Social Media Erupts as Lincoln Riley Faces Backlash After USC's Stunning Collapse Against Penn State

USC had No. 4 Penn State on the ropes but fell to just 1-3 in Big Ten play

Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

USC's transition to the Big Ten has not gone smoothly.

After starting the year with a minor upset victory over LSU in Las Vegas, USC has started its debut season in the Big Ten with a big dud.

The Trojans held a 20-6 halftime lead over No. 4 Penn State on Saturday but couldn't hold on, scoring just one touchdown in the second half and falling in overtime, 33-30. The loss moves USC to 3-3 overall on the season and many Trojans fans and former players are a bit frustrated where things stand with Notre Dame's biggest rival in the third season under Lincoln Riley.

USC Legend Matt Leinart is Upset

Clock management has been a massive issue all year. It’s unfortunate.

1-3 in the Big 10. Wow!

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) October 12, 2024

USC Legend Matt Leinart is Still Upset

Mediocrity isn’t the standard at USC.

Period!

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) October 12, 2024

Lincoln Riley's Trend at USC Continues

Lincoln Riley just lost another game he should have won

— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 12, 2024

Lincoln Riley Headed to the NFL?

Lincoln Riley is destined to be an NFL coach the way he mismanages the clock at the end of games.

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 12, 2024

Damning Lincoln Riley Trends of Late at USC

USC football in the last calendar year:

* 5-8 overall
* 1-4 on the road
* 1-6 against ranked teams.

Not. Ideal. pic.twitter.com/Ss7umiCwN3

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) October 12, 2024

Lincoln Riley Late Game Management

Lincoln Riley really had the ball at midfield with 3 time outs pic.twitter.com/G6UOxuwmyg

— Cam Foreman (@CForeman31) October 12, 2024

Lincoln Riley Roasted for Clock Management (More)

What the hell was that clock management by Lincoln Riley and USC?

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) October 12, 2024

USC Trojans Wire is Frustrated

The Minnesota team USC lost to?

It just got shut out in the first half by UCLA.#LincolnRiley

— USC Trojans Wire (@TrojansWire) October 13, 2024

USC Psycho is Unpleased with Lincoln Riley

Lincoln Riley is the worst 4th quarter game manager to ever coach a football game. He is not qualified to do this job. I said it.

— USC Psycho (@uscpsycho) October 12, 2024

When All Else Fails for Lincoln Riley, Ban a Reporter

Lincoln Riley is going to ban a reporter this week

— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) October 12, 2024

Former USC Trojan Jake Olson Sounds Off on Lincoln Riley

This has to be one of the worst losses in the past 30 years. Don’t meed to explain why. Again, not saying Helton was the answer, but careful running a conference champion and Rose Bowl winning head coach out of town.

— Jake Olson (@JakeOlson61) October 12, 2024

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