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Column: New USC quarterback is exactly what Lincoln Riley needed to give him new life

Related Topics: Lincoln Riley

It is a wild arm, a wondrous arm, a winning arm.

But is it powerful enough to restore a reputation?

It is a stalwart presence, a swaggering presence, a saving presence.

But is it powerful enough to rescue a coach?

Jayden Maiava brought quarterback chills back to the Coliseum on Saturday afternoon in leading USC to a 28-20 victory over underwhelming Nebraska.

But can he take the heat off Lincoln Riley?

Maiava is good. He’s three touchdown passes good. He’s one rushing touchdown good. He’s lead-the-team-on-a-fourth-quarter-clinching-drive good.