Lincoln Riley Praises USC Trojans' Dual-Threat Performance on Offense

The No. 21 USC Trojans improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play after their 45-31 win over Michigan State. Leading the way was USC's talent dual-threat offense, which left coach Lincoln Riley impressed heading into week 5.

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

In their second season in the Big Ten, all the pieces appear to be falling into place for USC and coach Lincoln Riley.

Improving to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play, the Trojans boast one of the most dynamic, and balanced, offenses in the country. 

For the fourth week in a row, the Trojans lead all of FBS in total yards, and quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the Big Ten in passing yards with 1,223. 

Especially after the win, the combined efforts of USC’s ground game and air raid offense position them to be an unstoppable Big Ten attack. 

Trojans Dual Threat Offense Wins Games

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Michigan State Spartans with wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) and running back Waymond Jordan (2) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Trojans strength in both the pass and run game have paved the path for USC’s four wins.

Although wide receivers Makai Lemon, quarterback Jayden Maiava and running back Waymond Jordan have thrived at their position, their ability to do both has benefitted greatly.

Maiava delivered another incredible performance for USC against the Spartans, finishing with 234 passing yards, 20 of 26 passing and five touchdowns. Of those five, two were rushing. 

Through four games, Maiava has accumulated 1,223 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. His three rushing scores pay tribute to his growing comfortability running the ball, a key factor to his playing style that can change the pace of the offense. 

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

True freshman wide receiver Tanook Hines secured his first career touchdown, reeling in a 7-yard reception.

Tight end Walker Lyons also found the end zone, and added his second score of the season with a 10-yard reception from Maiava.

For Lemon, his two touchdowns, adding one receiving and one rushing, gives USC another rushing upperhand. So far, Lemon has recorded 438 receiving yards and four touchdowns. 

Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders Fuel USC’s Ground Game

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; USC Trojans running back Waymond Jordan (2) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

USC’s running back room is headlined by two transfers, after the departure of Woody Marks to the NFL and Quinten Joyner to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

Jordan, the No. 1 JUCO running back from the transfer portal, has bolstered the run game. So far through four games, Jordan has rushed for 443 yards and three touchdowns. Paired with New Mexico transfer Eli Sanders, the duo has added a load of talent to the offense. 

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Sanders has rushed for 250 rushing yards, one receiving touchdown for 73 yards and two scores on the ground. 

In the Michigan State win, both forms of offense shined through, almost breaking even on total yards throughout the night. The Trojans rushed for 284 total yards and passed for 234. 

What Lincoln Riley Said After Michigan State Game

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The performance of USC’s dual-threat offense pleased many, including coach Lincoln Riley. 

When asked about the overall performance on offense, Riley pointed out a solid showing across the board.

“We challenged the guys from a physicality standpoint. We knew that was going to be a key coming in the game and with our line. Backs, everybody really, you know, really played well," Riley said after the Michigan State game. "Tight ends, we broke a lot of tackles. Waymond and Eli, those guys were really impactful. So, a really complete performance.”

With a well-rounded offense like USC, a trip on the road at No. 23 Illinois who gave up 63 points on defense, they have a chance to continue their explosiveness and secure a third conference win.