USC suffers 24-7 loss to Wisconsin, raising questions about coach Lincoln Riley's future
The Trojans were defeated 24-7 by Wisconsin on Oct. 24, marking their largest loss to an unranked opponent under coach Lincoln Riley and prompting speculation about possible coaching changes.
The University of Southern California football team was beaten 24-7 by Wisconsin on Saturday, Oct. 24, in a game that highlighted several performance issues. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions, and the offense finished with a net of minus 17 rushing yards. Special teams missed two field-goal attempts, one of which was preceded by a delay-of-game penalty. Wisconsin dominated the ground game, gaining 142 yards on 43 carries, while USC was unable to contain the Badgers' rush.
The defeat is the largest margin for a ranked USC team against an unranked opponent in coach Lincoln Riley's tenure, and it ties for the fewest points scored by a Riley-coached team. The loss follows a series of recent setbacks, including narrow victories and defeats against teams such as Rutgers, Oregon, Washington, and Penn State.
USC's upcoming schedule includes games against Ohio State, defending national champion Indiana, and rival UCLA, leaving little room for further errors. The result has intensified discussion among fans and analysts about the stability of Riley's position as head coach.