FOOTBALL

Sunday Buzz: My USC-Minnesota Analysis

Do you believe your eyes or the preseason hype?

That was a debacle in Minneapolis on Saturday night. An unremarkable Minnesota team with a vanilla offense manhandled USC and most importantly, outcoached the smug clown on the sideline.

Which coach looked like a leader on the sideline? Who had a game plan that looked prepared for every situation?

  • For the third straight Big Ten game, USC mailed in the first half. Whose fault is that? The coach! USC’s first drive ended on a third down play that was so lackadaisical the Trojans barely got the play off and then threw an incomplete pass. What is happening on the sideline that there is no sense of urgency or energy?
  • Do you still believe the USC-supplied media spin about the Trojans gaining 1,400 pounds in the offseason? Did you see the way Minnesota’s offensive line pushed USC around? USC couldn’t stop the run the entire game. The Gophers’ tailbacks averaged 5.6 yards per carry.
  • Meanwhile, Lincoln Riley showed up with his playing-not-to-lose game plan. He seemed afraid to throw passes more than 15 yards and unsure what to do with a successful running game as Woody Marks gained 134 yards in 20 carries.

What do you think Minnesota feared the most? Explosive, chunk plays. Well, Riley made it easier with short passes and only 24 running plays.

  • Meanwhile, P.J. Fleck showed up to win, going for it on fourth down twice and declining a field goal at the end because he knew USC would probably get into field goal range when it got the ball back.
  • Where were these supposed second-half adjustments we keep hearing about? Minnesota had 133 yards in the fourth quarter, which was almost twice as many yards as it had in any of the other three quarters. The defense didn’t tackle. You can’t blame that on Alex Grinch.
  • Then there is the Miller Moss question. His lack of mobility becomes an issue in close games and a major liability when USC has to make a come back. Mr. Stubborn doesn’t even have a package for Jayden Maiava to come in and play for an alternative, more athletic look.

The first interception was a huge momentum changer and the result of the pass rush because Moss struggles to escape pressure.

  • Last week, we were told Ja’Kobi Lane is ready to be the go-to receiver. He had two receptions for 13 yards. The overhyped Zacariah Branch had three catches for 10 yards. Riley can’t figure out how to get these guys the ball.

Riley said after the game that USC “moved the ball at will.” The Trojans scored 17 points. What was he talking about? Frankly, I don’t care anymore. I’ve been done with him for awhile. What about you?

135 thoughts on “Sunday Buzz: My USC-Minnesota Analysis”

  1. You might have a point about the coaching abilities of Riley but on a larger note, and what you are not reporting relative to this is why it’s difficult for “winning” to win on the road. Miami barely lost to Cal? Vanderbilt beat Bama, Tennessee and a host of other highly ranked teams lost. Are there coaches bad according to your metric?

    Like

    Reply

    1. The newest excuse for rah rahs- we should expect Lincoln Riley to lose 2 games to mediocre teams on the road since other coaches do.

      Like

      Reply

    3. Brian- this has nothing to do with what other programs did on the road- this is the bar LR sets at USC- typical flat performance across the board- this stems from horrible recruiting, poor play calling, untimely penalties, turnovers etc…. The talent on this team is so poor, that their Def Coord last year with a team avg players was one of the best in the country- he comes here and look at their performance- dreadful. LR is the head coach- and all we hear is his spin on we played good except for a couple of plays- good coaches don’t keep saying things like that- they fix the issue!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  2. I posted after the Michigan loss that SC would never win an NC with Riley. I will now add that SC will never win a Big 10 championship with Riley

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. SC has a better chance at qualifying for the ‘Final-12 and possibly winning a national championship than winning a ‘Big-10 championship

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. The Trojans should think about going Independent —- they aren’t good enough to win any major conference.

        Like

  3. Yes, I have had enough of Riley, and had felt that way since long before the Minnesota game.

    Where is Ken Hart to defend Riley and to rag on anyone who dare have the audacity to question USC or its coaches’ shortcomings?

    Like

    Reply

    1. Shortcomings?……… yes, the kid playing QB…..Maiava is bigger, stronger, faster, and more dynamic…….Riley needs to switch to Maiava. …….NOW!

      Like

      Reply

      1. Spencer Rattler’s Benching ‘Had a Lot to Do with Turnovers,’ Oklahoma’s Riley Says OCTOBER 9, 2021

        How many turnovers did Moss have ?

        Liked by 1 person

  4. My first comment after Riley was hired was that he would get USC up to Oklahoma’s standard, but then someone else would need to be hired to take it to USC’s standard. (Oklahoma’s standard is not a compliment by the way, most overrated program during the entire BCS era). The time has come. USC just lost to Minnesota. MINNESOTA!!! My first in person USC game was USC at Minnesota in 1980. Never thought in my lifetime that USC would lose to the Gophers.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  5. Mason Murphy can’t block anyone, PSU’s ends are going to be on Moss all game.

