USC's fourth-quarter struggles threaten playoff hopes
USC played well for three quarters against San Jose State but faltered in the fourth. Coach Lincoln Riley acknowledged the team needs to fix its recurring issues. The Trojans must eliminate this habit to make the Playoff.
USC’s latest win was nearly undone by a shaky final period, a pattern that has now surfaced repeatedly this season. The Trojans built a comfortable lead through three quarters, only to see San Jose State close the gap late. Coach Lincoln Riley pointed to the recurring fourth-quarter lapses as a clear concern, stressing that the team must correct them quickly. With playoff selection looming, such inconsistency could prove costly against stronger opponents. The Trojans’ ability to finish games now stands as their biggest test.
This story could influence how fans and analysts evaluate USC’s championship viability, especially as the playoff field narrows. Repeated late-game collapses may shape perceptions of coaching and player resilience, affecting recruiting interest and viewer engagement. For the broader college sports audience, it highlights how small, consistent flaws can overshadow strong performances, reminding teams that margins for error shrink as stakes rise.