USC loses to Oregon in another letdown of the Lincoln Riley era
Los Angeles Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Nearly five years ago, Lincoln Riley was introduced as USC's head coach with high hopes of restoring the Trojans to college football prominence, envisioning the Coliseum as a "mecca" of the sport once again.
- However, USC's recent 41-27 home loss to Oregon marked their first Coliseum defeat since 2024, raising doubts among fans about the program's progress under Riley.
- The game was marred by a controversial hit from USC linebacker Desman Stephens II that injured Oregon's starting quarterback Dante Moore, who was taken to the hospital, and Stephens was ejected but remained on the sideline.
- USC's defense struggled, allowing 504 yards and six scoring drives in the second half, while the offense failed to capitalize on opportunities, including missed field goals and penalties that swung momentum to Oregon.
- Despite moments of promise, such as tying the game late in the fourth quarter, critical mistakes and a failed fourth-down attempt sealed USC's loss, leaving questions about whether this season will differ from previous disappointing campaigns under Riley.
