Lincoln Riley Eases Pressure With Huge USC Win at Penn State

Lincoln Riley Eases Pressure With Huge USC Win at Penn State

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Lincoln Riley Eases Pressure With Huge USC Win at Penn State

The USC Trojans needed to beat Penn State on Sunday, Oct. 11th, to avoid dropping out of the College Football Playoff race and ease some pressure.

USC did just that, beating the Nittany Lions 31-23, securing a rare East Coast road win.

Why USC needed to win

Under head coach Lincoln Riley, USC has struggled to travel and win on the road, but in a promising sign, they did so in one of college football’s most hostile environments.

Despite the pressure on Riley after a loss to Oregon, USC is still 6-1, with a slew of home games left on the schedule.

Oct 10, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Oct 10, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

The Trojans have a tough schedule left, with Ohio State at home, a powerhouse, plus Indiana on the road and Wisconsin next on the road as well.

And now, with UCLA emerging, the season finale is no gimme for anyone.

How USC beat Penn State

The Trojans won through their defense, surprisingly, and forced a fumble while limiting the Nittany Lions to just 357 yards.

Since USC’s offense always delivers under Riley, it was always going to come down to the defense delivering in big moments, and they did just enough.

Oct 10, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Oct 10, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

USC had 80 more yards and seven more first downs, and given how rough this team can look on the road, the Trojan faithful were certainly relieved to see their defense travel well.

“It’s one of my favorite wins as a head coach no question, for so many reasons,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said.

“Obviously phenomenal atmosphere, as good as it gets there in college football, so give credit to Penn State, their fans, but really proud of our team, man.”

The post Lincoln Riley Eases Pressure With Huge USC Win at Penn State appeared first on LA Sports Report.

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