Tag

Lincoln Riley

All articles tagged with #lincoln riley

Penn State Falls to USC in Record-Crowded White Out, Extending Losing Streak
sports1 day ago

Penn State Falls to USC in Record-Crowded White Out, Extending Losing Streak

Penn State lost 31-23 to USC on Saturday, extending a three-game losing streak despite a record-breaking attendance of 114,419 fans. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns, while Penn State’s defense struggled to contain the Trojans' passing attack. The loss drops Penn State to 0-3 in Big Ten play, raising questions about the rebuild under new head coach Matt Campbell, while USC improves to 6-1 and keeps its College Football Playoff hopes alive.

USC's 25-21 Win Over Washington Fails to Silence 'Fire Lincoln' Chants
sports8 days ago

USC's 25-21 Win Over Washington Fails to Silence 'Fire Lincoln' Chants

USC Trojans defeated Washington 25-21 on Oct. 3, 2026, but the victory did not quell growing criticism of head coach Lincoln Riley. Despite a 5-1 record, fans chanted 'Fire Lincoln' during the game, citing offensive struggles and excessive penalties. The win came after a late defensive stand, yet questions remain about the team's ability to compete in the College Football Playoff.

USC Trojans Survive 'Fire Lincoln' Chants to Beat Washington 25-21
sports9 days ago

USC Trojans Survive 'Fire Lincoln' Chants to Beat Washington 25-21

USC overcame an 11-point deficit and nine penalties to defeat Washington 25-21, securing a crucial win that eased pressure on coach Lincoln Riley after a brutal week. The Trojans' defense dominated, holding Washington to under six yards per play for three quarters, while Jahkeem Stewart’s 48-yard fumble return provided the go-ahead score. Despite offensive struggles and fan chants demanding Riley's firing, USC held on late to improve to 5-1.

Riley Admits Blind Spot in Stephens’ Post-Injury Celebration
sports12 days ago

Riley Admits Blind Spot in Stephens’ Post-Injury Celebration

USC head coach Lincoln Riley acknowledged he did not see linebacker Desman Stephens II celebrate after a late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. The incident occurred during a 41-27 loss to Oregon, where Moore was hospitalized with a concussion. Stephens was suspended for one game and issued an apology, while Riley stated he views the player as a son but must educate him on accountability.

USC's Oregon Loss and Controversial Hit Spark Lincoln Riley Job Security Crisis
sports13 days ago

USC's Oregon Loss and Controversial Hit Spark Lincoln Riley Job Security Crisis

USC head coach Lincoln Riley faces intense scrutiny after a 41-27 loss to Oregon, exacerbated by a controversial targeting hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. While Riley defends his program's progress, critics and media outlets question his future, citing defensive failures and a lack of breakthrough wins in his fifth season.

USC Football Crisis: Lincoln Riley's Future Hinges on Playoff Push Amid $70M Buyout
sports13 days ago

USC Football Crisis: Lincoln Riley's Future Hinges on Playoff Push Amid $70M Buyout

USC head coach Lincoln Riley faces intense scrutiny after a 41-27 loss to Oregon, with critics questioning his five-year tenure despite massive financial investments. While some suggest he should seek a move to Baylor, others argue the $70 million buyout makes termination unlikely unless the team fails to reach the College Football Playoff.

Oregon QB Dante Moore Updates Recovery After USC Hit, as Riley Faces Backlash
sports14 days ago

Oregon QB Dante Moore Updates Recovery After USC Hit, as Riley Faces Backlash

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore confirmed on Instagram that he has 'made progress' since suffering a concussion from a targeting hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II. While Moore is recovering, USC coach Lincoln Riley faced intense criticism for failing to notice Stephens' celebratory reaction to the injury during the 41-27 loss.

USC Weighs Firing Lincoln Riley Despite $70M Buyout After Oregon Loss
sports15 days ago

USC Weighs Firing Lincoln Riley Despite $70M Buyout After Oregon Loss

Lincoln Riley’s future at USC is under serious threat following a 41-27 loss to Oregon, despite a reported $70 million buyout clause. Industry sources indicate the university may terminate his contract if the team fails to secure a playoff spot, citing a history of late-game collapses and poor performance against ranked opponents. The loss marked Riley’s third defeat in three meetings with Oregon, intensifying scrutiny over his leadership and the program's inability to translate significant financial investment into competitive success.

USC suspends Stephens after targeting hit on Moore sparks backlash
sports16 days ago

USC suspends Stephens after targeting hit on Moore sparks backlash

USC suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game following a targeting hit that hospitalized Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during a 41-27 loss. The incident, which occurred in the second quarter, drew severe criticism for Stephens' celebratory reaction, prompting apologies from the player and coach, while NBC analyst Chris Simms also apologized for insensitive comments about the injury.

USC Fans Demand End to Lincoln Riley Era After Fourth-Quarter Collapse Against Oregon
sports16 days ago

USC Fans Demand End to Lincoln Riley Era After Fourth-Quarter Collapse Against Oregon

USC lost 41-27 to Oregon, marking the first loss of the season but reinforcing a pattern of late-game collapses under head coach Lincoln Riley. The defeat, compounded by a controversial targeting hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, has intensified calls for the university to move on from Riley. Critics argue that five seasons of similar failures demonstrate a systemic inability to close games, despite strong early-season starts. While Riley defended his team’s effort, the loss exposed defensive weaknesses and a lack of discipline, leading many to believe the program has reached its ceiling under his leadership.

USC's Defensive Collapse and Florida's Rise Define Week 4
sports16 days ago

USC's Defensive Collapse and Florida's Rise Define Week 4

Week 4 college football results have intensified scrutiny on USC head coach Lincoln Riley after a 41-27 loss to Oregon, while Florida’s rapid rise under Jon Sumrall has shifted the narrative away from Lane Kiffin. Oregon’s victory was secured by backup quarterback Dylan Raiola after star Dante Moore was injured by a controversial hit. Meanwhile, Florida defeated Ole Miss 52-28, and Iowa upset Michigan 20-19 in a chaotic finish. The Athletic and Fox News highlight USC’s defensive failures, while Trojans Wire suggests athletic director Jennifer Cohen must begin planning Riley’s exit.

USC suspends Stephens for one game after Moore injury backlash
sports16 days ago

USC suspends Stephens for one game after Moore injury backlash

USC suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game following his targeting hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Moore was hospitalized with a concussion, and Stephens faced criticism for celebrating the injury. Coach Lincoln Riley called the actions unacceptable, while the Big Ten supported the suspension. Stephens will miss the Oct. 3 game against Washington.

USC’s Lincoln Riley Defends Sideline Return of Ejected Player After Dante Moore Hospitalization
sports16 days ago

USC’s Lincoln Riley Defends Sideline Return of Ejected Player After Dante Moore Hospitalization

USC lost 41-27 to Oregon after linebacker Desman Stephens II was ejected for a targeting hit that hospitalized Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Despite the ejection, Stephens remained on the sideline, a decision USC coach Lincoln Riley defended by stating Stephens is on the team. Oregon backup Dylan Raiola led the Ducks to victory, while the incident intensified scrutiny on Riley’s tenure and the NCAA’s enforcement of player safety rules.