Can USC soar above the grim scenario that’s flooding over Los Angeles? Just last week, HC Lincoln Riley was bragging that he was “super-proud” after the Trojans’ 28-20 victory over Nebraska. But this week, they have more than just the pre-game heebie-jeebies. And at a quite inopportune time, too. For this Saturday, USC is set to meet their rival UCLA at Rose Bowl Stadium for a crosstown showdown. 

As we can see from the YouTube video by USCAthletics on November 19, Lincoln Riley looks and sounds unwell as he addressed the media ahead of the upcoming UCLA clash. When he was being asked how much of an impact the flu outbreak was having on his players, he got into a coughing fit, after which he chuckled and said, “That was like perfect timing.” Then he added, “It’s had a little bit of an impact. It’s part of it though… So we’ll deal with it and adjust how we need to, but no excuses. Got to be ready for Saturday.”

Los Angeles is in the thick of the flu season. Unfortunately for USC, the viral infection has affected not only the HC, but also several players. However, Lincoln Riley noted that the infection is “running its course like kind of 48 to 72 hours” and believes that Tuesday is the peak of it. If that’s the case, they would have plenty of time to recover from the outbreak and prepare to snag their sixth win of the season against the Bruins. 

Among the affected players is RB Woody Marks, who was already hit by the flu last week. Even with the extra pressure from the infection, he still recorded a career-high 146 yards! After that last victory over the Huskers, Riley described the locker room as “looked like a MASH unit.” Hopefully, the air will clear soon because the upcoming game is something that USC can’t afford to lose as they advance 5-5.

Would Lincoln Riley and USC face another upset defeat?

The 2024 showdown between USC and UCLA will mark the 94th meeting between the two crosstown rivals which will be nationally televised on NBC. In their last 25 meetings, the Bruins only won seven times, but they came strong last season and defeated Riley’s program 20-38 in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Is there a chance for the Trojans to bounce back?

According to expert predictions, USC, which is 0-4 on the road, is a 4.5-point favorite to win this upcoming road game. But after they lost four games as favorites to win, expectations have dwindled. Besides, UCLA may be 4-6, but they’re playing pretty well in the second half of the season after starting 1-5. As of what’s left of the Trojans’ season, a win against the Bruins will earn them bowl eligibility as they look to build towards the future.