Lincoln Riley and USC fell to a disappointing 4-5 overall and 2-5 in the Big Ten when they lost 26-21 to Washington on Saturday night, and the head coach feels the frustration from his program and fans.

But, as he has done throughout the season, Riley is quick to remind the media that his team is agonizingly close to having a very different narrative this season. After all, the Trojans have lost all five of their games by single-digits, or in other words, a combined 19 points.

Quote of the night from USC’s Lincoln Riley.

“I’ve told you guys before, it’s like — ‘all right, yeah, how many weeks we gotta say this?’ I understand. But, like, you go change five, six plays this season, and then everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, they’re frickin’ unbelievable.’”

— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) November 3, 2024

This isn’t the first time that Riley has made this argument, as he said something similar when the Trojans fell to 3-2 following a 24-17 loss to Minnesota.

The claim is fair considering how ruthless this sport can be at times regarding close games (just ask the entire state of Nebraska for the past eight years). But, Riley has now moved to 23-13 in three seasons as head coach at USC, and he is in danger of missing a bowl game for the first time during his tenure at Southern Cal.

USC’s remaining slate includes a home date against Nebraska, a short road trip to take on rivals UCLA and the annual meeting with Notre Dame at the Coliseum.