Riley Says USC Can Still Shape Its Playoff Fate

USC entered the first College Football Playoff rankings at No. 20, days after a 30-18 win over Ohio State, which had been ranked No. 2 before the game. Riley and his players learned their playoff position on November 3, and the coach discussed it after USC’s first practice of its bye week.

Riley said USC could control its own path by winning its remaining games. He emphasized that the team should concentrate on improving and playing well, rather than becoming preoccupied with its current ranking. USC has already earned several strong wins, he said, and plenty of football remains.

He also noted that the first playoff rankings often shift as the season progresses. USC could rise or fall, Riley said, and the team’s task is to put itself in position to win. Ohio State is No. 12 in the playoff rankings, despite sitting at No. 10 in the other ranking cited in the report.

Riley said USC had corrections to make after beating Ohio State and wanted to move on from the victory. The Trojans had returned to work on Sunday, he said, while outside attention remained fixed on the game.

USC’s next opponent is Indiana, the highest-ranked Big Ten team in the playoff standings at No. 4 despite having one loss. The defending national champions will host the Trojans in Bloomington after USC’s two-week preparation period. The matchup could affect both the postseason picture and the Big Ten title race.