TLDR: USC’s recent 19-13 victory over UCLA in the Battle of Los Angeles was a bittersweet success for Lincoln Riley and his team. Although they succeeded in claiming the Victory Bell and securing a bowl bid, the underlying problems persist. Fans are dissatisfied with the season’s overall performance, characterized by inconsistent offense and inadequate red-zone plays. While Jayden Maiava showcased his athletic skills with key plays, Riley’s play-calling failed to capitalize on his quarterback’s potential. The offensive line’s inability to secure critical moments has hampered the team’s red-zone efficiency. Riley, known as a historically great play-caller, has struggled in crucial game moments this season. To rectify these issues and enhance team performance in 2025, a serious reassessment is necessary, beginning with potential changes in coaching staff, particularly addressing offensive line coaching under Josh Henson.

In the euphoric aftermath of USC’s narrow 19-13 victory over rival UCLA, you’d think fans would be riding high on a wave of Trojans triumph. Alas, no such waves to catch here! The Trojans ensured that their season wouldn’t be tarnished by a losing record and secured a bowl bid to boot. Yet, even with the coveted Victory Bell in tow, you’d be hard-pressed to find genuine smiles in the bleachers. The problem lies in the fact that a proud chapter like USC expects championship narratives, not mere survival storylines. Lincoln Riley’s crew took no steps forward with another inconsistent performance, particularly highlighted by an errant offense that left much to be desired in sunny Pasadena.

The Trojan offense, starring quarterback Jayden Maiava, had all the tools but somehow forgot how to build the house. With Maiava’s nimbleness on full display, it begs the question as to why Riley’s play-calling didn’t fully utilize his quarterback’s legwork. If the play sheets continue to ignore the dynamic option plays and RPOs that could bring out Maiava’s best, then what’s the point of showcasing his gifts at all? It’s akin to having a surfboard but never braving the waves! The offense’s capability to move the ball stalled dramatically as they approached the red zone, leaving fans scratching their heads.

The elephant in the room is the offensive line, which miraculously manages to tease us with glimmers of competency before fizzling out when the endzone looms large. They move mountains between the 20-yard lines, then become pebbles once it matters most. As the season hits the eleventh-hour, their failure to pack a punch in critical instances renders any Hail Mary creditable attempts moot. Josh Henson’s stewardship over the line is in dire need of scrutiny, as holding on to hope with performances like these is like waiting for rain in a perpetual California drought.

Going forward, Riley must take a deep dive into introspection to recapture his once-celebrated play-calling prowess. Sure, an underperforming offensive line is a hefty ball and chain, but great strategists shine by crafting excellence out of adversity. USC’s defensive line has stood its ground with valiance despite injuries and set a high bar for resiliency. If Riley holds any hope for a better tomorrow, or in this case, a better 2025, perhaps drastic steps like reshuffling the coaching deck may be necessary. The Notre Dame matchup looms, and so does the need for pressing changes, beginning with serious consideration of Henson’s tenure.