Lincoln Riley breaks down USC’s victory over LSU, highlighting player performances, defensive improvements, and the importance of crowd support for the upcoming home opener.
Bollywood Fever: Lincoln Riley made his second appearance on Trojans Live this season following USC’s hard-fought 27-20 victory over LSU in Las Vegas. Here are seven key points from his discussion:

- Kamari Ramsey’s Impact:
Riley singled out USC safety Kamari Ramsey, who played all 64 defensive snaps against LSU, leading the team with nine tackles. “Kamari having already spent a year in coach Lynn’s scheme is incredibly valuable,” Riley said. He praised Ramsey’s versatility, calling him “a tremendous player” and one of the most important additions to the team this year. Riley emphasized Ramsey’s ability to cover, blitz, tackle, and be a free player, noting that his experience in the system has made his transition smoother. - Defensive Improvement:
Riley highlighted the significant improvement in USC’s tackling, a crucial factor in securing the win against LSU. Despite Pro Football Focus initially grading USC’s defense with eight missed tackles, Riley noted this was a marked improvement. He credited better positioning and fundamental play, stating, “I think our guys are in position, and they’re understanding where their help is.” This improvement, he believes, stems from closing down lanes in the run game, which makes it harder for opponents to break tackles. - Miller Moss’ Performance:
Riley was full of praise for quarterback Miller Moss, who threw for 378 yards and a touchdown without any turnovers. “Miller was pretty good,” Riley said, acknowledging Moss’ poise and fearlessness in the pocket. Although there were a few decisions they’d like to have back, Riley commended Moss for his patience and composure throughout the game. “He led us. He was very poised throughout the entire game,” Riley added. - Offensive Line’s Growth:
The offensive line’s performance against LSU’s formidable defense was another highlight. Riley noted, “We did a pretty good job,” especially considering the loud environment. However, he also mentioned that there were some critical errors that need addressing as they move forward. Despite the challenges, Riley was pleased with the physicality and resilience shown by the offensive line. - Standout Pass Catchers:
Riley mentioned tight end Lake McRee and receiver Kyron Hudson as key contributors in the passing game against LSU. “Lake in particular played extremely well. That was probably his best game as a Trojan,” Riley said. He also praised McRee for his dual impact in both the run and pass game, highlighting his steadiness and physical play. - Jaylin Smith’s Transition to Cornerback:
Riley was impressed with Jaylin Smith’s debut at cornerback after transitioning from safety. “Jaylin handled the move over to corner well,” Riley said, particularly praising his tackling and big plays in the red zone. Smith’s ability to make key tackles and adapt to the cornerback role was a significant factor in USC’s defensive success. - Call for Crowd Support:
Looking ahead to the home opener against Utah State, Riley emphasized the importance of crowd support. “Our crowd’s got to help us Saturday,” he said. Riley expressed confidence in the team’s performance and urged fans to create a “heck of an atmosphere” in the Coliseum, hoping the crowd’s energy will propel the team to greater heights.
Riley’s insights provided a comprehensive look at USC’s progress and areas of focus as they prepare for the rest of the season. The coach’s emphasis on player development, tactical improvements, and the role of fan support underscores the collective effort needed to build on their early success.
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