    Playing Moss gives the opposing DC one less thing to worry about since Moss doesn’t take off and run.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Karma: “Playing Moss gives the opposing DC one less thing to worry about since Moss doesn’t take off and run.”

      IMO, THE BEST COMMENT YOU HAVE EVER MADE…..THEY ARE GOING TO TEE-OFF ON MOSS. HE’S GOING TO GET TWISTED LIKE A PRETZEL

      moss looks like a midget next to Maiava

      MG has such a limited football IQ that he can’t recognize how Moss limits the offense.

      Like

      Reply

      1. I’m betting you never took the LSAT or the SAT or the Standardized Football I. Q. test……

        #IfI’mWrongCouldPleasePostYourScores….

        #…AndTheTestingCenterAtWhichYouTookTheTest

        #[It’sOkayIfYouPostMythicalLocationForFootballI.Q.Test…

        #[…SinceIt’sAMythicalTest]…

        Like

      2. YOU GOT YOU CROTCH CAVED IN……AND ARE ALL BUTT-HURT…..

        what does a non-relevant test have to do with knowledge of football

        you sound desperate as you try to gain some traction

        Like

      3. “The Standardized Football I.Q Test” can’t accurately be labeled non relevant….. it just doesn’t exist…..

        #btw,AllThe”ButtHurt”CommentsAreATell….Sorry

        Like

      4. I am talking about the “SAT”………Focus!……

        You’ve been up since 3am trolling the blog, pathetic…Your fragile narcissistic ego gets crushed, and the relentless stupidity kicks in.

        Like

      5. …..”focus”….”pathetic”….”fragile”….”narcissistic”….”crushed”…. “relentless stupidity”……

        #AllOne,Big”Tell”…..

        Like

  6. Wolfie appears to be overly negative sometimes to be contrarian and wind-up the readers as it’s good for engagement and traffic for the blog, but he is on to something here. USC’s ranking was based on beating LSU, which isn’t the big deal it was a month ago. The game last night was not surprising if you watched Minnesota play Michigan. Likewise, UW beating Michigan last night. Another 8-5 year is the ceiling at this point. New coaches are given a honeymoon period to implement their players and system, but then the program should improve. Riley is going the opposite direction, as he did at OU. He reminds me of Larry Smith in that regard. As for “metrics,” Clay Helton had more success than Riley in his first three years as HC. Clay Helton….let that sink in. At least USC got Riley for a lot less than they were paying Helton. Oh, wait. Never mind.

    Someone call Miss Terry and see if she would like to live in LA for three years. Her blessing and 1 season of sitting next to McAfee will be more than enough for NS to consider un-retiring. Just three years to right the ship and then hand the baton to someone else. A man can dream….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Riley has 7 more years at 10 million per, he isn’t going anywhere. Get used to losing to average teams because SC will be average as well.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Cowardly Gabby has such a limited football IQ that he didn’t mind yesterday when Zechariah Branch called for a fair catch on a kickoff that didn’t reach the end zone.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Cowardly Fake Gabby has such a limited football IQ that he doesn’t know that the best kick-off returners in the NFL call for a fair catch on a kickoff that didn’t reach the end zone.

        PS…..who is Zechariah, never heard of this person?

        BAAAAAAAAAAM… CROTCH KICK!

        Like

      3. “GabbyAUGUST 30, 2023 AT 3:07 AM
        Fake gabby: USC Fan would know that teams intentionally kicked away from Trojan star kick returner and WR Curtis Conway.

        you stupid senile troll…..a kick returner returns kickoffs, and a punt returner returns punts…..Conway never returned a kickoff in his entire USC career.”

        Who’s Curtis Conway? Cowardly Gabby doesn’t know he is one of the greatest USC kick returners ever!

        BAAAAAAAAAAM… CROTCH KICK!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Scott Wolf: Then there is the Miller Moss question. His lack of mobility becomes an issue in close games and a major liability when USC has to make a come back. Mr. Stubborn doesn’t even have a package for Jayden Maiava to come in and play.

    Perhaps Scott’s most accurate comment(s) EVER!

    The team would be undefeated if Maiave was the starter in both losses…..Moss is the most one-demensional QB at the power 4 level…….WHERE ARE ALL THE RPOs???????

    Even PT can see Moss is the problem

    BENCH HIM!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Even Cowardly Gabby can see that we need to at least give Maiava a couple series next game. Riley replaced Spencer Rattler with Caleb Williams 3 years ago.

