Riley addresses critics after big win

USC head football coach Lincoln Riley departed the postgame press conference with a sharp word and a piece of paper. After the Trojans defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Riley concluded his media availability by reading a prepared statement and walking away from the podium.

The No. 18 Trojans defeated the Buckeyes, who dropped from No. 2 to No. 11 in the AP Top 25. The victory marked the highest win over a ranked team for USC since a 2004 victory over Oklahoma. The defense limited Ohio State to a season low of 18 points and prevented a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter.

Riley held a white sheet of paper during the press conference. He told reporters he wanted to articulate his thoughts before reading from the document. He stated that the program is built on internal joy rather than external applause. He said the win belonged to the staff, players, leaders, and administration. Riley noted that he previously identified himself as the right person for the job and that he only cares about what those inside the organization know.

The coach expressed appreciation for the university and its staff. He said he would continue to fight because that is what being a Trojan entails. He then stood up and left the room, saying adios to the reporters as he turned toward the door. It is unclear if Riley wrote the statement himself or prepared it before the game.

Riley has faced recent criticism from pundits and fans. The Trojans suffered a 17-7 loss to Wisconsin that dropped them out of the AP Top 25. They also lost a third consecutive game to Oregon, extending Riley's record against ranked teams to 5-15. The team overcame a 21-10 deficit to beat Washington, during which the crowd at the Coliseum chanted for the coach to be fired.

Offensive lineman Tobias Raymond commented on the team's focus. He said that nothing matters but the people inside the building and how they get along each day. Raymond described the victory as a product of focusing on themselves and playing Trojan football. The sound of fans rushing the field on Saturday night drowned out the external criticism.

The Trojans face a bye week before playing two ranked teams. They will face No. 6 Indiana and No. 5 UCLA. UCLA is unbeaten under first-year head coach Bob Chesney. The first College Football Playoff rankings are scheduled for release on Tuesday. Riley said that teams that hang in there and stay together will be there in the end. He noted that their schedule presents many challenges and opportunities.