USC’s Lincoln Riley Fumes After Pac-12 Officiating Disaster

The Trojans coach was irate after a bizarre sequence in the closing seconds of the first half.

A bizarre officiating mistake late in the first half of Saturday’s USC-Arizona game infuriated Trojans coach Lincoln Riley, as the error led to the clock running out on a potential USC scoring drive.

With USC leading, 17-13, the Trojans offense took over at their own 33-yard line with 45 seconds left in the second quarter after the defense forced a turnover on downs. Star quarterback Caleb Williams converted three of his four attempts to lead USC 57 yards downfield, including a 34-yard completion to receiver Brenden Rice at the Arizona 9-yard line with five seconds to go.

After securing a crucial first down, the Trojans’ momentum was interrupted when officials elected to re-spot the ball after the game clock began running. Consequently, time expired in the half before Williams could spike the ball to stop the clock in time for one more play.

As both teams walked off the field, an incensed Riley let loose on the officiating crew and appeared more than frustrated over the blown chance for his squad to increase its lead.

#USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley was Rightfully Heated at the End of the 1st Half 🤬

Clock started running after 1st down before ball was set by refs

🎥 @On3USC pic.twitter.com/DbsMFbazIM

— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) October 30, 2022

While Riley clearly didn’t appreciate the officials’ blunder, he wasn’t the only one with a strong reaction to the disastrous sequence. Several of those reactions were retweeted by USC athletic director Mike Bohn, who probably can’t wait for the day the Trojans will no longer have to deal with Pac-12 officiating.

USC had the ball at the Arizona 9 with five seconds left and was scrambling to spike it. But at the last second, the refs re-spotted the ball. The clock had already started running, which I don't think should have been happening. Regardless, the teams are off the field.

— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) October 30, 2022

I don't know what was going on with the #Pac12 refs there, but again I think it is incompetence and not bias.

To try and influence a game with officiating you have to be good and #Pac12Refs are not good.

— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) October 30, 2022

Absolutely bizarre end to the half with USC-Arizona, as the clock continues to run despite the ref not spotting the ball yet. USC should’ve had five seconds to spike the ball, but time had already run out.

Pac-12 refs, man. Pac-12 refs.

— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) October 30, 2022

Pac 12 refs are an absolute joke. This is why USC leaves. Are you kidding me.

— Jeff Dubrof (@j_dubrof) October 30, 2022

I think that’s the phrase atop the conference’s letterhead.

— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) October 30, 2022