Lincoln Riley calls timeout with one second left before halftime just to kneel

USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley. Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Watch: Lincoln Riley calls timeout with one second left before halftime just to take a knee in 'unbelievable' turn of events

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 19, 2024 7:27 PM ET

USC coach Lincoln Riley left everyone scratching their heads Saturday with his bizarre clock management at the end of the first half.

With the Trojans ahead 21-7 and in possession of the ball at their own 44-yard line and time running out in the first half, both USC and Maryland players were leaving the field for halftime. Riley, however, had other ideas. He gestured his team back on the field and called his final timeout with one second left, leading the FS1 telecast, and presumably many others, to believe Riley wanted to take a shot at the end zone from about 55 yards out.

That was not the case. Riley sent his offense on the field to take a knee.

*USC calls timeout with 1 second left in the half*
*gets in victory formation* pic.twitter.com/MgGxQm3BfJ

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2024

Maybe Riley was trying to make a point. It’s not clear to who, or about what, but there weren’t many good explanations for such a pointless exercise.

The New Orleans Saints actually did something very similar to this on Thursday against the Denver Broncos. That was ultimately pinned on an assistant coach, but there is no disputing that this was all Riley, and it was certainly strange.

USC entered Saturday’s game at 3-3 following back-to-back losses against Minnesota and Penn State.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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