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Paul Finebaum criticizes Lincoln Riley after USC loss to Oregon

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 12:00 AM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

Paul Finebaum criticizes Lincoln Riley after USC loss to Oregon

Summary

USC head coach Lincoln Riley faces significant criticism from Paul Finebaum following the Trojans' 41-27 loss to Oregon on September 28. Finebaum labeled Riley a 'fraud' and suggested it may be time for USC to part ways with him due to a lack of leadership, citing Riley's handling of a controversial hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Following the game, USC suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game after his actions sparked outrage. With his record at USC mirroring that of former head coach Clay Helton, calls for Riley's dismissal are growing louder among analysts and fans.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•USC loses 41-27 to No. 20 Oregon at home.
•Paul Finebaum urges USC to fire Lincoln Riley.
•Finebaum criticizes Riley's response to a controversial player hit.
•Desman Stephens II suspended for one game after his actions.
•Riley's coaching record at USC compares unfavorably to Clay Helton's.

Latest Updates

12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Paul Finebaum urges USC to dump ‘fraud’ Lincoln Riley

What they're saying

"
Lincoln Riley has lost a lot of games with USC, but worse than that, he’s losing credibility for the once-proud college football program. And according to Paul Finebaum, it might be time for Lincoln Riley to get lost. Saturday may have been a low point for Riley in his five years as head football coach…
— Yahoo Sports

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