To everyone who wants to put Lincoln Riley on a hot seat, or wants to complain about what USC isn't right now ...
THIS ... IS ... (almost) WORKING.
You wanted Lincoln Riley for his offense, and that's what you got.
© Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Quick, who was No. 1 in total offense in the Big Ten last year?
It was USC, and it wasn't even that close.
That Indiana powerhouse led the way in scoring, and Oregon was second, but USC was a solid third in the loaded conference and 13th in the country.
It was among the best in offenses in the nation in pass protection, fifth in the nation on third downs, and yes, No. 1 in the Big Ten in passing, No. 1 in yards per completion, and a decent sixth in rushing offense.
Okay, so you also wanted Riley to take USC up a few notches to be at a national championship level, and there does need to be a College Football Playoff appearance soon.
The loss to Illinois came on a late heartbreaker. The other losses were to Notre Dame and Oregon, both on the road (whatever on the late Alamo Bowl collapse to TCU).
And, okay, no excuses.
USC should be great no matter who it's playing, and it's way past time to be more of a player.
This year's team has the experience, the coaching, the offensive pop, the defensive front, and everything in place to finally take that next step.
(Even if this year's schedule screams otherwise - more on that at the end.)
- 2026 USC Schedule ****** ysis
THIS ... IS ... (almost) WORKING.
You wanted Lincoln Riley for his offense, and that's what you got.
© Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Quick, who was No. 1 in total offense in the Big Ten last year?
It was USC, and it wasn't even that close.
That Indiana powerhouse led the way in scoring, and Oregon was second, but USC was a solid third in the loaded conference and 13th in the country.
It was among the best in offenses in the nation in pass protection, fifth in the nation on third downs, and yes, No. 1 in the Big Ten in passing, No. 1 in yards per completion, and a decent sixth in rushing offense.
Okay, so you also wanted Riley to take USC up a few notches to be at a national championship level, and there does need to be a College Football Playoff appearance soon.
The loss to Illinois came on a late heartbreaker. The other losses were to Notre Dame and Oregon, both on the road (whatever on the late Alamo Bowl collapse to TCU).
And, okay, no excuses.
USC should be great no matter who it's playing, and it's way past time to be more of a player.
This year's team has the experience, the coaching, the offensive pop, the defensive front, and everything in place to finally take that next step.
(Even if this year's schedule screams otherwise - more on that at the end.)
- 2026 USC Schedule ****** ysis
21 days ago
