FOOTBALL

USC Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley’s Bottled It Before

I talked the other day about my Lincoln Riley theory: That he consistently falters on the sideline in stressful games and bottles it whenever he doesn’t have an overwhelming talent advantage.

Well, the first Riley game I ever attended in person (the 2018 Rose Bowl vs. Georgia) is another perfect example.

Oklahoma blew a 17-0 lead (of course) but the game was tied, 45-45, and went to double OT.

RILEY called four runs out of seven plays that gained 10 yards during those overtimes. Don’t forget that he had the Heisman winner, Baker Mayfield. And yet only one pass attempt in the OTs was at the end zone. Oklahoma was ranked No. 1 in total offense at the time.

The other talking point from that game was Oklahoma’s disastrous squib kick with 5 seconds left in the first half that allowed Georgia to kick a field goal before halftime. Riley could have kicked it out of bounds and Georgia would have had ball at the 35-yard line with 5 seconds left. No special teams coach, again.

Oklahoma lost, 54-48.

  • Remember back in the spring when Bear Alexander renewed his NIL deal and then almost transferred but got a second NIL deal?

I wonder how the people who actually donate to these projects feel today about the use of their money?

USC should have cut him loose back in the spring. It knew what it was dealing with. I’ll guarantee you that Georgia coaches had no regrets when Alexander transferred.

32 thoughts on “USC Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley’s Bottled It Before”

  1. The problem is bigger than ‘Bear, another college kid just pulled the same stunt byquitting in mid-season, it’s called a ‘player’s option’ to quit. If this becomes a trend it may force the 2 sides to the negotiating table

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  6. And the schools are dealing with 17-20 year old kids really, but these ‘kids’ are all grown-up when it comes to money for their football services because it might be their only shot at a good payday

    Liked by 2 people

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  7. I tried posting a football comment 5 times. Tried putting in asterisks for sensitive words, etc. 5 times it was censored. WTF, Scottie. Fix this. Let’s see if this posts.

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      3. A typical Cowardly Gabby post for the last 2 decades:

        Gabby

        FEBRUARY 22, 2024 AT 5:24 PM

        back to the name calling and you have a limited football IQ….. I am getting all the sh*& videos ready…… PS…..when can we meet up….. let’s see if I can stick my fist in your big mouth

        Liked by 1 person

      1. My grades for “Inside USC” Moderation

        Moderating what needs to be moderated: F

        Moderating what doesn’t need to be moderated: F

        Preventing multiple IP addresses from using the same handle: F

        Coaching: F (Had to throw that one in…Wolf would understand)

        Liked by 3 people

      3. Cowardly Gabby is the reason for the censor. She can’t restrain her vile impulses. She apparently was never toilet trained by her crack momma.

        Liked by 3 people

      5. and yet you never called out grabbbyy for posting over 50 political rants a day lifted off of “X”

        In other words, STFU

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      8. …I’m joshing ya, Gabby (real not smart)….. you should be allowed to live…

        #IHaveHopesYouWillSeeTheLight

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  8. Well, both Bear and the Las Vegas quarterback were at least once considered top footballers, and most players don’t fall into that group. The ‘pay for play’ players are out there but it doesn’t seem to have diminished fans’ zeal for ol’ SC-Michigan alma maters

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