USC’s ‘Right Man for the Job’ Earns National Coaching Award

The less-than-enamored USC fan base was ready to run Lincoln Riley out town on a rail.

In response, Riley gave them the biggest “I told you so” moment of his career with a 30-18 win over then No. 2 Ohio State (6-2).

For that winning effort, Riley was named the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Week.

Riley had the Trojans ready for their visitors from Columbus, and it showed on the field.

The USC offense made explosive plays. Quarterback Jayden Maiava had a touchdown pass of 69 yards.

Tight end Mark Bowman had a pitch and catch that covered 70 yards to set up another score.

In the running game, the Trojans reeled off long runs of 21 and 20 yards.

Freshman receiver Trent Mosley hauled in five of Maiava’s passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 20 yards per catch.

The No. 18 USC (7-2) defense held Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith to 83 yards and a touchdown.

It was the third consecutive game that Smith failed to crack 100 yards receiving.

Smith’s touchdown was the only one for the Buckeyes. The only other scoring for Ohio State in the game was four converted field goals.

Going into the game, Riley had a 1-6 record against top five teams. Riley’s second such victory could not have come at a better time.

At the end of his post-game press conference, Riley made his own personal thoughts known to the assembled media.

“This program is not built on internal joy. is excuse me, built on internal joy, not external applause,” said Riley. “This wins for all the staff members, the players, the leaders, admin, all the people within the walls. I said before this game that I'm the right person for this job, and as long as all those people know that, that's all I care about. I appreciate being a part of this university and all it does. I appreciate our kids and our staff. And I'm going to continue to fight on.” 

The win over the Buckeyes gives Riley’s team momentum and a confidence boost for the remainder of the season.  

After an upcoming bye week, Riley and the Trojans will travel to take on No. 6 Indiana. The Hoosiers have shown that they are indeed mortal this season.

They have won three of their last four games. However, the margin of victory in those three victories has been seven points or fewer. Further, the Hoosiers appear to have quarterback issues.

Historically, USC owns a 4-0 record over Indiana. However, the two teams have not played each other since 1982.

USC’s victory over Ohio State earned the Trojans the Pop Tarts Bowl Crazy Good team of the Week, selected by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

It was also USC’s first win at home over a top five opponent since 2015.

With a top five signature win, key players like Bowman returning, and the bye week coming up, the USC fan base may want to hold off on running Riley coach out of town.