Riley Reads Note to Critics After USC Upset

USC head coach Lincoln Riley addressed the media after the Trojans defeated Ohio State on Saturday, concluding his remarks by reading a prepared statement and walking out of the room. The No. 18 Trojans upset the Buckeyes, a result that knocked Ohio State from the No. 2 to the No. 11 position in the AP Top 25. Riley used the platform to respond to the criticism he has faced throughout the season.

The coach began the press conference with standard answers regarding the team’s performance. He then pulled a white sheet of paper from his pocket. "I got one other thing I want to say here, if I just took a second," he said. "I want to make sure to articulate my thoughts."

Riley read from the paper: "This program is built on internal joy, not external applause. This win is for all the staff members, the players, the leaders, admin. All the people within the walls. I said before this game that I’m the right person for this job, and as long as all those people know that, that’s all I care about."

He added, "I appreciate being a part of this university and all it does. I appreciate our kids and our staff, and I’m going to continue to fight on, because that’s what being Trojan is all about." He stood, turned toward the exit, and said "adios" to the room.

Riley has faced scrutiny from fans and analysts recently. The Trojans lost 17-7 to Wisconsin, a defeat that removed them from the AP Top 25. They also lost a third consecutive game to Oregon, dropping Riley’s record against ranked opponents to 5-15. During a previous game against Washington, fans at the Coliseum chanted "fire Riley" while the team overcame a 21-10 deficit.

The Saturday win over Ohio State was USC’s highest victory against a ranked team since beating No. 2 Oklahoma in 2004. The Trojans limited the Buckeyes to 18 points, a season-low for Ohio State. Defenses neutralized receiver Jeremiah Smith, preventing a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter. Offensive lineman Tobias Raymond said, "This is no offense to anybody that’s outside the building, but nothing matters but the people in the building and who we have inside the building, and how we get along each day."

USC enters a bye week before facing No. 6 Indiana and No. 5 UCLA. UCLA is unbeaten under first-year head coach Bob Chesney. Riley noted the unpredictability of the season, stating, "Look at all the craziness across the country. The teams that just hang in there, keep going, get better, stay together, are going to be the ones that are there in the end."

The first College Football Playoff rankings are scheduled for release on Tuesday. The drop in Ohio State’s ranking may alter the standings for the top teams.