USC is suspending linebacker Desman Stephens II one game for his conduct in Saturday night's 41-27 loss to Oregon following a late hit on quarterback Dante Moore. In the second quarter, Moore scrambled up the field and attempted to slide when Stephens hit him hard on the way down. Moore's head slammed into the ground, and he remained down as he was attended to by the medical staff for an extended period of time. While Moore was still on the ground, Stephens ran around the field celebrating the hit and continued to do so with teammates even after he was called for targeting and ejected. USC coach Lincoln Riley said the actions were unacceptable and not reflective of the program. Oregon coach Dan Lanning called the play "disgusting," stating the energy changed and players on the sideline were emotional. Dante Moore was eventually put on a stretcher and taken by an ambulance to Los Angeles General County Hospital. On Saturday night, a team spokesperson said Moore had movement in all of his extremities and was being evaluated thoroughly. Stephens issued an apology, stating his celebration while Moore received medical attention was inappropriate and inexcusable. He will miss USC's Oct. 3 home matchup against Washington.

Multiple Oregon players called Stephens' hit a dirty play. While Stephens was ejected, he did come back out to the USC sideline for the rest of the game. Lincoln Riley explained Stephens was allowed back on the sideline because "he's on our football team." Dan Lanning said he would leave further discipline up to either the Big Ten or Riley. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding player safety and sportsmanship in college football.