Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans battled injuries ahead of Week 6's game against Penn State in what became a close game. The Trojans, who shared a season-ending surgery announcement before the game, got tricky after halftime as Riley rolled the dice on an onside kick that didn't go as planned.

Ryon Sayeri's dribble of a kick was quickly snatched up by Penn State, ending coach Riley's hopes of recovery.

USC tried to catch Penn State off guard with an onside kick to open the second half, but the Nittany Lions were ready for it

(Via NBC) pic.twitter.com/315vaCoXiF

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2026

The game was tied at 17 each after halftime, with Matt Campbell's Nittany Lions and Riley's Trojans feeling each other out. USC QB Jayden Maiava and Penn State QB Rocco Becht both played well, each compiling nearly 300 yards and avoiding interceptions as of early in the fourth quarter.

Article Continues Below

The Trojans extended to a 31-23 lead on a Maiava to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt at the 11:11 mark giving Riley and his team's fans plenty to cheer about headed toward the game's stretch run. The Trojans had 393 yards to 315 for Penn State at that juncture of the game, once again putting the onus on Gary Patterson's defense to hold the fort and secure the win.

Riley and the Trojans are not above getting tricky, but they did it at the wrong time. Riley's decision to go for the onside kick seemed to inspire his team as they continued to battle in front of a raucous white out crowd in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions have yet to score a signature win on the young Campbell era, but they continued to go for one in front of their home fans. Riley and the Trojans looked like they would bring a win back to Los Angeles, but there was still plenty of time as the fourth quarter continued.