      Like

      Reply

      1. Early last season at UNLV, Maiava came in off the bench to rally the team to victory and never looked back. He guided the team to their best season in program history

        Like

      3. I guess loyalty gets rewarded……the bulge on the back of Moss’ neck couldn’t be related, right?

        Like

  8. dude, stop with the moss bs!! The blame goes on the head coach! I have a dear friend whom is a retired head big ten coach who has watched our last 3 games. His comment is our tackles can’t play and why we don’t put a tight end there to help him is atrocious. Instead, our head coaches head is so far in his play sheet that he’s clueless !

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. …….AND ONLY THREE PLAYERS RUNNING ROUTES BECAUSE YOUR QB MOVES LIKE A TURTLE IN THE POCKET

        MINUS 29 RUSHING YARDS PAINTS THE PICTURE

        Like

    2. ANOTHER MOSS APOLIGIST…..TOOOOOO FUUUUUUUNY!!!!!!!!……If the players are not making the plays in the given situation that is not the coach’s fault.

      Moss is not the guy who can put the team on his back and will it to victory, his skill set is far too limited

      You have some perception issues….. I am not saying coaching isn’t part of the problem, but the lack of productivity from your QB is an issue that needs to be addressed

      Like

      Reply

  9. The silver lining in the Trojans’ losses is how happy it made Michigan fans and ecstatic it made Minnesota’s as they rushed the field, the game was that important to them. It seems the SC ‘brand’ is still viable but currently on life-support

    Like

    Reply

    1. For only $10 million a year, Lincoln Riley is making millions of college football, fans happy!

      https://x.com/RedditCFB/status/1842761239509790999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1842761239509790999%7Ctwgr%5E6b44c2e0a5dd0059a3fff3d3953b977e0680243a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fcollege%2Fusc%2Ffootball%2Fminnesota-golden-gopher-fans-storm-field-after-upsetting-usc-trojans-pj-fleck-lincoln-riley

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. And the losses have been more entertaining than the wins with football high-drama in both Mich&Minn, not knowing the winner until the bitter end

    Like

    Reply

      1. Ah! The good old days. Good to watch Joe introduce his sister as his mother and his wife as his sister again….

        #”HeRunsCirclesAroundUsBehindClosedDoors,SharpAsATack”

        —Kamala Harris

        Like

    1. Moss has yet to gain a first down with his legs the entire season….. you have a QB who is staling drives because of mobility issues……Your coach friend sounds like a dump—-a s s

      your breath smells just like MG’s……I am sure you two have met

      Like

      Reply

      1. Maiava [who has never run the 40 in less than 5 seconds] hasn’t been sacked [yet], hasn’t thrown an interception [yet], hasn’t fumbled [yet] will be the bestest QB ever. I hope, since we’re outta the playoffs, we get to see him.

        #Mobility=MasteryOfTheOffense

        Like

  12. Meanwhile over in ‘baseball land’ the games finally mean something, and Ohtani the ‘O’ continues his quest for a magical Dodgers season by Slugging a 3-run blast to tie the game with L.A. winning it at the end

    Like

    Reply

      1. He claims he has never laid a bet on anything, either directly or indirectly, and there is no evidence to refute his contention

        Like

  13. It’s only been the last 20 years or so that the running-throwing quarterback was first introduced to football. There were the rare ones such as Staubach and Frantic Fran, but not the flood that we have witnessed the past generation. Quarterbacks were traditionally statues and that type can still be successful

    Like

    Reply

  14. xxxx keep your lack of knowledge and insults coming. Besides coaching he was with big ten network for years, I played qb in college and my son was on the team Pete’s last 5 years. And your credentials are what again???? Oh yeah. Our blog expert!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. GO SERVICE YOU GOATS……ANOTHER LAME—A S S… SOCK PUPPPPET….

      THE VOICE MIGHT HAVE CHANGED BUT THE BREATH STILL SMELLS THE SAME

      ….AND YES!!!!!!!!!…BLOG EXPERT……..THANKS FOR RECOGNIZING IT

      Like

      Reply

      1. “I AM THE OFFICIAL BLOG EXPERT. AND I HAVE THE LAVENDER PLAQUE TO PROVE IT!”

        #TheCeremonyWasHeldOnMissionStreetInSanFranciscoLastYear

        #EverybodyCame[IfYouKnowWhatIMean]

        Like

  16. The [witless] censor won’t allow me to ask who’s the guy on the sidelines rubbing Lincoln’s back when USC has the ball.

    Is he there to keep Lincoln from leaving the game with pneumonia?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. The Big Ten Network repeatedly cut to this weird scene without comment …. but the successive shots made the point without any actual commentary being necessary….

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. I wondered that as well – maybe he’s the guy that they employ instead of a special teams coach……..”Atta boy, Linc….atta boy – that shoulda worked!”

