incident drew criticism from both teams’ coaches and prompted Stephens to apologise.

The hit occurred in the second quarter of Oregon’s 41–20 win over USC. Stephens will miss USC’s game against Washington next Saturday. Head coach Lincoln Riley said the conduct was unacceptable, while Stephens said his reaction after the collision was inappropriate and that he took full responsibility; Oregon coach Dan Lanning called the hit “disgusting”.