USC pulled off a huge 30-18 upset over No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday night, boosting their season record to a legit 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play. Head Coach Lincoln Riley wasted no time after the game, getting real with the media about what this massive win truly meant for his squad.
The Coliseum Roared, The Tone Was Set
Riley was absolutely buzzing about the victory, emphasizing the incredible atmosphere that filled the Coliseum. He sounded like a coach who watched his team buy into something big. “A really fun win tonight. Great atmosphere in the Coliseum. I’m super proud of the team. The players, the staff. Everybody stayed together through the week,” Riley said, clearly indicating that unity was the secret sauce. “It was a key to the week, and that’s why it’s a pretty happy locker room right now.” That kind of cohesion, especially against a powerhouse like Ohio State, speaks volumes.
The Trojans certainly didn’t waste any time setting the tone, either. Scoring on the second play of the game was a jolt the team, and the crowd, clearly needed. “You grab momentum right away. The crowd went nuts,” Riley recalled. He highlighted Trent Mosley, calling him “an electric player,” and credited the blocking, saying it “was huge. Just to set the tone, like you said, for the entire day.” That early spark must have been critical, especially against a top-ranked opponent.
Every Win Is Its Own Season, Especially This One
Riley didn’t shy away from the magnitude of beating Ohio State, calling them “one of the best programs in America over a long period of time.” He stressed the importance of these opportunities, noting how critical it was for his team to “do a good job of getting past last week and getting ourselves focused on this opportunity that was at hand.” The team’s response and the staff’s preparation were, in his words, “phenomenal.”
The coach also emphasized the grind of their conference. “Arguably, we’re the best conference in America. Every week you see it across the country. Every week’s a battle. What you did last week doesn’t matter. What you do next week doesn’t matter,” Riley explained, giving a glimpse into the relentless mentality required. “Every game is its own season.” It’s a tough league, and getting this kind of win is a testament to that week-to-week focus.
He also pointed out the improved run game, a crucial factor against a “tough front” like Ohio State’s. Riley felt the backs ran harder, stayed more patient, and Waymo’s return, “a little bit healthier than he’s been,” provided a “real spark.” The offensive line also “stepped up,” a clear improvement from the previous week when Riley admitted he “didn’t do a good job staying with it.” Better execution and coaching combined for the win.
Rising Together For What’s Next
When asked about what USC means to him, Riley kept the focus where it should be: on his players and staff. “It’s not about me. It’s about these guys,” he declared. “My emotions are just excitement for these guys to feel like they feel in that locker room right now, and for our staff to feel the way that it feels. I love team sports because I like being a part of teams and being a part of other people. And when they get a chance to have success or celebrate it or feel good about it, that’s all I need.” That’s the kind of locker room leadership you want to hear from your head coach.
Looking forward, Riley knows the work isn’t done. With all the “craziness across the country,” he believes “the teams that just hang in there, keep going, get better, stay together, are going to be the ones that are there in the end.” The Trojans face a schedule packed with “phenomenal challenges” but also “phenomenal opportunities.” The next step for them is to “handle the bye week a lot better than we did the previous time, and get ready for the next one.” There’s no rest in this league, and with a huge upset under their belt, USC will be looking to keep that momentum rolling.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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