In a triumphant display on October 7, 2023, the University of Southern California (USC) secured a decisive 29-10 victory over their archrival UCLA at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This win not only allowed USC to retain the coveted Victory Bell, but it also provided a temporary balm for fans following a disappointing previous week against Oregon.
The game saw a dramatic turnaround as USC rallied in the second half. Initially trailing 10-7 during the third quarter, the Trojans surged back thanks to quarterback Jayden Maiava, who connected with wide receivers Makai Lemon and Lake McCree for crucial touchdowns. This performance shifted the mood in the stadium, where approximately 69,614 fans, predominantly clad in cardinal and gold, celebrated the outcome.
Despite the victory, many fans were left reflecting on USC’s missed opportunity the previous week. After entering the season with high expectations, particularly following the arrival of Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans have struggled to meet their ambitious goals. The 2022 season ended in disappointment as USC narrowly missed the College Football Playoff, and this year’s aspirations dimmed after a tough defeat against Oregon.
Riley acknowledged the importance of the win against UCLA, describing it as a vital step forward. “When you build something, you have to do it in steps,” he stated. This season has seen USC maintain a formidable home record of 7-0, which includes victories over Big Ten rivals Michigan and Iowa, culminating in a 9-3 overall performance.
Looking ahead, USC boasts the top recruiting class in the country, according to 247Sports. However, the unpredictable nature of the transfer portal raises questions about the future composition of the team. Longtime Trojan supporters may find themselves wondering if the progress made under Riley is sufficient, especially given the school’s storied history of 11 national championships.
Riley understands the expectations that accompany coaching at USC. “Los Angeles is a place that, you know, people aren’t going to show up just because, right? You have to win,” he explained. The atmosphere in the Coliseum during the rivalry game was electric, a testament to the enduring passion of USC fans, even as attendance for UCLA has dwindled following a disappointing season that concluded with a 3-9 record.
The defeat has led to speculation regarding the future of UCLA’s coaching staff, particularly after the firing of head coach Deshaun Foster following a challenging season. This raises questions about the Bruins’ direction as they attempt to rebuild their program.
As USC continues to adapt to the realities of being a member of the Big Ten, Riley remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory. He emphasized the need for resilience and the ability to win challenging games as essential qualities for success. “We got to go win some of these tough games. We got to win in the fourth quarter,” he noted.
With this victory now behind them, Trojan fans are left to consider the implications for their team’s future. While the win against UCLA provided a moment of joy, the overarching question remains: Is USC poised for a return to its former glory, or is the path forward still clouded with uncertainty?
As the season progresses, the anticipation builds around how USC will navigate the challenges ahead. The victory over UCLA may serve as a pivotal moment, with Riley expressing confidence that it will be remembered positively in the future. Only time will reveal if this optimism translates into sustained success on the field.
