Lincoln Riley reveals biggest area USC Trojans must address after win over Washington
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Lincoln Riley knows there are imperfections on the USC Trojans squad after they squeezed out a 25-21 home win over the Washington Huskies on Saturday night.
Riley has been the Trojans’ head coach since 2022, having led them to strong campaigns. However, the goal of making the CFP bracket eludes him as it stands to be the program’s biggest test for the 2026 campaign.
USC is off to a strong start to the season, winning five of their first six games. They recently took down Washington in conference play, an important win, but they had stretches that put them at risk of losing. Riley reflected on those issues after the game, pointing out the penalties that could’ve been costly for USC.
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“Wasn’t a clean performance. Penalties was just massive in this game. I felt majority of this game we were out-playing ‘em when you make those mistakes you just kinda let them keep hanging around… We clearly got to do a way better job on that… Lots to clean up, Lots to be excited about. Proud of the team, Proud of the fight,” Riley said.
How Lincoln Riley, USC performed against Washington
Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans know what’s at stake. What matters now is that they lock in and take care of business with their remaining games.
Both teams traded blows throughout the course of the game, seeing Washington up 14-10 at halftime. USC took control after outscoring the Huskies 12-7 in the third quarter, a stretch that the visitors never recovered from.
Jayden Maiava had a solid night in the passing game despite a few errors. He completed 21 out of 34 passes for 245 yards and a touchdown and an interception.
King Miller led the run game with 18 carries for 81 yards, while Waymond Jordan recorded 11 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown. Zacharyus Williams highlighted receivers with four catches for 78 yards and Tanook Hines caught five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.
The No. 18 Trojans will look forward to their next matchup, being on the road. They take on the Penn State Nittany Lions in Week 6 as kickoff commences on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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