USC suffered its second defeat of a pivotal season for head coach Lincoln Riley, causing the Trojans to fall out of the Associated Press poll and leaving them on the brink of missing the College Football Playoff race. The loss also ignited speculation about Riley's suitability at a school where athletic director Jen Cohen did not select him.
Riley, who entered the program amid high expectations, now confronts mounting scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. Critics point to the team's inability to secure a win that would keep them in contention for the playoff, while supporters argue that the transition period still warrants patience.
The Trojans' recent performance has placed Riley under intense pressure, with calls for a clear response to the growing doubts about his fit at USC.
