USC, despite its tough match-up, surprised its fans and the naysayers with a strong showing against LSU. Even after such a brilliant beginning, HC Lincoln Riley is still making the team and himself humble. When you’ve scored a win, especially a rather decisive one, it is very easy to let the team rest on their laurels and get over-excited, but not Riley. He keeps them grounded. Riley’s message is clear: this is all well and good, but the “real” test is yet to come.

Talking to Trojans Live, he expressed a lot of respect for Utah State’s quarterback, Bryson Barnes, and said, he is “ a really good player.” He is not relenting on, that the Trojans have posted an impressive win-loss record in their first games, to underestimate the Utah State team will be a big mistake since they will come with all guns blazing.

Riley’s humility and focus on the details are what set him apart as a coach. He appreciates the fact that playing in just one big game will not get his team through a season. “We’ll get their best shot,” he said, again affirming the fact that no opponent should be taken lightly. This is the mindset, Riley is trying to bring to his team, ensuring that they focus on the effort and hard work that they put in daily. 

As the Trojans get ready for Utah State, Riley’s strategies are to keep the players grounded and not overemphasize the outcomes. USC’s strong start might have set the tone, but Riley suspects that much more needs to be done. And knowing that Utah State is waiting for them on Saturday, he is making sure his team knows that they must be ready to compete and advance the challenges ahead of them.

The Utah State challenge and USC’s strengths

Riley knows that Utah State won’t be a walk in the park. The Aggies have shown that they will fight till the end, especially during the clutch moments of the games. Last season, USC faced Utah twice, splitting the series with one win and one loss, showing that underestimating this team can have consequences. Utah State has similar energy and Riley’s eager to ensure that the USC doesn’t repeat the same mistake it has made in previous games. 

The first game against LSU gave USC a taste of what to expect from tougher competition. LSU’s defense came to play, and they should expect the same from Utah State. Riley has been reviewing this film to make sure his team is ready for the Aggies. What we saw in USC’s early win is what the team is capable of, but the important question is, will the Trojans be able to sustain such a high level of performance into the further games of the season?

Thus, Riley’s main priority is to make sure that USC continues practicing hard for every match. Utah State’s ability to score late in games is a significant threat, and Riley’s making sure his team is ready for a full 60 minutes of intense football. The Trojans are the blessed team this season, but Riley knows that staying humble and prepared is what will keep them on top.