Lincoln Riley addresses linebacker play following injuries

Lincoln Riley was pleased with the linebacker play for USC against Nevada despite losing some players due to injury.

Mason Cobb and Eric Gentry don’t have long term injuries, according to Riley. That had nothing to do with Nevada either, Riley simply said both linebackers weren’t ready to go full speed for a game.

But, USC had solid linebacker play in place of two important cogs to the unit.

“I thought guys stepped up,” Riley said. “Shane Lee stepped up and played well. Raesjon (Davis) stepped up and played well. Tackett (Curtis) was doing some really nice things before the ejection. I thought the guys really stepped up and communicated.

“You saw the run defense was really stout all night. Really, we gave up two fade balls. You don’t discount those; those can’t happen. We have to get better than that, but played pretty clean football.”

Lee finished with five total tackles and a sack, highlighting the day from the linebacker group. Davis was in on four total tackles, including one solo, and Curtis managed to assist on two tackles.

Overall, Riley was pleased with the effort in a 66-14 win. Power Five and Pac-12 conference play is upon USC at this point, so Riley and the Trojans simply took care of business.

“I think we made a lot of improvements throughout the week,” Riley said. “We really challenged these guys on all parts, challenged ourselves as a staff, and I thought that really showed up. The guys played well. It was great to see. A lot of guys were able to play — we saw playmakers on all sides. I thought for our young players in particular, you could tell this one wasn’t their first game.” 

Riley mentioned how the young players have adjusted to the game, akin to the linebackers stepping up in the absence of veterans.

“The eyes weren’t quite as big at the end and you saw some guys really settle in there and make plays,” Riley said. “Obviously Stanley’s fumble return was probably the major highlight of the game. When big people score, football is more fun. So that was awesome. I’m proud of all sides.

“A few plays here and there that we’re going to want back that we know we have to continue to clean up, but we took a step this week and we’ve got a big one coming up. We’re going to continue to take those steps.”