Sports

Dylan Raiola Prayed On USC’s Midfield Logo After Dirty Hit On Dante Moore Led Oregon To Victory Through Faith

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Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dylan Raiola took over for Dante Moore after the starting quarterback at Oregon was knocked out of the college football game against USC by a dirty hit. He stopped to pray with his teammates on the midfield logo after the win.

It was a powerful moment that stemmed from unfortunate circumstances.

Even if the college football game did not go as expected, the Ducks found victory. They did so through faith.

Oregon does not like USC after a dirty hit on Dante Moore.

The Ducks and the Trojans have been conference rivals since 1964. They did not like each other before Saturday’s game. They like each other even less after Saturday’s game. Wide receiver Dakorien Moore made himself very clear.

“We already didn’t like (USC), don’t like being here. It changed a bit, seeing the type of people they are from (Dante’s injury), that definitely rose the tension. But we were already thinking foot on they neck. Nothing changed beside us getting more violent.”

The injury in reference took place during the second quarter. USC defensive back Desman Stephens lowered his shoulder as Dante Moore was going to the ground and accelerated through contact at the head/neck area. Moore was knocked unconscious and his body went into the fencing response. Stephens was ejected for targeting.

Oregon thought it was on purpose. Stephens’ unbothered, if not celebratory reaction to the scary injury did not help with the optics.

Dakorien Moore said the dirty hit brought the Ducks together as a team.

“Dante went down, of course, got the anger running through you because it was a targeting penalty. You know, as a team felt like they did it on purpose. … So we just came together and said we’re doing it for Dante.”

Dan Lanning called it a “disgusting” play.

The head coach also took the opportunity to mock the Trojans and their fans after the game. It was a statement win.

Dylan Raiola took over for Dante Moore. The former five-star Nebraska quarterback complete 19 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, including this moon ball to Dakorien Moore:

Notice how Raiola held up five fingers after the completion. Oregon was playing for its starting quarterback.

It has been a tumultuous journey for Raiola during the first few years of college football. He transferred to Oregon after breaking his leg in November, knowing he would be the backup to Moore. Even with the unfortunate circumstances, Saturday was a very big moment in his career. And he leaned on his faith in victory, just as he did during hardship.

Offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu stopped to pray on the logo at midfield. He called on Raiola to join him.

It was a powerful moment to end an emotional day.