Fans slammed Lincoln Riley’s polarizing call in USC meltdown vs. Maryland

Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Utah Utes in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Several fans felt that a late call from USC head coach Lincoln Riley on Saturday may have been the difference in the team’s brutal loss to Maryland.

The Trojans had a 28-22 lead and possession with two minutes left at SECU Stadium in College Park, Md. With USC facing 3rd-and-8 on Maryland’s 31, quarterback Miller Moss’ pass to wide receiver Makai Lemon ended up just a yard short of a first down.

Instead of going for it on 4th-and-1, Riley opted to send out his field goal unit. The 41-yard attempt was blocked and returned all the way to midfield.

Maryland ended up scoring a go-ahead touchdown to pull off a 29-28 come-from-behind win.

USC could have virtually iced the game with a first down. Even if the Trojans had failed to convert, the Terrapins would have had to start their drive deep in their own territory needing a touchdown.

Some fans on X slammed Riley for his decision to go for the field goal.

USC led 28-14 just over a minute into the fourth quarter. Maryland closed out the contest with 15 unanswered points.

Fans also roasted Riley for a different decision to close out the first half.

USC’s brutal loss Saturday was the team’s third straight and fourth over its last five games. With the Trojans now 3-4, Riley’s seat may be starting to feel a bit warmer.

The post Fans slammed Lincoln Riley’s polarizing call in USC meltdown vs. Maryland appeared first on Larry Brown Sports .