USC football took a massive loss on Saturday, losing 41-27 to Oregon for their first loss of the year. It was the first time the Trojans faced a ranked opponent, leading to calls for Lincoln Riley to be fired. Adding to the fire, Riley was criticized for Desman Stephens celebrating after a dirty hit on Oregon's Dante Moore.
Now, Colin Cowherd is blasting Lincoln Riley for the culture of the team, speaking on his show.
“There was a moment in this game, pretty frightening. You see this happen a half dozen times, maybe more, a year in college or pro football, where a quarterback slides, and a defender, you know, hammers him. And Desman Stephens did here,” Cowherd opened with. “It's ugly. It makes your stomach turn… but what really bothers me was the defensive player went to the sideline and was laughing about it, high-fiving people, had no self-awareness.”
Riley has denied seeing the celebration, but Cowherd believes the issue is cultural, not just that moment.
Article Continues Below“USC's program is a little too casual, a little too sophomoric, a little too high school. You think Curt Cignetti at Indiana's sideline would've looked like that? No,” Cowherd added.
Moore has a concussion and left the field on a backboard. After the contest, in which Stephens was ejected from the game, he was suspended for one contest by USC. Lincoln Riley also released a statement.
“Desman's actions in last night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC football nor of his personal character,” Riley said in a statement. “He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this. The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and we send our best regards to him and his family.”
USC returns to the field on Saturday, hosting Washington at 7:30 pm ET.