Texas A&M-LSU reinforced that the Aggies were wildly overrated, Ole Miss' defense collapsed after the emotional, energetic win over the Tigers the prior weekend, and Iowa pulled off a miracle in yet another bizarre finish at Michigan Stadium.But one of the most important matchups of the week was in Los Angeles, with the Oregon Ducks coming off a disappointing start to their season and the USC Trojans looking to make a statement at home in their quest to reach the College Football Playoff.OREGON DUCKS QB DANTE MOORE CARTED OFF THE FIELD AFTER A VICIOUS HIT TO THE HEAD AGAINST USCA statement was certainly made, but it wasn't by USC.Oregon, a team that was effectively dominated by Oklahoma State a few weeks ago, lost starting quarterback Dante Moore after a brutal, inexcusable hit from an SC linebacker.
They fell behind early, had to rely on backup Dylan Raiola, faced questions on their defensive line, and still pulled away in the fourth quarter to save their season with a 41-27 win.Quarterback Dylan Raiola of the Oregon Ducks throws the ball in the first half against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept.26, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif.
(Getty Images)For USC, which brought in the number one recruiting class in the country, hired highly respected former TCU head coach Gary Patterson to run their defense, and brought back one of the top quarterbacks in the country in Jayden Maiava, it was more of the same under head coach Lincoln Riley.And Ducks' head coach Dan Lanning took the opportunity after the game to remind them of it.In his postgame news conference, Lanning praised the team's response after Moore's devastating, scary injury.
He spoke about how prepared Raiola was for the moment, and said his decision-making was impressive after coming off the bench.He explained how his process has changed over time, which led to taking three points right before halftime instead of pushing for a touchdown.
At the end of his remarks though, Lanning broug...