UCLA coach Bob Chesney offered support to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore after Moore suffered a concussion during Oregon’s recent win over USC. The injury was serious enough that Moore was taken to hospital by ambulance, prompting Chesney to reach out to Ducks head coach Dan Lanning.
Lanning revealed on ‘The Jim Rome Show’ that Chesney texted him as Oregon was returning to Los Angeles. “He said, ‘Hey, if you need my help with Dante or anything and he’s still in LA, I’ll go check on this guy. I’m giving the team off tomorrow; let me know,’” Lanning said. The gesture came before UCLA and Oregon face off next, underlining a moment of genuine concern beyond rivalry.
Chesney and Lanning’s relationship traces back to last season when Chesney was coaching James Madison. Their teams met in the College Football Playoff first round at Oregon’s Autzen Stadium, where the Ducks won 51-34. Chesney then left for UCLA, taking over a program that has since climbed into the top 25. Their upcoming match at Autzen is set to be a significant test for both sides.
“It was unusual,” Lanning said about Chesney’s offer. “Pretty amazing. Great credit to Bob. And he didn’t do it so he could hear me say it in an interview. It was genuine, and it’s certainly appreciated. I’ve got a ton of respect for Bob and the way that he runs his program, and obviously, the results on the field speak for themselves.”
Lanning’s comments come shortly after a heated rivalry week between Oregon and USC. Behind-the-scenes video showed Lanning expressing strong disdain for USC’s program during the ‘Ducks vs. Them’ series, saying, “There’s a difference in this locker room and that bullst locker room over there; there’s a fking difference. You let the world see in the second half. Let’s go kick their ass.”
The contrast between those remarks and Chesney’s outreach to Lanning reveals different layers to the competitive atmosphere surrounding these teams. While the Ducks and Trojans rivalry burned hot, the connection between Oregon’s and UCLA’s coaches has taken a different tone.
The injury to Moore remains a concern as Oregon prepares to face UCLA. The Ducks have not disclosed the quarterback’s current condition beyond confirming the concussion and hospital transport. Chesney’s willingness to check on Moore if needed adds a human element to the upcoming contest.
Oregon’s next game against UCLA is scheduled to take place at Autzen Stadium, where the Ducks will look to build on their recent success. The situation with Moore will be monitored closely ahead of kickoff.
According to Yahoo Sports.