USC's 7-Point Wisconsin Loss Puts Lincoln Riley's Year 5 Future in Doubt

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 25

Seven points against Wisconsin — the fewest by any Lincoln Riley-coached team — turned a 5-1 USC season into a fresh crisis and intensified calls for the coach's dismissal.
Wisconsin exposed the same flaws that have dogged Riley's USC tenure: Jayden Maiava threw 2 interceptions, the Trojans finished with minus-17 rushing yards, and Riley's timeout and field-goal decisions helped the Badgers seize control.
The defeat was especially damaging because USC had just beaten Penn State 31-23 and appeared positioned for a playoff push, with Ohio State also weakened by starting quarterback Julian Sayin's injury.
In Year 5, USC still has not reached the College Football Playoff under Riley, and the report argues another 8-4 or 9-3 finish would be unacceptable given the program's spending, recruiting haul and expectations.