Lincoln Riley reacts to Sherrone Moore comments about USC sellout crowd: 'Don't really care what he says'

After Sherrone Moore credited Michigan’s trip to the Coliseum for Saturday’s sold-out game against USC, Lincoln Riley responded. The Trojans head coach said he’s keeping his focus on the primetime affair.

Moore said the reason the game is sold out is “because Michigan’s coming,” he told reporters during his Monday press conference. It marks USC’s first sellout of the 2025 season in what’s shaping up to be an important Big Ten showdown on NBC.

When asked about Moore’s remarks, Riley said he does not “really care” what Moore says. He’s ready for Saturday’s game on the field.

“I don’t really care what he says,” Riley told reporters during his Tuesday media session. “We’re looking forward to playing.”

Saturday’s game marks the 12th all-time meeting between USC and Michigan, and their second since the Trojans joined the Big Ten in 2024. The Wolverines came away with a thrilling 27-24 victory at The Big House that day, and the two teams will now square off at the Coliseum this week.

Michigan hasn’t been to the storied stadium since 1957 – a 16-6 Wolverines victory. When asked about UM players returning to California to take on USC, Moore downplayed it and pointed to the role his program played in the strong attendance.

“It’s sold out, but it’s sold out because Michigan’s coming,” Moore said. “So we’re excited about the opportunity for guys to get to go back home and see family and be closer and friends, but not make it too much of a deal there.”

USC is coming off a Week 6 bye enters Week 7 ranked second in the nation in total offense, averaging 565 yards per game. The Trojans rank third in the nation with 48.4 points on average, as well. Jayden Maiava is leading the charge for Lincoln Riley’s group, throwing for 1,587 yards and 11 touchdowns, to one interception, and his 317.4 yards per game is second in the nation.

Michigan, meanwhile, is coming off a home victory over Wisconsin in Week 6 to improve to 4-1 on the year. Bryce Underwood had a strong day, going 19 of 28 for 270 yards and a touchdown, while Justice Haynes had 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Underwood continues to impress at quarterback during his freshman season. Through five games, he has thrown for 1,003 yards and three touchdowns while adding 181 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.