Recent developments have made it a turbulent week for the USC Trojans. Last Saturday, many thought the Lincoln Riley era in Los Angeles was in jeopardy. USC, favored against Wisconsin, underperformed. A Lincoln Riley-led team scored just seven points, an unprecedented low in his coaching career.
Multiple coaching mistakes marred the game, including a failed 58-yard field goal attempt against the wind. This misstep gave Wisconsin excellent field position, leading to a score. USC’s preparation seemed lacking, evident in senior quarterback Jayden Maiava’s intentional grounding penalties and interceptions. A muffed kickoff catch added to their mishaps before halftime, and a critical timeout was missed, allowing a Wisconsin touchdown on a key fourth-and-2 play.
The speculation after the loss was intense. Many believed Riley’s interest in the team was waning. Rumors surfaced about USC’s athletic department preparing funds to buy out Riley’s $70 million contract. Fans and analysts began speculating on potential coaching candidates for the future.
Everything changed with the game against Ohio State. USC, despite starting backup quarterback Luke Fahey, shocked many by overpowering a strong Buckeyes team. Ohio State’s top-tier defense and star player Jeremiah Smith couldn’t prevent the upset. While Ohio State had the ball for longer periods and gained yardage, USC’s defense ensured they remained scoreless even at critical moments.
The Trojans, previously unimpressive, appeared transformed. Freshman Trent Mosley scored a long touchdown from a screen pass early in the game. Tight end Mark Bowman shone with a highlight-worthy hurdle over a defender and a powerful run. USC’s defense secured a timely turnover and consistently stopped Ohio State’s advances.
Winning against the second-ranked team in the nation marked a crucial turning point for the Trojans. Riley’s postgame experience included a tense interaction with Ohio State’s athletic director, Ross Bjork, following the match, which added intrigue to the victory.
During a press conference, Riley addressed ongoing speculation about his future. He reaffirmed his commitment to USC, emphasizing the importance of internal support rather than external validation. “This program is built on internal joy, not external applause,” Riley stated, expressing appreciation for the university and its community.
Despite the significant win, questions linger about Riley’s future. The Trojans’ two recent losses were challenging. The defeat against Wisconsin was especially troubling, compounded by Wisconsin’s subsequent 30-0 loss to Iowa. Before this Ohio State victory, Riley’s tenure lacked standout wins.
The Trojans’ remaining three games present challenges. Upcoming matches include playing at Indiana and facing UCLA, currently ranked number five, at the Rose Bowl. Success in these games could lead to a College Football Playoff spot, given their potential record against top-5 teams. However, failure could reignite discussions of Riley’s buyout and future prospects.
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