Los Angeles, CA — The team played arguably its most aggressive game of the season on Saturday night, one that may have marked a new stage for the Trojans.
With the game being such a signature win for the Trojans after an inconsistent season, head coach Lincoln Riley delivered a prepared statement, reiterating the significance of USC’s victory to him.
“This win is built on internal joy, not external applause,” said Riley reading from a statement following the win.
“I said before this game that I’m the right person for this job. And as long as all those people know that that’s all I care about. I appreciate being a part of this university and all it does. I appreciate our kids and our staff, and I’m going to continue to fight on because that’s what being a Trojan is all about,” continued Riley.
In recent weeks, USC’s program has been under fire for its underperformance during this year’s football season.
Last week’s loss against the Wisconsin Badgers dropped USC entirely from the AP Top 25, placing immense pressure on the entire program to improve if it wanted to be considered for the NCAA playoffs.
Despite continued questions about USC’s aggressiveness, the team showed up under Saturday night lights to dominate on its home field.
“I thought our guys executed their best in those moments. And then obviously offensively we were able to get those done as well. So, that’s what these games come down to,” said Lincoln Riley.
The new win returned USC on the AP poll at No. 18, while Ohio State fell nine spots to No.11.
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While the game featured Ohio State trailing USC for the full length of the game, the Trojans’ performance was unlike any other game this season.
The key difference in their execution consisted of its offensive efficiency, defensive execution, and their ability to convert all four red-zone opportunities into points.
“The red zone was obviously maybe the biggest differential in the day, right? How well we played defensively in the red zone. I mean, we were awesome and that’s not an easy offensive style, the red zone with the threats they have and obviously, you know, being able to run the ball as well,” continued Coach Riley.
The Trojans averaged 6.8 yards per play compared to their 6.3-yard average, with passing being similarly effective. They averaged about 9.7 yards per passing attempt compared to a season average of 8.5.
A highlight play by USC’s Mark Bowman demonstrated the grit and explosiveness on the field that night. Bowman turned a reception into one of the most incredible plays of the game, rumbling for a 70-yard gain despite Buckeye tackles.
The Trojans’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and execute explosive plays while limiting opponents’ scoring made their performance against Ohio State particularly impressive to fans.
The Trojans are now looking ahead to their next stretch of games, the first being the Indiana Hoosiers who are currently ranked No. 6 in the AP Top 25 Poll.
Riley assured listeners that the Trojans’ eyes are focused on what’s to come.
“You play a schedule like ours, with a lot of phenomenal challenges and a lot of phenomenal opportunities. And so we’ve got to keep our eyes together,” said Lincoln Riley.
