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Lincoln Riley reacts to 1st B1G win: ‘These are tough, hard-fought games’

Bryce Lazenby

By Bryce Lazenby

Published:

Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans picked up their 1st conference win as a member of the Big Ten on Saturday.

The No. 13 Trojans welcomed the Wisconsin Badgers to Los Angeles in Week 5. Many expected a hard-fought, typical B1G game, and that’s exactly what happened.

The Trojans were down by 11 points at halftime, but the defense held the Badgers scoreless in the 2nd half and escaped with a 38-21 victory.

After the game, Riley was asked how important this game was for the program.

“It’s important. It’s our first Big Ten win. These are tough, hard-fought games and that’s what this conference is,” said the coach.

Getting that 1st conference win is huge for a Trojans team with postseason aspirations.

B1G play didn’t start out great for the Trojans, as the team fell to Michigan in Week 4. However, a bounce-back win could be just what the team needed as they enter the thick of conference play.

Miller Moss had a fantastic showing against the Badgers. Moss completed 30 of 45 passes for 308 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Ja’Kobi Lane showed out, catching 10 passes for 105 yards and 2 TDs.

The Trojan defense was also impressive, holding the Badgers to just 286 total yards and no points in the 2nd half.

The next test for the Trojans will come in Week 6 against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Bryce Lazenby

Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.