USC stuns Ohio State after a turbulent week for Lincoln Riley

USC’s week took a remarkable turn. After a dismal loss to Wisconsin had intensified questions about Lincoln Riley’s future, the Trojans responded by beating heavily favored Ohio State at the Coliseum.

The Wisconsin game had been a low point for Riley’s tenure. USC entered as a strong favorite but scored only seven points, the fewest by a Riley-coached team. The Trojans made costly mistakes throughout, including a failed 58-yard field-goal attempt into the wind and several damaging errors by quarterback Jayden Maiava. USC also finished with minus-17 net rushing yards.

In the days that followed, speculation grew that Riley might leave, with reports focusing on his buyout and possible replacements. Then Ohio State arrived in Los Angeles, ranked No. 2 and favored despite starting backup quarterback Luke Fahey. The Buckeyes brought a top-tier defense, star receiver Jeremiah Smith and plenty of big-game experience under coach Ryan Day.

USC looked like a different team. Freshman Trent Mosley took a screen pass for a long touchdown early in the game, while tight end Mark Bowman delivered a standout catch-and-run, leaping over a defender and breaking tackles. The Trojans’ defense also came up with a timely turnover and made key stops.

Ohio State controlled the ball for long stretches and added yards late, but struggled to turn its opportunities into points. At one stage, the Buckeyes had first-and-goal inside the 1-yard line and still failed to score.

After the game, Riley had a tense exchange with Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork in the Coliseum tunnel. Video showed Riley trying to pass through with his family and a security guard before an Ohio State staff member stopped him. Bjork appeared to gesture toward Riley and say something; Riley responded angrily as he was eventually allowed through. Another view showed Bjork speaking as he left the field, though his words were unclear.

Riley’s postgame media appearance was unusual, too. He read a prepared statement emphasizing that the program’s sense of purpose came from within, rather than from outside praise. He said the win belonged to the players, staff and others in the program, reiterated that he believed he was the right person for the job, and said he would keep fighting for USC before ending with a brief farewell.

The pointed remarks came after weeks of questions about Riley’s commitment to the school. He had said earlier in the week that Los Angeles was where he wanted to be. Still, the scrutiny has followed a season that included a loss to Oregon and a poor showing against Wisconsin. The Badgers’ later 30-0 defeat to Iowa only made USC’s performance in Madison look worse.

The victory over Ohio State gives Riley and USC a major result after a season with few defining wins. The Trojans had promoted the idea that their championship window was open, but at 6-2, they had been under pressure to show more. Against the Buckeyes, USC played with far greater focus and aggression. Why that level has not appeared more consistently remains an open question.

The final stretch will matter. USC is set to visit Indiana next week and close the season against UCLA at the Rose Bowl. If the Trojans win out, they would have a strong case for the College Football Playoff, with three victories over top-five teams. But if they lose two of their last three and finish 8-4, questions about Riley’s buyout and his future are likely to return.