Pat Forde: Lincoln Riley Notched His Biggest Win at USC, Then Things Turned Strange

Key Points:

• USC head coach Lincoln Riley delivered a prepared statement after USC's 30-18 upset over No. 2 Ohio State, emphasizing internal team pride over external praise, reflecting his cautious and embattled status.
• USC's victory showcased a dramatic turnaround from previous performances, with explosive plays against Ohio State’s defense, including multiple long gains that contradicted their earlier struggles.
• Ohio State, playing without injured starting quarterback Julian Sayin, saw freshman Luke Fahey perform well but was let down by penalties, dropped passes, and defensive lapses, jeopardizing their College Football Playoff (CFP) chances.
• The loss places Ohio State in a precarious position for CFP selection, with their resume now effectively 0-1 without Sayin, raising questions about their playoff viability if they suffer a third loss.
• USC, now 7-2 and back in the playoff conversation, faces a critical November, while Riley’s future at USC remains under scrutiny despite the signature win, as fans grow impatient for consistent success.