How many more chances does Lincoln Riley need before we admit this simply isn’t working at USC?
The Trojans had another opportunity Saturday to finally win the type of game that could change the perception of Riley’s tenure. USC was No. 12, playing at home against No. 20 Oregon, and then the Ducks lost starting quarterback Dante Moore in the second quarter.
If there was ever a time for USC to capitalize, this was it.
Instead, Oregon’s backup quarterback Dylan Raiola came in and shredded USC. Raiola completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions, helping Oregon walk out of the Coliseum with a convincing 41-27 win. Oregon finished with 504 total yards and scored touchdowns on four of its five second-half possessions.
That’s embarrassing for a USC program that keeps telling everyone things are different.
This isn’t Year 1 anymore. Riley is in his fifth season. The Trojans have recruited at an elite level, spent heavily on the roster and even brought in Gary Patterson to help fix the defense. Yet the same problems continue showing up when USC plays legitimate competition.
The most damning number? USC is now 5-15 against AP Top 25 opponents under Riley.
Riley was brought to Los Angeles to bring USC back to national championship contention. Instead, the Trojans have become a program that looks dangerous against lesser opponents and repeatedly comes up short when the lights get brightest.
Saturday might have been the worst example yet. Oregon lost its starting quarterback, went to its backup on the road and still hung 41 points on USC.
At some point, there are no more excuses.
Lincoln Riley has had enough time to build USC into a powerhouse. Right now, the Trojans still can’t win the games that actually matter.
