USC's Road Challenges Under Lincoln Riley: A Critical Test Against Penn State and Indiana
USC has faced challenges on the road since Lincoln Riley took over as head coach in 2024. In their first season, they failed to secure a road win outside of California, and last season, all three of their regular season losses occurred away from home. The Trojans have a significant matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers, the reigning national champions, in Bloomington on Nov. 14. Prior to that, they will travel to Happy Valley on Oct. 10 to take on Penn State in what is expected to be a highly competitive game, especially during the Nittany Lions' annual "White Out" game at Beaver Stadium, known for its intense atmosphere. USC cannot afford to falter against Penn State early in October, as it could be a pivotal moment for both teams. Quarterback Jayden Maiava struggled in road games last season, particularly against Nebraska, Notre Dame, and Oregon. Winning tough road games is crucial for USC's success, and Maiava's performance will be key in achieving that goal. The hope is that Maiava has learned from his past experiences and will show growth this season. USC's ability to win on the road will be a determining factor in their quest to become a top team in the conference and potentially reach the College Football Playoff.