The recent game between USC and Maryland marked a new low for the Lincoln Riley era at USC, with the Trojans suffering a disappointing 29-28 loss. Despite holding a 14-point lead with less than 10 minutes left in the game, USC was unable to maintain their advantage, allowing Maryland to stage a comeback and secure the victory with a late touchdown by quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. This loss adds to USC’s poor record of 2-9 in their last 11 one-score games under Riley, and they now find themselves at 1-4 in conference play for the first time since 2000.
Throughout the season, USC has struggled to capitalize on key opportunities, with several close losses highlighting a concerning pattern of underperformance. Riley acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in late-game situations, taking ownership of the need to improve their execution down the stretch. The expectations were high when Riley was brought in to lead USC, aiming to restore the program to its former glory as a powerhouse in college football. However, the team’s current trajectory points towards a more mediocre standing in the competitive landscape of the Big Ten.
Riley’s tenure at USC has not lived up to the success he achieved at Oklahoma, with more losses in a shorter period than during his time with the Sooners. The recent matchups against strong opponents like Michigan and Minnesota have exposed USC’s vulnerabilities, particularly in crucial moments of the game. The failure to secure signature wins and bounce back from setbacks has placed the Riley era at USC under scrutiny, raising concerns about the team’s future if significant changes are not implemented promptly.
As USC faces a challenging road ahead to secure a spot in a bowl game, Riley and his coaching staff must address the recurring issues that have plagued the team in critical situations. The pressure is mounting for USC to deliver results and prove that they can compete at a higher level in the competitive college football landscape. The upcoming games against Rutgers, Washington, Nebraska, UCLA, and Notre Dame will test USC’s resilience and determination to turn their season around before it’s too late. The time is now for Riley and the Trojans to rise to the occasion and show that they have what it takes to overcome adversity and achieve success on the field.
