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Lincoln Riley reflects on USC gaining 'healthy' experience in closer game

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•09/26/23•

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Aug 26, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley following the victory against the San Jose State Spartans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Do not let the 42-28 scoreline in Tempe fool you. There were times in the second half when USC was sweating it out against Arizona State. For the first time this season, Lincoln Riley needed his team to make some plays in the second half in order to get a win. Previously, all three matchups had been blowouts in favor of the Trojans.

Riley said playing in a close game was actually good for USC, needing to get some experience. Sure, the goal can be to have every game determined before the fourth quarter begins but that’s unrealistic. Especially with how the Pac-12 is shaping out this season.

Going through the emotions of a tight contest and responding well early in the season can translate down the road.

“Our first three games, there has been quite a bit of separation,” Riley said. “For us to get in a new circumstance, not only on the road but with how the game unfolded. We weren’t ever behind but for us to get in a new circumstance where the game was close. There was some periods where we made mistakes and did not play our best, have to respond to that together.

“Absolutely. It’s just how the season has unfolded to this point. To be able to get some of that experience and feel some of those emotions and have to pull together to get it done — I think is healthy.”

The players likely were not too thrilled with their performance. But even so, Riley believes they understand the importance of being in critical scenarios as time slowly comes off the clock. One challenge down, most likely a few more on the way.

“After the game, I think our guys recognized that,” Riley said. “They knew we could have played better but I think they recognized ‘This is the first real four-quarter challenge that we’ve had.’ Felt good to be in those moments and pull together and get it done.”

USC will be traveling to Boulder for a bout against Colorado, one the oddsmakers are not expecting to be too close. However, the rest of the schedule is full of heavyweights. Four ranked teams remain and all are inside of the top 11 of the latest AP poll.

Even a team like UCLA could prove to compete for all four quarters against USC. Arizona State might not be at the talent level of the others but provided a valuable lesson for Lincoln Riley’s squad.