Lincoln Riley's coaching decisions during the USC Trojans' game against LSU have drawn scrutiny, particularly for not using a timeout before a critical field goal attempt that ultimately resulted in a missed opportunity. Despite this, Riley acknowledged improvements in his defense, crediting new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn for limiting LSU to just 45 rushing yards in the first half. The game marked USC's season opener, highlighting the transition into the post-Caleb Williams era with quarterback Miller Moss taking the lead. Riley also shared insights about recruiting new players, emphasizing the importance of building confidence and momentum in their program. Furthermore, Riley has gained recognition for his golfing skills, ranking seventh among college football coaches with a handicap of 10.1. This multifaceted focus on both football and personal endeavors reflects Riley's ongoing commitment to improving USC's competitiveness and his own performance.