Oregon's Dan Lanning and USC's Lincoln Riley Heated Over Excessive Penalties

The Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans combined for multiple penalties in the first half. This included some chippy moments, showing that the old Pac-12 rivalry is alive and well in the process despite both teams moving to the Big Ten.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, left, and USC head coach Lincoln Riley shake hands before the game as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans are making it clear that their once-historic Pac-12 rivalry remains alive and well, even in the Big Ten.

Oregon led the Trojans 28-14 headed into halftime on Saturday at Autzen Stadium but it wasn't without some tense moments from both sides.

The two teams showed that they aren't exactly fond of each other, leading to a few interesting moments, and in the process, some penalties as well.

USC Trojans Interception Leads to Sideline Scuffle

Oregon coach Dan Lanning leads his team onto the field for their game against Southern California Nov. 22, 2025. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After an interception by Oregon defensive back Ify Obidegwu, USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane got into a scuffle with Duck players on the sideline in an attempt to take back the football.

Lane was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, as the players had to be separated by the officials.

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Take a look:

After an interception by the Ducks, Ja'Kobi Lane picks up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. pic.twitter.com/Esr0dgUqnA

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 22, 2025

Penalties Pile Up

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning takes the field ahead of the game as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

However, this wasn't the only penalty during the first half. There were plenty of flags on both sides at halftime, especially for Oregon.

At halftime, Oregon had seven penalties for 75 yards while USC had four flags for 58 yards.

Shaky performance by the Big Ten refs or sloppy play by both sides? It's likely the former.

Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans Rivalry Remains Heated

Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava handles the ball during the game against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Autzen Stadium. | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

During an appearance on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, Lanning said he expected Oregon fans to "bring the juice" at Autzen Stadium with the rival Trojans in town.

"We got unbelievable fans. They're going to bring on the juice," Lanning said. "And it was kind of neat as the Pac-12 broke up, the fact that a lot of us moved into the Big Ten, it's really kept a lot of those things alive. A lot of things that exist about West Coast teams getting the opportunity to compete against each other in this great conference, and this is certainly one of those games, right? Getting to play against USC. But our fans will bring it. I'm not worried about that. They got juice."

However, this hardly meant that Lanning was okay with another notable penalty in the first half.

Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson had an impressive 85-yard punt return touchdown in the second quarter, and he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after a long catch down the sideline later in the quarter.

Rivalry aside, the Ducks can't afford for Benson to get called for unnecessary penalties.

Malik Benson gets a word from Dan Lanning after an unsportsmanlike conduct call. pic.twitter.com/oNWqqtTMuA

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 22, 2025

Still, Lanning has made his praise for the way Benson and other wide receivers have stepped up as of late. The Ducks have been dealing with injuries to Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. since the Iowa game.

“We've said strength in numbers all season, and these last couple games, it's really starting to show up where we need other guys to step up and create opportunities, and they've done a great job of that,” Lanning said after the Minnesota game.