Lincoln Riley calls out national analysts who doubted USC ahead of Oregon game: 'We haven't forgotten that'

Lincoln Riley isn’t letting USC’s hype cloud their vision. The Trojans are 8-2 and preparing for a huge matchup with Oregon that ESPN will have College GameDay on-hand for, but the head coach wants his players to remember the doubters more than ever. 

Prior to the season, there weren’t many who expected USC to compete in the Big Ten, let alone for a spot in the College Football Playoff. That’s exactly where the Trojans are at the moment, and a win against the Ducks could push them over the edge. 

Ahead of the monster showdown, Riley joined Trojans Live on Monday, where he detailed his team’s mindset and called out the national media for the potshots they took at his program when the going wasn’t as good: “I think for us, you know — these are all the same people that thought we were going to suck,” Riley claimed. 

“Like, seriously. I mean, this is all the same people who said we were going to do this, and USC was this and that. So for us to pay attention to them now would be a little bit counterproductive. So, we haven’t forgotten that.”

A bit feisty there from Riley, but it’s hard to blame him. Since arriving in Los Angeles, the coveted offensive coach has dealt with his fair share of criticism — some fair, some not. Regardless, he can bring the Trojans to the next level with a win in Eugene against the Ducks. 

It’s been awhile since USC has defeated Oregon. The Ducks are on a three-game win streak over the Trojans, victorious in their last three meetings. You have to go back to 2016 to find USC’s last win over their former PAC-12 counterpart.

The last time these two teams faced off was in 2023, and that one was also in Eugene. In fact, USC hasn’t won in Eugene since 2011 — a three-point dub. As you can tell, this would be a gigantic victory in many ways for Riley’s team.

They have the tools to get it done, for sure. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has been wonderful this season, passing for 2,868 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also ran for six touchdowns, as well. He has no shortage of weapons to spread the ball around to as well, with Makai Lemon holding it down at wide receiver to the tune of 71 receptions, 1,090 yards and eight touchdowns.

Alas, it remains to be seen whether or not Riley’s squad can get the job done on the road. Their showdown with Oregon will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on CBS. You won’t want to miss it.