Los Angeles witnessed another significant loss for USC football on Saturday, as the Trojans fell 41-27 to Oregon at the Coliseum. The defeat comes nearly five years after coach Lincoln Riley took the helm, promising a revitalized program and declaring the venue would become the "mecca of college football."
Fans leaving the Coliseum after the final seconds ticked away were left to ponder the state of the team, especially given the high expectations set for this season. Riley had spent the offseason suggesting this year would be different, without excuses for past shortcomings. Yet, the outcome against Oregon, a new rival in the shifting college football landscape, left many wondering if the vision had truly materialized.
The game itself was marked by dramatic plays and controversial moments. Early in the second quarter, USC linebacker Desman Stephens II delivered a late hit to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore as Moore slid, knocking him out of the game. Oregon coach Dan Lanning later called the hit "disgusting." Stephens was ejected from the game but remained on the sideline for the second half. When asked why Stephens remained, Riley responded, "Why? Because he’s on our football team."
Despite Moore's exit, Oregon's backup quarterback, Dylan Raiola, stepped in to lead the Ducks' offense, throwing for 289 yards and two touchdowns. USC's defense struggled to contain them, allowing 504 yards overall, one of the highest totals conceded in the past three seasons. By contrast, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns, completing 23 of 42 passes, while the team's rushing attack averaged only 3.6 yards per carry.
Early in the game, a 13-play opening drive for USC ended without points when Caden Chittenden missed an easy field goal. Oregon managed only a field goal in the first quarter, even after a 45-yard run by Jordon Davison. The Trojans found success through freshman receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who caught a 31-yard touchdown pass. Later, Tanook Hines tied the game 27-27 with an 11-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.
However, critical errors continued to plague USC. With momentum shifting, a roughing the passer penalty on defensive tackle Jide Abasiri on a third-and-long play gave Oregon new life. Riley acknowledged, "We had all the momentum in the world," but conceded, "you can’t do that against good teams and good offenses." Oregon capitalized, scoring five plays later on a touchdown pass to Dakorien Moore.
Oregon ultimately scored on six of its last seven drives, securing the 41-27 victory. Following the game, Coach Lanning didn't hold back, suggesting that those interested in winning football games might consider Oregon. Riley, despite the loss, maintained, "We have a damn good football team. I know we do." With a challenging Big Ten schedule on the horizon, the Trojans will have more opportunities to prove their coach right, though the path ahead remains unclear after Saturday's outcome.