
USC UNDERDOGS: Lincoln Riley And Jayden Maiava Face The Buckeyes’ Elite Defense in Must-Win Contest!
Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & BasketballSummary
A highly anticipated college football matchup is set for Saturday as the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the USC Trojans at the Coliseum. Both teams, known for their storied histories and numerous accolades, face unique challenges heading into the game. Ohio State, currently ranked second in the nation, is dealing with quarterback uncertainty, while USC looks to rebound from a disappointing loss against Wisconsin.
USC's offense has struggled recently, particularly in their last game where they managed only seven points. The Trojans' quarterback, Jaden Maiava, has shown promise but needs to improve under pressure, especially against a formidable Ohio State defense. Conversely, Ohio State is looking to establish a strong running game to support their young quarterback, Luke Fahey, who is expected to make his first start. The Buckeyes have faced difficulties in their ground game this season, with only one player surpassing 100 rushing yards in their first seven games.
The matchup also raises questions about both teams' defenses. USC's defensive line has not consistently generated pressure, while Ohio State's secondary may struggle against USC's talented receiving corps. The outcome may hinge on which team can effectively manage turnovers and capitalize on opportunities, particularly in front of a potentially raucous home crowd for USC. With playoff implications on the line, both teams are eager to prove themselves in this pivotal clash.
Show Notes
The USC Trojans and Ohio St. Buckeyes face off at the Coliseum, with Ohio St. set to start a true freshman quarterback—Luke Fahey. USC, meanwhile, looks to rebound from a disappointing loss to Wisconsin and faces mounting pressure on head coach Lincoln Riley amid growing hot seat speculation. Key storylines include Jeremiah Smith’s role as Ohio State’s top receiving threat, adjustments on both teams’ offensive lines, and whether Jayden Maiava can lead USC’s multi-weapon offense against one of college football’s best defenses. The conversation explores both teams’ rushing attacks, recent injuries, and the tactical chess match between Riley’s offense and Ryan Day’s defense. With playoff hopes and coaching futures potentially on the line, is this the game where legacies are cemented or rewritten? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Wayfair Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.
ULTRA POUCHES Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONCOLLEGEFOOTBALL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Butcher Box If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
5-Hour ENERGY Treat yourself to a crisp apple bite and smooth caramel delight with a Caramel Apple 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot, only available online for a limited time at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
More from Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball
USC Trojans face mounting pressure as reports surface of a strained relationship between head coach Lincoln Riley and the university. Is an unhappy marriage threatening USC’s playoff hopes? The discussion explores Riley’s candid media exchange, the intense scrutiny following the Trojans’ 24-7 loss to Wisconsin, and insider quotes suggesting both sides may be nearing a breaking point. Key topics include Riley’s transparency about multiple job opportunities, questions around play-calling responsibilities, and whether future success could mend the rift. Analysis also highlights USC’s inconsistent run game, the significance of the upcoming showdown against Ohio State, and what’s at stake for Riley’s tenure. Will the Trojans rally at the Coliseum, or are changes on the horizon for one of college football’s most storied programs? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball
USC Trojans hit a historic low with a shocking 24-7 loss to Wisconsin, finishing with negative rushing yards and failing to produce a single play over 20 yards. Can Lincoln Riley’s offense recover after being completely shut down by the Badgers’ relentless defense? The episode highlights abysmal offensive grades, with Jayden Maiava’s struggles at quarterback and a run game that never found its footing. The conversation focused on Riley’s surprising postgame admission that the team “panicked,” igniting questions about leadership, accountability, and the program’s long-term trajectory. Listener mailbag questions address speculation around Riley’s future, comparisons to Oregon’s coaching accountability, and the cultural shift needed for USC to return to contention in the Big Ten. With Ohio State looming and fan frustration at a boiling point, is it time for a coaching change—or will the Trojans rally when it matters most? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball
The USC Trojans’ shocking loss to Wisconsin sent shockwaves through college football—can Lincoln Riley turn the program around, or is the clock ticking on his tenure? Fans and pundits nationwide weigh in as frustrations mount and tough questions swirl about the team’s direction, physicality, and offensive identity. The conversation focused on USC football’s relevance despite recent struggles, emphasizing Lincoln Riley’s embattled leadership, negative 17-yard rushing performance, and the glaring gap between the program’s illustrious tradition—Heisman winners and “Tailback U” glory—and present woes. Key topics include College GameDay’s absence from USC since 2013, national criticism by figures like Paul Finebaum and Keyshawn Johnson, and a discouraging drop from the AP Top 25. The discussion explored the fanbase’s deep-rooted loyalty, challenges in the run game, and looming questions: Can Riley survive the season, and what has to change for the Trojans to reclaim their championship standard? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball
USC Trojans hit a new low with a 24-7 loss to Wisconsin, leaving fans questioning if Lincoln Riley is still the right leader for the program. After a bye week and a once-promising win at Penn State, USC stumbled in all aspects—offense, defense, special teams, and coaching—against a less-talented Badgers squad. Riley’s play-calling and lack of offensive creativity, coupled with a nonexistent run game and five sacks allowed, fueled concerns about stagnation in his fifth year. The conversation focused on USC's persistent struggles, from inconsistent performances to wasted recruiting momentum. A key theme that emerged was the growing gap between expectations and results, especially with UCLA soaring and Ohio State looming on the schedule. The discussion explored whether potential wins can truly reset narratives, or if another letdown is inevitable. Can Riley rally the Trojans, or will USC’s high hopes for national prominence yet again be dashed? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball
USC’s powerhouse 2026 recruiting class is already making noise—four true freshmen, including Trent Mosley, Mark Bowman, and Luke Wafle, are racking up All-American honors and fueling the Trojans’ push for a playoff spot. Can this youth movement propel USC to historic heights, or will tougher tests await? Marc Kulkin spotlights big breakout moments, explosive stats, and All-American snubs, raising crucial questions about national recognition for rising stars like Kayden Dixon-Wyatt. The spotlight shifts to the dominant USC offensive line, led by Elijah Paige and orchestrated by coach Zach Hanson. With Paige earning midseason first-team All-American status and the entire unit landing on the Joe Moore Award Honor Roll, the Trojans enjoy remarkable protection and run support for Jayden Maiava. Kulkin also tackles the growing chaos of NIL and transfer portal realities, using Oregon State’s Jesse LeGree as a flashpoint—are unchecked player bids changing the face of college football forever? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball