Skip to main content

Oregon’s ‘Ducks vs. Them’ Video Captures Dan Lanning’s Halftime Message at USC

What was the halftime speech like from coach Dan Lanning as the Oregon Ducks looked to respond vs. the USC Trojans, with quarterback Dante Moore in the hospital after a scary targeting hit?
Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning
Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning | Oregon Ducks on SI Jake Bunn

EUGENE - Oregon’s “Ducks vs. Them” video from its emotional 41–27 win over USC has been released. Did the Ducks social media team sleep? The video is 21 minutes of a behind-the-scenes look at how coach Dan Lanning and his players responded when quarterback Dante Moore’s injury left the sports world holding its breath.

Oregon’s “Ducks vs. Them” Video From Emotional Win Over USC Trojans

There was no shortage of compelling moments in Ducks vs. Them, titled "For Your Brother."

Oregon’s players had 30 minutes of football left against rival USC. Their starting quarterback was at a Los Angeles hospital. Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola had suddenly been handed the offense in one of the biggest games on Oregon’s schedule.

The sold-out Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum grew louder as the Trojans fought to take control for the top-20 matchup. The Ducks were channeling their emotions into winning "for five" - Moore's jersey number.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning points toward the USC Trojans sideline after quarterback Dante Moore (not pictured) was i
Sep 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning points toward the USC Trojans sideline after quarterback Dante Moore (not pictured) was injured on a tackle and targeting penalty against USC Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II (not pictured) during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

That was the situation Lanning and the Ducks faced at halftime Saturday in Los Angeles. The Ducks led 13-10, but the score could hardly have been the only thing on their minds. Their beloved teammate and leader Moore had left the Coliseum by ambulance after Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II lowered his shoulder into Moore while sliding during the second quarter.

What was Lanning's halftime message?

“They’re telling you right now they can’t beat you straight up because they’re a bunch of (expletive). You let them know what we (expletive) think they are by the way you play in the second half. Listen, I want all your energy expended between plays, not after,” Lanning said.

"Every one of us put it on the line for five (Dante Moore). Right? How do you do it? The way you focus, your intention. I want all your energy, listen, I want all your energy expended between plays. Not after. Right? When the whistle blows... I reset. I refocus. There's a difference in this locker room and that locker room over there. There's a difference. You let the world see the difference in this second half. Let's go kick their ass," Lanning said.

Ducks fans saw the response on the field.

The Ducks “stormed L.A.” and left with their fifth straight win over USC and third straight in Los Angeles. Raiola led Oregon past a Trojans team that had spent the offseason declaring, “The time is now.”

Some of Oregon’s biggest highlights included Raiola’s touchdown pass to receiver Evan Stewart shortly after Moore’s injury, tight end Jamari Johnson’s career day, running back Jordon Davison's gritty performance and Raiola’s go-ahead touchdown pass to receiver Dakorien Moore in the fourth quarter.

Lanning was fired up after the game, calling out USC's attendance andmaking a loud-and-clear recruiting pitch.

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) is loaded into an ambulance with an apparent injury after being tackled by USC Troja
Sep 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) is loaded into an ambulance with an apparent injury after being tackled by USC Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II (not pictured) during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Stephens II was charged with targeting on the play. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“Three wins against these guys. I guess if you’re interested in winning football games and you’re from this area, you should go to Oregon. If you want to go to a Chris Brown concert, go here,” Lanning said.

Fittingly, Oregon's teaser video was set to the song Loyal by Chris Brown - Instrumental.

Oregon's Bye Week Adds Extra Meaning With Dante Moore Injury

The Ducks are now on their bye week, which has extra meaning with Moore recooperating. Moore suffered a concussion against the Trojans on Saturday night, confirmed by Lanning on Sunday in a statement.

"Dante sustained a concussion in last night's game but fortunately his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries. Every concussion is different and we are going to move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure we make the best decisions for Dante and his future," said Lanning.

Moore's injury update provides some relief. The concern for Moore went beyond whether Oregon would have its starting quarterback for the next game as he was taken off the field on a stretcher, with some movement in his hands and feet. After Moore’s head was slammed into the ground, he showed the fencing response that frequently comes with serious head trauma.

A fight nearly broke out on the field after the hit, as Stephens was seen laughing and taunting from the sideline. Stephens II has been suspended one game by USC.

Fired Up Dan Lanning

Oregon fans have seen glimpses of Lanning's intensity in large thanks to the video team'scompelling 'Ducks vs. Them' cinematic recaps. Some of the most memorable moments include his "death by a thousand cuts" speech before a double-overtime victory at Penn State, his "They are playing for clicks, we are playing for wins" speech before defeating Colorado and coach Deion Sanders.

However the pregame speech from Oregon vs. USC in 2025 is also unforgettable.

Oregon Ducks jordon davison injury lamichael james dierre hill jr injury rashaad samples dan lanning tradarian ball
Oregon ducks running back Jordon Davison and reporter Bri Amaranthus | Seigher Brown

"After they start to bleed, we say one more round. Really simple. For the seniors in this room, you get an opportunity to lay it on the line. They're living off their history. Matt Leinart, he ain't walking through there. Reggie Bush ain't going to show up," Lanning said.

"Understand something. Why are you wearing black? You're going to a Trojan funeral," Lanning said in a moment that sparks goosebumps.

Fast forward to 2026 and the Ducks were in white but still emerged victorious against a rival Trojans team.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations


Published | Modified
Bri Amaranthus
BRI AMARANTHUS

Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 15 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with the Sports Illustrated Network for six years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism.

Share on XFollow BriAmaranthus