USC Fans Chant 'Fire Lincoln' as Riley's 5-1 Start Fuels Hot Seat Rumors
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 4
USC Fans Chant 'Fire Lincoln' as Riley's 5-1 Start Fuels Hot Seat Rumors
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 4
Summary
USC's 25-21 win over Washington did little to calm pressure on Lincoln Riley, with "Fire Lincoln" chants ringing out from the student section during the game.
A 5-1 record has looked shaky because USC keeps repeating the same mistakes—illegal formation flags wiped out big gains and a touchdown, while unsportsmanlike penalties killed promising drives.
Jayden Maiava added to the frustration with a second-quarter interception and a late underthrow to a wide-open receiver that could have sealed the game before USC's defense delivered a strip-sack scoop-and-score.
The chants followed a 27-27 fourth-quarter collapse against Oregon and reflect broader doubts that a heavily funded USC program can beat elite opponents under Riley despite major NIL, facilities and staff investment.