Did Lincoln Riley save his job, USC's CFP chances with upset win over Ohio State?

Lincoln Riley knew the significance of USC's upset win over Ohio State

"I say this all the time," Riley said, via ESPN. "Every game is its own season. It's just what it feels like. This was a big one."

Riley produced his first win over a top-five team during his tenure at USC. In his five years as Trojans head coach, Riley is 48-22 with a 5-14 record against ranked opponents.

Riley was on the hot seat heading into Saturday's game following an ugly loss against Wisconsin.

"We had to do a good job of getting past last week, and I thought our team did a phenomenal job. We were more patient," Riley told ESPN. "I know what's building within those walls. Like, I know it, and all my years of experience, and all that I've kind of seen and got to experience in this game, tells me that. I believe that with every fiber of my being. I felt like we would play well. I knew we would respond."

Leading up to the OSU game, Riley addressed his desire to stay at USC.

USC fans storm the field after Lincoln Riley's signature win over Ohio State

"Really fun win tonight," Riley said, via SI, about the Halloween night treat for the USC fans. "Great atmosphere inside the Coliseum.

"I'm super proud of the team. Just the players, staff, everybody stayed together through the week. And that was key throughout the week.

"It's a pretty happy locker room. They had a great mentality across the way."

If the Trojans win out, a spot in the 12-team CFP should be a lock. The schedule doesn't get any easier, though. In fact, USC has a tough road ahead, starting with the Nov. 14 game at No. 4 Indiana. Stacking more wins is especially important for a USC program that has never made the playoff in Riley's career.