USC's 31-23 win over Penn State didn't feel like a turning point for the Trojans, but it certainly saved their season going into a week off. If the Trojans had failed in Happy Valley, they would have gone into their off week knowing Lincoln Riley was toast and that the season would have been destroyed. Now they still have a chance to accomplish all their goals. Whether that's likely or not is a separate question. USC is still alive. It's all because of a fascinating plot twist: Lincoln Riley outcoached D'Anton Lynn and Matt Campbell.
Role reversal for USC and Lincoln Riley
USC is usually on the wrong side of a coaching matchup in an important game. Lincoln Riley is usually the coach who messes up game management. USC's defense usually sits back when it should blitz. Saturday night,
these realities switched to the Trojans' opponent. Penn State made the kinds of coaching mistakes Lincoln Riley often makes.
Matt Campbell
Matt Campbell used all three timeouts in the second half before the four-minute mark. He actually thought USC was going for it on 4th and 4 inside its own 20-yard line, so he used a timeout when USC lined up in a go-for-it formation. Campbell also failed to substitute players early enough, which led to the use of a timeout in the third quarter. Campbell also used a timeout before fourth down midway through the second half. It was brutal timeout management, and it helped USC. The Trojans watched the opposing coach lose the plot.
D'Anton Lynn
On 3rd and goal at the 10-yard line, an opposing defense should be blitzing, especially if it hasn't generated much of a pass rush all night. Yet, D'Anton Lynn and Penn State sat back with a three-man rush, dropping eight into coverage. It was exactly what Jayden Maiava wanted. He was able to survey the field for several seconds under no pressure and deliver a touchdown strike which gave USC a 31-23 fourth-quarter lead. D'Anton Lynn helped USC ... as the opposition's defensive coordinator. Gary Patterson was better than Lynn in this game.
USC penalties
There were only three USC penalties all game long, none of them in key situations with any major impact. The Trojans finally avoided the kinds of slip-ups which had crushed them earlier in the season. USC was not a poorly-coached team in this game. It's good to know this is still possible.
Zero USC turnovers
Jayden Maiava avoided a killer interception. King Miller fumbled but Vlad Dyakonov of USC recovered it. Not committing any turnovers helped USC solve its Big Ten road game problem.
Vlad Dyakonov
Let's say a little more about Vlad Dyakonov. He filled in for the injured Elijah Paige and did a great job. Zach Hanson, USC's offensive line coach, deserves credit for having the backup ready to play.
The state of the Trojans entering the off week
This team is not where it wants to be. Oregon lost to UCLA. The Trojans' inability to beat the Ducks should still sting. However, USC isn't done. The Trojans kept their season alive going into the off week. They can still reach their main goals. They have at least given themselves a chance. It sure beats having nothing to play for in late October.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC wins as Lincoln Riley outcoaches D'Anton Lynn and Matt Campbell
