Lincoln Riley calls out 1 quarter after USC 42-26 win over San Jose State

USC football entered Saturday as the only top 15 team in action. Fans who basked in the near 90 degree heat inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum saw a dominating three quarters. But head coach Lincoln Riley called out one quarter that didn’t live up to USC’s standards against San Jose State.

The Trojans prevailed to a 42-26 romp to kickoff the season, winning without key wide receiver Tanook Hines. But again, Riley became blunt about the end.

“First three quarters, a lot of really good football out there. Fourth quarter, not up to our standards,” Riley told reporters after the win. 

Yet that wasn’t Riley’s strongest take. He revealed who’s the most upset about that final quarter: Gary Patterson, who made his USC defensive coordinator debut after a lengthy run with TCU.

“He’s pissed right now about the fourth quarter,” Riley added.

Patterson turned heads early by playing two true freshman on that side of the ball. Five-star edge rusher Luke Wafle impressed early in nearly getting a sack for the safety. But ultimately forced an errant incomplete throw. Wafle even bulldozed past two different blockers to pressure quarterback Luke Weaver of the Spartans. Patterson also played four-star cornerback Elbert Hill IV in USC’s new-look five-man defensive back scheme.

USC allowed 336 total yards against the Mountain West Conference foe. But 234 came through the air. And SJSU outscored USC with an astonishing 23-7 run.

So USC’s head coach and defensive coordinator left unpleased by the final opening result. This despite showing the nation that it can be a dominating force for three quarters. Now USC faces an upset-minded Fresno State team on a short week, with that contest set for Sept. 4 inside the Coliseum.

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