The USC Trojans, under the leadership of Lincoln Riley, faced a tough loss against Maryland, with a score of 29-28. Despite holding a 14-point lead with less than 10 minutes left in the game, the Trojans couldn’t maintain their advantage, and Maryland managed to turn the game around with a late touchdown by quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. This loss adds to USC’s recent struggles in close games, with the team now holding a 2-9 record in their last 11 one-score games under Riley.
Throughout these losses, the Trojans have missed out on crucial opportunities to secure victories. Against Maryland, a blocked field goal led to the eventual game-winning drive for the Terps. Similar scenarios played out in previous games against Penn State, Michigan, and Minnesota, where USC’s defense failed to hold off opponents in critical moments.
Riley expressed accountability for the team’s performance, acknowledging the need to improve their game in late-game situations. When he was brought in from Oklahoma, USC had high hopes of returning to its dominant status in college football. However, the team’s current standing at 1-4 in conference play and a string of disappointing losses indicate a different trajectory.
The loss to Maryland was a missed opportunity for USC to bounce back from previous setbacks and show resilience in the face of adversity. Riley’s tenure at USC, once filled with promise, is now facing serious challenges that may impact the program’s future. If changes are not made swiftly, the Trojans could be headed towards a downward spiral in the competitive landscape of college football.
