USC coach Lincoln Riley reads written rebuttal after beating Ohio State

Ohio State allowed 18 points on Saturday, a season-low that left the Buckeyes falling from second to 11th in the AP Top 25.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley used the postgame press conference to address the criticism that has surrounded him throughout the season. After discussing the team's performance against the Buckeyes, Riley pulled a white piece of paper from his pocket. He stated that he needed a moment to articulate his thoughts before reading the document word for word.

The note declared that the program is built on internal joy rather than external applause. Riley wrote that the victory belonged to the staff, players, and administrators within the program. He noted that he had previously stated he was the right person for the job and that he only cared if the people inside the walls agreed. He finished by saying he would continue to fight because that is what being Trojan means.

Riley stood up from the podium and walked toward the door, saying adios to the room. It is unclear whether he wrote the statement himself or if it was prepared before the game. The comments appear to be a direct response to the outside noise he has referenced since the Trojans lost to Wisconsin 17-7. That defeat dropped USC out of the AP Top 25 and cast doubt on its College Football Playoff chances.

The pressure on Riley had been building after the Trojans lost three straight games to Oregon, which dropped his record against ranked teams to 5-15. They also had to overcome a 21-10 deficit to beat Washington, a game during which the crowd at the Coliseum chanted fire Riley.

The win over Ohio State was the Trojans' highest victory over a ranked team since defeating No. 2 Oklahoma in 2004. USC held the Buckeyes without a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter. Offensive lineman Tobias Raymond said the result proved that the people inside the building matter most. He said the team focused on playing Trojan football and how they get along each day.

The Trojans now face a bye week before playing No. 6 Indiana and No. 5 UCLA. The first College Football Playoff rankings are scheduled for release on Tuesday, and Ohio State's loss may cause a shake-up. Riley said the teams that stay together and keep getting better will be the ones there in the end.