Urban Meyer on Oregon-USC game: 'This is one of those games for Lincoln Riley that…
Oregon · USC · OklahomaYear five of the Lincoln Riley era at USC has gotten off to a strong start, as the Trojans are 4-0 with an average margin of victory of nearly three USC heads into Saturday’s home matchup against No. 20 Oregon ranked No. 12 in the country, its highest ranking since Oct. 5, 2024 (No. 11). It isn’t extreme to call Saturday’s game against the Ducks a ‘must-win’ game for Riley and his program.
Riley was brought to USC ahead of the 2022 season in an effort to turn the Trojans into a true College Football Playoff contender on a season-by-season basis, as he led Oklahoma to the CFP in three consecutive seasons from 2017-2019. $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage Across his first four seasons at USC , however, the Trojans have not yet cracked the CFP party.
The importance of Saturday’s game, and what it could mean for Riley’s tenure at USC, has many calling it ‘must-win’. A win over Oregon on Saturday would be vital in their quest for this elusive CFP berth, especially with games against Washington , No. 13 Penn State , No. 7 Ohio State and No. 5 Indiana looming down the line.
“I just hate that because I’m a coaches’ coach, and I respect Lincoln Riley and other coaches. “You’ve got some tough ones coming up for USC now.
KEY POINTS
- Their highest finish in the final College Football Playoff Rankings came in 2022, when they slotted in at No. 10, which would have garnered them a bid in the expanded, 12-team Playoff.
- Urban Meyer has called Saturday's home game against No. 20 Oregon a 'must-win' for USC and head coach Lincoln Riley.
- On Friday’s episode of “The Herd,” Hall of Fame coach Urban Meyer called the game “one of those games for Lincoln Riley that he has to win.”
- But, I think the answer is yes,” Meyer said, when asked if the game is must-win for USC and Lincoln Riley.