{
  "id": 20097726,
  "title": "USC's Lincoln Riley Promises Team is 'Close' After 27-13 Loss to Indiana",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/uscs-lincoln-riley-promises-team-is-close-after-27-13-loss-to-indiana",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-15T01:57:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/uscs-lincoln-riley-promises-team-is-close-after-27-13-loss-to-indiana-12716714"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "USC's Lincoln Riley stated that his team is \"close\" to being playoff contenders following a 27-13 loss to No. 9 Indiana. The Trojans were within a touchdown of the Hoosiers in the fourth quarter, but a 42-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Becker sealed the game for Indiana. Riley, who has failed to make the College Football Playoff in his first four seasons as head coach, emphasized the importance of closing out games and eliminating critical mistakes. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava's performance was criticized, as he completed 26 of 42 passes for 311 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Trojans also had 87 more penalty yards than Indiana, which proved to be crucial. Riley indicated that USC will regroup following a Senior Day game against Maryland and a rivalry game against UCLA, with the latter being a more challenging opponent.",
  "summary": "USC head coach Lincoln Riley believes his team is close to beating elite teams after a 27-13 loss to Indiana on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [
    "USC head coach Lincoln Riley says team is close to playoff contenders.",
    "Trojans lost 27-13 to No. 9 Indiana, within a touchdown in fourth quarter.",
    "Riley focuses on closing out games, eliminating critical mistakes."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Riley's insistence on playoff potential despite persistent mistakes and turnovers highlights a recurring struggle to transform competitive performances into the decisive victories required to break his postseason drought.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}