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Lincoln Riley improved vs Ohio State but must now beat Indiana

USC head coach Lincoln Riley faced his most high-stakes game of the season against Ohio State, a matchup that carried significant implications for his future at the program. The Trojans, still recovering from a humiliating loss to Wisconsin, needed a decisive victory to regain momentum—and they delivered, defeating the Buckeyes 30-18 in a gritty, hard-fought performance.

USC’s defense stifled Ohio State in the red zone, while the offense relied on a balanced ground game, including a key 21-yard run on 3rd and 18 by King Miller that set the tone. The Trojans’ offensive line, often a liability, held strong, limiting Ohio State’s veteran quarterback Luke Fahey to an unremarkable outing.

Despite freshman QB Jayden Maiava’s inconsistent play, USC’s receivers and line play stepped up, turning a lackluster individual performance into a team win. Defensive standout Trent Mosley led the charge with standout plays, while linebackers Desman Stephens and Kennedy Urlacher—previously criticized for off-field conduct—delivered strong defensive efforts.

Ohio State, meanwhile, struggled with sloppy execution, committing multiple penalties and turnovers that directly contributed to USC’s victory. The win marks a turning point for Riley, who has faced criticism for USC’s lack of resilience under pressure, but the Trojans’ physical, disciplined effort suggests they’re capable of competing at a higher level when it matters most.

Their next challenge comes against Indiana, where maintaining this intensity will be crucial.

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