In a decisive display of resilience, the University of Southern California (USC) football team secured a 29-10 victory over their archrival, UCLA, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday night. This win not only retained the prestigious Victory Bell for USC but also provided a much-needed boost following a disappointing loss to Oregon the previous week.
Despite trailing 10-7 for much of the third quarter, USC turned the tide with crucial touchdown passes from quarterback Jayden Maiava to Makai Lemon and Lake McCree. The comeback silenced concerns among the announced crowd of 69,614 spectators, predominantly clad in USC’s cardinal and gold, about the earlier performance against the Ducks.
Assessing the Season’s Progress
The victory against UCLA raises questions about the overall trajectory of USC football under head coach Lincoln Riley. Since his arrival four seasons ago, expectations have soared, particularly with the recruitment of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams. Yet, the program has struggled to meet the high standards set by its storied history, which includes 11 national championships.
In 2022, USC narrowly missed the four-team College Football Playoff, with injuries hampering their performance in the pivotal Pac-12 championship game against Utah. This season, despite a brief rise to 15th in the College Football Playoff rankings, the team was ultimately exposed by Oregon, prompting disappointment among fans.
Riley acknowledged the significance of the victory over UCLA, describing it as a “step in the right direction.” He emphasized the importance of building momentum and highlighted the team’s impressive home record of 7-0 at the Coliseum this season, which includes victories over Big Ten opponents like Michigan and Iowa.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
USC’s recruiting efforts are also noteworthy, as they currently boast the top recruiting class in the nation, according to the site 24/7 Sports. However, uncertainties surrounding the transfer portal raise questions about the future stability of the roster as the team prepares for spring practice.
Long-time fans may find themselves grappling with the slow pace of progress. The desire for dominance reminiscent of USC’s past glories looms large, and Riley is acutely aware of the expectations that accompany coaching in Los Angeles. “You have to win,” he stated, reflecting on the intense scrutiny that comes with the territory.
The atmosphere at the Coliseum was electric during the game, a stark contrast to the discontent among UCLA supporters, who have seen their program falter this season under the leadership of a recently dismissed coach. The Bruins finished the season with a disappointing record of 3-9.
As USC navigates the challenges of competing in a newly expanded Big Ten conference, Riley remains optimistic about the future. He noted, “Things are good here right now,” suggesting that this victory will be seen as a pivotal moment in the program’s resurgence.
With the potential for a brighter future on the horizon, the focus for USC will be on translating their recent successes into consistent performance as they aim to reclaim their position among college football’s elite.
