USC’s Lincoln Riley decries poor tackling against Washington: ‘zero excuse’

A controversial call during a recent college football game has left coaches and fans questioning officials’ judgment after two defenders from one team appeared to use a two-hand touch on the opposing side’s final touchdown. The incident sparked immediate backlash, with the affected team’s coach later calling the plays "poor attempts at a tackle," suggesting frustration over what many saw as a missed opportunity to stop the scoring drive. The debate over whether the call should have stood—or even been reviewed—has reignited discussions about referee decisions in high-stakes moments. Whether the ruling was an oversight or an intentional call, the moment has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about officiating in college football.

USC fans who watched a pair of defenders play two-hand touch on Washington’s final touchdown Saturday weren’t the only incredulous observers. Count Trojans coach Lincoln Riley in that same group. “It was just, I think, two really just poor attempts at a tackle,” Riley said Tuesday evening after having several days to digest the indignity....