USC upsets No. 2 Ohio State for biggest win of Riley's tenure

USC kept its CFP hopes alive in a 30-18 upset of No. 2 Ohio State as head coach Lincoln Riley delivered an emphatic victory amid questions surrounding his future.

The top 3

  1. Impact on Lincoln Riley's Tenure: The victory served as a definitive response to mounting external criticism regarding Riley's job security and program trajectory. It stands as a signature win, marked by the team's disciplined performance and the execution of a strategy that Riley views as a milestone in his effort to build a championship-caliber culture.
  2. Shift in Competitive Positioning: The 30-18 win reinserted USC into the national conversation, moving them back into the AP Top 25 rankings and keeping their CFP hopes alive. By overcoming a top-two opponent while controlling the red zone and special teams, USC transitioned from a team facing internal scrutiny to a contender with an path toward a potential playoff berth.

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