Former Tennessee QB Gaston Moore suffered a scary injury during USF’s bowl game that’s been the center of controversy for years

Fortunately, the former Vols signal caller was able to get up and walk off, but it was after a scary moment that’s become too commonplace in the sport.

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Gaston Moore finally got his chance to showcase his abilities on Wednesday, starting South Florida’s bowl game against Old Dominion.

However, things turned scary quickly during the second half of the Bulls’ 24-10 loss in the Cure Bowl in Orlando. Moore was running with the ball and released it just before he was struck by an ODU defender. His legs flew up in the air, and his head hit the turf hard. His arms and hands went into an unnatural position immediately after contacting the ground. Fortunately, he was able to get up and walk off the field, but it was apparent that his day was done.

Gaston Moore suffered an apparent head injury in USF’s 24-10 loss to Old Dominion

Concussions have received greater scrutiny and protections over the last several years, particularly in the NFL. Head injuries and concussions suffered by players like Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa have highlighted the dangers and risks of the sport, and player safety and protection have been made central priorities in the league with independent neurologists keeping an eye on players and some players using padded Guardian Caps as additional protections on their helmets.

While concussions are also a serious issue at the college level, they haven’t gotten as much public attention as they have in the NFL. Moore’s injury is a reminder that, even when there is no direct contact, the wrong hit – the ODU defender’s hit was perfectly legal and clean, to be clear – at the wrong time can result in a head injury at any given moment.

And Moore wasn’t the only one to get hit hard and suffer an apparent head injury in the game. ODU quarterback Quinn Henicle took a hard shot to the head and also appeared to suffer similar effects as Moore.

Football is a physical sport, and there’s no way to make it completely safe. However, it certainly couldn’t hurt for the NCAA and conference leaders to re-educate players on the dangers of concussions and CTE and work to offer added protections as suggested options, such as the Guardian Caps.

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