Oregon game represents an inflection point for Lincoln Riley

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This week, USC will host Oregon in a West Coast clash at the Coliseum. With massive Big Ten and College Football Playoff stakes, it is certainly a huge game for both teams.

Beyond just this season, however, this is a massive game for Lincoln Riley. In a very real sense, Saturday’s matchup with Oregon represents an inflection point in his tenure as USC’s head coach.

Think about the narrative if the Trojans win. USC, with its loaded class of true freshmen, will have finally gotten over the hurdle and beaten Oregon. With the Ducks reeling and the Trojans continuing to recruit at an elite level, USC will appear primed to emerge as the premier program on the West Coast once again.

On the other hand, imagine the talk if the Trojans lose. Riley will have had by far his best shot to beat Oregon to date and blown it. With a schedule that still includes Washington, Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana, it is not hard to envision yet another massively disappointing campaign in Los Angeles, and talk surrounding Riley’s job security rapidly beginning to heat up.

Is it an exaggeration to say that the trajectory of the program hinges on this one game? Perhaps. But do not underestimate just how important this week is for Riley’s future at USC.

After a largely disappointing first four years leading the program, this is Riley’s chance to finally prove that the Trojans’ struggles against elite opponents are a thing of the past.

Opportunities like this only come around so often. Don’t blow it, Coach.

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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Oregon game represents an inflection point for Lincoln Riley

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