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USC’s latest terrible loss to Indiana Hoosiers might be the final straw for Lincoln Riley in LA
USC lost 27-13 to Indiana, dealing a serious blow to its College Football Playoff hopes and intensifying questions about head coach Lincoln Riley’s future in Los Angeles. The defeat followed a familiar pattern for the Trojans: they had chances to seize a late breakthrough but failed to score when it mattered.
USC’s two late fourth-quarter drives covered 148 yards and reached Indiana’s 10-yard line, yet produced no points. The Trojans scored only once in five red-zone trips, missed two field goals and had four potential interceptions slip away; quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions, including one near the goal line. Indiana’s backup quarterback Grant Wilson then led a 93-yard drive capped by a 42-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Becker.
In short
- USC’s 27-13 loss to Indiana hurt its playoff hopes.
- Two late drives gained 148 yards but yielded no points.
- Missed chances and defensive lapses renewed scrutiny of Lincoln Riley.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The loss reinforces concerns that Lincoln Riley has not built the consistency or late-game execution expected at USC, despite the programme’s resources and ambitions. Repeated failures to convert scoring chances, combined with a defeat that damages playoff hopes, could reasonably persuade the university that a change is needed to restore confidence and compete for championships.
The case against
One damaging loss, even with familiar mistakes, may not be enough to judge Riley’s overall work or the team’s prospects; missed kicks, turnovers and near-interceptions can reflect execution on the day as much as coaching. Keeping him could offer stability and give the programme time to address those problems, while avoiding the disruption and uncertainty of replacing a head coach.