“Last Chance for Lincoln Riley”: Colin Cowherd Serves Ultimatum for USC HC on Defeating Ohio State To Save His Job

The USC Trojans’ season went off the rails after a 4-0 start, as new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson’s team gave up 41 points to Oregon, and star quarterback Dante Moore suffered an injury in the first half.

After a demoralizing 24-7 loss to Wisconsin, they’re now in danger of missing the College Football Playoff again as the drought under head coach Lincoln Riley continues.

Colin Cowherd made his thoughts clear on Riley’s job security on his ‘The Herd’ podcast on Thursday, saying:

“This is one of those games where USC is at home. They have a veteran starting quarterback off a bad game, so he’ll probably be very focused. I think it’s the best offensive line they’ve had at USC. So, they can hold Ohio State’s defensive front, always a factor, a little at bay. USC is healthy. Again, they come off an embarrassing loss, so that can often help. Ohio State was inactive last week.”

“Will they be a little rusty early? But, I mean, you know, it’s interesting to watch when and if programs rally around their coach. Ryan Day was in trouble a couple years ago. He lost to Michigan again. He lost to Harbaugh again, and everybody wanted him fired. The Buckeyes totally rallied around their coach and played perfect football for the next month and won the national championship. So, this is Project Hail Mary for USC. Ohio State’s been the better program for the last 10 to 12 years. Saturday night is the last chance for Lincoln Riley.”

The Trojans offense currently ranks 44th out of 132 in the nation, scoring 32.8 points per game. However, the defense has been a major issue for the Trojans, still in the middle of the pack, ranking 77th while giving up 25.0 points per contest.

Amid buzz about a possible coaching change at USC, head coach Lincoln Riley remains convinced he is the right person for the job.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Riley assured fans of the same, saying:

‘Listen, if I didn’t want to be at this place, I wouldn’t have come here in the first place. I’ve had plenty of opportunities to leave. This is where I want to be. This is the right place for me. I’m the right person to be here. And that’s as honest and transparent as I can be with you guys.’

The Trojans have a steep hill to climb, however, if they want to overcome the Buckeyes on Saturday. While Ryan Day will miss veteran quarterback Julian Sayin, Heisman hopeful Jeremiah Smith remains Ohio State’s biggest offensive threat.

Smith, who had a quiet performance against Indiana after being double-covered for most of the game, is still averaging 140.5 yards per game.

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