USC offense sets Lincoln Riley record for futility

Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

USC offense sets Lincoln Riley record for futility

By Alan Rubenstein | Last updated Oct 25, 2026 10:02 PM ET

When Lincoln Riley replaced Bob Stoops at Oklahoma, he was known as an offensive guru. Riley was 55-10 in five seasons at Oklahoma before being hired by USC ahead of the 2022 season.

The 24-7 USC loss at Wisconsin on Saturday, though, set a record for the fewest points scored by a Riley offense.

USC was abysmal offensively against Wisconsin. The Trojans had -17 rushing yards and 241 total yards. Wisconsin had five sacks totaling 57 yards that are included in the rushing yards. USC had 20 carries for 40 yards when sacks are removed.

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 31 passes in 50 attempts for 258 yards, one TD and two interceptions. The Trojans were 7-of-15 on third-down conversions. USC converting one of three red-zone trips was a major difference in the loss at Wisconsin.

Maiava was seven-of-10 on third down for 78 yards with one TD and two interceptions. Two of the five Wisconsin sacks came on third down. Maiava completed one of his three fourth-down passing attempts for eight yards.

USC offense in 24-7 loss at Wisconsin

Points: 7
Rushing yards: -17
Total yards: 241
20+ yard plays: 0

All fewest under Lincoln Riley, per CBS Sports research. pic.twitter.com/MvueZ6TLaV
— Cody Nagel (@CodyNagel247) October 25, 2026

USC leaving points on the board

Maiava was called for a critical intentional grounding in the third quarter on third down, costing USC 15 yards. The intentional grounding pushed a USC field-goal attempt from what would have been 29 yards to a 44-yard attempt by Caden Chittenden, which Wisconsin blocked.

Four USC drives ended in Wisconsin territory without points. USC frequently played behind the sticks. The Trojans averaged 6.8 yards to go on third down. USC gifted Wisconsin its first points when Maiava threw an interception on the second Trojans' drive at its own 18.

Wisconsin had to settle for a field goal. USC had four drives of 10 yards or fewer, including the final one of the first half. USC drove to the Wisconsin 10-yard line on the final drive of the game but was stopped on fourth down with 41 seconds remaining.

Trailing 24-7, that drive was too late. Five USC drives against Wisconsin were for 20 yards or fewer. Saturday was by far the worst offensive performance of the season for USC. The Trojans were averaging 462.4 yards per game before playing Wisconsin.

Alan Rubenstein

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