Video catches USC announcer's take on targeting call

USC football radio play-by-play announcer Pete Arbogast's comments following a targeting call in Saturday's Ducks vs. Trojans game left many viewers confused. The incident occurred in the second quarter when Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was knocked out after a hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II. Moore lay on the field for several minutes before being taken off on a cart and loaded into an ambulance. Despite being flagged for the hit, Stephens celebrated, leading to a skirmish with several Oregon players.

Arbogast's initial claim was that the play did not appear to be targeting and that Moore did not slide feet-first. However, radio analyst Shaun Cody, who played defensive line at USC and spent eight seasons in the NFL, disagreed. Cody asserted that Moore was sliding feet-first and Stephens went in head-first, striking him in the head.

Arbogast continued to stand by his assessment, even after watching the replay, claiming Moore was now laying feet-first because they spun him around. Cody again disagreed, emphasizing the replay clearly showed Moore sliding feet-first and Stephens going in head-first. Arbogast maintained his stance, saying it didn't look like targeting on the replay to him.

The conflicting viewpoints left many viewers questioning the accuracy of Arbogast's initial assessment. The Oregon backup quarterback Dylan Raiola replaced Moore and led the Ducks to a 41-27 victory. Moore was diagnosed with a concussion and is expected to be out indefinitely. The Ducks will face No. 23 UCLA in their next game on October 10.