Lincoln Riley on hype of Michigan game: 'I don't think you can ignore it'
After years of talk surrounding conference realignment, the moves will finally come to life on Saturday. Specifically in Ann Arbor where Michigan will play host to USC in a Big Ten showdown. A big occasion, mainly for the Trojans who are playing in their first game as Big Ten members.
Most head coaches would talk about eliminating the outside noise and try not to build up the moment. Lincoln Riley is taking a different approach, admitting this is not something you can ignore. In any scenario, Michigan and USC getting together is a big deal.
But being the first-ever Big Ten game for USC, Riley admits the whole game day should be a special one. Michigan being the reigning national champion only helps the occasion.
“I don’t think you can ignore it,” Riley said. “It’s a big game. I mean, it is for a lot of reasons. In any year, it would be a big year but you go first Big Ten matchup, taking arguably the two most iconic brands in the conference and two of the most iconic brands in the sport.
“Pair them up and I think probably fitting that we’re doing it at their place being that they’ve been in the Big Ten forever. It’s cool, man. I don’t think there’s any harm in acknowledging that.”
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There are 10 prior matchups between Michigan and USC. Eight of those are in Pasadena for the Rose Bowl, though. There was a home-and-home series in 1957 and 1958, swept by the Wolverines under head coach Bennie Oosterbaan.
Overall, USC leads the all-time series at 6-4, dating back to 1948.
History and acknowledging the moment can occur during the week. However, Riley knows at some point, his team will need to lock in and treat Michigan as they would for any other game. After all, it’s a top-20 matchup with early-season Big Ten/College Football Playoff implications on the line.
“Now, what it takes to go play well is that is going to be the same recipe that it takes to go play well in any game like this,” Riley said. “We’ve got to be able to lock and go execute.”
Kickoff from the Big House is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, with CBS having the broadcast. USC has been wearing Big Ten patches on their jerseys for two games now. And for the first time, their opposition will be as well.