USC Secures Comeback Victory, Quieting Calls for Riley's Job
The Trojans rallied from a deficit to defeat Washington 25-21, offering a reprieve for head coach Lincoln Riley.
USC rallied from a 10-point deficit in the third quarter to secure a 25-21 victory over Washington on Saturday night, silencing audible fan discontent directed at head coach Lincoln Riley. The win, which came a week after a significant home loss to Oregon, improves USC's record to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten.
The Trojans offense eventually found its rhythm, and the defense made crucial plays down the stretch. The win concluded with defensive end Kameryn Crawford sacking Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. for a six-yard loss on third down, followed by an incomplete pass into double coverage on fourth down.
USC had surged ahead late in the third quarter with two touchdowns: a 10-yard reception by Tanook Hines and a 48-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Jahkeem Stewart, who scored after linebacker Elijah Newby forced a fumble by Williams. Caden Chittenden extended USC's lead to 25-21 with a 39-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter.
The first half was marked by errors and a 14-10 deficit for USC. The Trojans committed several notable mistakes, including a muffed punt recovered near their own goal line, penalties that stalled drives, and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that led to a punt. Quarterback Jayden Maiava also made questionable decisions, rolling out on a crucial third down and throwing an interception under pressure.
Despite offensive struggles, USC's defense showed improvement, forcing four three-and-outs in the first half. Washington scored its first touchdown on a trick play and its second via a quarterback sneak by tight end Kade Eldridge. The Trojans' defense yielded only 133 yards by halftime, a marked improvement from recent performances. Defensive standouts included linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson and cornerback Elbert "Rock" Hill IV.
USC great Matt Leinart acknowledged the defensive effort on social media, tweeting, "This is a Great start for Usc [sic] defense !!!" The Trojans' ability to finish the game strong potentially salvaged their season.