USC Coach Lincoln Riley Regrets Risky Call That Led to Game-Turning Fumble in Loss to Notre Dame
The No. 20 USC Trojans came up short in a 34–24 defeat to the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday night, and head coach Lincoln Riley’s playcalling has come under fire following a series of questionable decisions in a wet and tightly contested rivalry matchup.
Trailing by just three points in the fourth quarter, USC had gained momentum after quarterback Jayden Maiava connected with receiver Makai Lemon on a 42-yard strike. But instead of continuing with traditional plays, the Trojans dialed up a trick play where Lemon was supposed to pass. Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray spoiled the attempt, forcing a fumble as Lemon failed to secure the ball.
Riley didn’t mince words in his postgame press conference when asked about the decision:
“Stupid call, stupid call,” he admitted bluntly.
Later in the same quarter, USC faced a critical 4th-and-inches situation. Instead of running a quarterback sneak, the Trojans went with a play-action pass that ultimately fell incomplete, as Notre Dame’s defense was ready and shut it down. Riley again accepted responsibility.
“We had the option to sneak or pass, and we had to make a decision. They defended it well,” Riley said.
“The reverse pass and the two fourth-down calls—those weren’t good calls. I didn’t put our guys in the best position.”
Leinart and Others React
The controversial trick play also drew criticism from former USC quarterback and Heisman winner Matt Leinart, who questioned the timing of such a risky call given the rainy conditions.
“That play call in the rain. Not sure why?” Leinart posted on social media shortly after the game.
Turnovers and Momentum Shifts
Lemon’s fumble led to Notre Dame’s only touchdown in the fourth quarter, proving to be a critical turning point. Earlier in the game, USC had regained momentum thanks to a 59-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Kobi Lane, but Notre Dame immediately responded with a 100-yard kickoff return by Jadarian Price.
Despite being flagged eight times for 96 yards—compared to just one five-yard penalty on USC—Notre Dame still managed to outlast the Trojans. USC’s offense turned the ball over three times, including two interceptions by Maiava, which proved too costly to overcome.
What This Loss Means for USC
The loss adds another blemish to USC’s road record and severely tightens their margin for error in the race for a College Football Playoff spot. However, their hopes for a Big Ten title remain alive, as the game against Notre Dame doesn’t impact conference standings.
USC faces a challenging stretch to close the season, with games against Nebraska, Northwestern, Iowa, No. 8 Oregon, and rival UCLA. With playoff aspirations hanging by a thread, the Trojans will likely need to win out to have a chance at making the 12-team postseason field.
No Comment! Be the first one.