Lincoln Riley on USC: 'This isn't some team that has two losses where we got our ass kicked'
After starting its season with two impressive wins, USC has lost two of its last three games. On Thursday, Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley addressed the team’s recent losses and explained why he hasn’t lost confidence in his team.
“You constantly learn, grow, and evolve. That’s what these seasons are,” Riley said. “There’s certainly a confidence and excitement. Is there some frustration that we didn’t finish those off? Sure there is. Of course, there is. We want to win worse than anybody else wants us to win, I promise you. But, we’re still a very confident team.
“I mean, this isn’t some team that has two losses where we got our ass kicked. That’s not the case. We know what we’re capable of and we know we got a really good opponent and a phenomenal opportunity coming up here Saturday.”
USC’s losses to Michigan and Minnesota were both by seven points or less. While USC’s loss to Michigan wasn’t a shock, the Trojans were not expected to lose to the Golden Gophers.
In the loss, USC outgained Minnesota but committed three turnovers, which ultimately cost it the game. Moreover, the Trojans committed eight penalties, knocking them back 59 total yards. Meanwhile, the Golden Gophers only recorded four penalties.
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Although USC’s performance against Minnesota was far from encouraging, the Trojans have proven they can compete against top talent. In its season opener, USC defeated LSU 27-20 at a neutral site. LSU hasn’t lost since and is currently ranked No. 13.
“We’ve done it as a team,” Riley said. “We did it against a really good opponent in LSU. We know that we’re capable, and that’s not a question in our minds. We played some good opponents. We provided some challenges against them and they provided some challenges for us.
“Ultimately, you go back and you have those teachable moments from these games and show these guys what you did well, why’d you put yourself in position to win?”
USC must find a way to replicate its previous success this weekend. On Saturday, the Trojans will face off against No. 4 Penn State at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on CBS.