USC’s loss to Oregon renews scrutiny of Lincoln Riley’s record
CBS Sports says USC fell to 5–15 against top-25 opponents under Riley after a late defensive failure against Oregon.
USC’s defeat by Oregon has renewed questions about the programme’s direction under coach Lincoln Riley, with the Trojans’ record against top-25 opponents now 5–15, according to CBS Sports.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore left in the second quarter after a head hit, and Dylan Raiola took over. CBS Sports reported Raiola threw for 366 yards as Oregon converted half of its third downs and all of its fourth downs.
USC had an opportunity to take control late, but its fourth-and-7 pass from its own 49-yard line fell incomplete. Oregon then drove for a touchdown on a possession that consumed 5:12, the report said.
The loss follows USC’s 42–27 defeat by Oregon last season and comes after the Trojans conceded 35 points and 460 yards to Rutgers in Week 3. Riley brought in Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator during the offseason.
CBS Sports also puts USC at 2–6 against ranked Big Ten opponents over the past two seasons. Upcoming games against Penn State, Ohio State and Indiana will test the team, but no decision about Riley’s future is reported.