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. Ohtani never bet on himself but if Pete Rose in his new condition could currently lay a bet, I’m sure he would

    Like

    Reply

  18. What was so glaring is that the gophers – the freaking gophers – destroyed USC on the LOS, particularly USC’s O-line. You can put whomever you want as QB, and they won’t succeed if they don’t have 2 seconds to throw the ball. On some snaps, they were on Moss in 1 second. Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, you name your QB, won’t succeed with such a porous line.

    The tradeoff I see between Maiava and Moss is that USC would need to tolerate one more pick per game with Maiava, maybe more. That is a big price to pay for a QB who will pick up 40 yards on the ground running RPOs.

    Budda named the only possible resolution – put in a second TE.

    Yesterday was an uninspired disaster. Helton redux. I thought we were done with this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. The INT comment is based on what?…..OR SOMETHING YOU JUST PULLED OUT OF THIN AIR……DETAILS?

      FYI……at UNLV, he threw 10 in 14 games, less than one a game, that’s .7 per game. Moss is .8 per game, 5 INTs in his last 6 starts.

      Based off of stats, your argument holds no water….just saying

      Like

      Reply

      1. He’ll throw way more in the Big Ten than he did in the Mountain West. Get real.

        67 is so smart ….and you are Real Dumb Gabby.

        Like

  19. The SC defense had its moments holding Minnesota to 24-points but SC’s 17-points is never going to do the job. But since most SC games are basically 50-50 the Trojans are going to lose their share

    Like

    Reply

  21. Next up, Penn St, and they didn’t look like gang-busters against YUCLA so SC has a real chance, and football games can be quite different from one week to another

    Like

    Reply

  22. The bandwagon is not so full which is a good thing. It was a bit odorous on the wagon anyway.

    It is hard to win road games in college.

    Washington losses at Rutgers, Michigan losses at Washington, Rutgers losses at Nebraska. Georgia lost to Alabama on the road. Vandy at home beat the #1 ranked Alabama.

    Penn State will lose since they have cross country trip.

    USC probably losses at Maryland.

    If USC is 8 and 4 it is a good year.

    Like

    Reply

    1. If 8-4 is acceptable why did we waste $110 million on Lincoln Riley? We could have kept Hugs and you’d be happy at the pregame tailgate parties eating the Nine Layer Dip.

      Like

      Reply

  23. At least Wiley has tamed his habit of going after the referees unlike the Gopher’s Coach, ‘Fluke” or something, who looked like he was having “19 nervous breakdowns”

    Like

    Reply

    1. Yeah…the Big Ten refs are doing such a bang-up job it would be a shame if Lincoln complained….

      Seriously, USC will have to factor into their game plan at least 3 questionable calls each Saturday —- these refs can’t help but pull for the coaches and teams they know over the New Kid On The Block….

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. STFU…… EVERY F U C K -ING GAME YOU’RE WHINING AND CRYING ABOUT THE REFS……CALLS GO BOTH WAYS……PERHAPS IT’S A PROBLEM WITH YOUR VISION

        HOW OLD ARE YOU AGAIN.?

        Like

      2. The refs were letting a lot of things go in the first half for both teams or Moss wouldn’t have survived to halftime.

        Like

    1. …the Maiava idea might work if Lincoln implements it on a limited basis as Scott suggested —rather than bring him in as THE QB….

      Like

      Reply

      2. If SC is going to win games Moss needs to sit, but Riley isn’t going to sit him, Paige & Murphy will be the end of Moss, maybe as early as this Saturday

        Like

  25. Strange how the refs over-turned the ‘no touchdown’ decision at 17-17 and decided instead that the Gopher quarterback sneaked into the end zone based on his head and shoulders crossing the plane despite the video not showing the ball anywhere

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It’s all good…. glad to see the Big Ten refs get us for delay, face mask and hands to the face…. After the Michigan game I thought those penalties had been eliminated…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Yeah, I attempted to comment on the referring at the end of the Miami-Cal game and both attempt failed. The same way the refs did on two horrible calls.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      7. LOL! Talk about being obsessed. Has to CRY (yes, cry) about anything I post.

        As usual, she’ll lie about that. Such a loser. As good Gabby, Michael & every else have said, she really needs to get a life.

        Liked by 1 person

      10. I watched the game, in real speed it looks obvious, but in slo-mo, it’s not conclusive , IMO.

        I agreed with the refs, and I was pulling for the Bears

        Like

      11. Exactly, Good Gabby! And she’s stupid enough to say “triggered” when SHE’S the one who had to jump in and cry about my post. She’s such an idiot. Proves it with virtually every post.

        Moronic rebuttal in 3, 2, 1…

        Liked by 1 person

      13. …always picture a druggie in fetal position wailing….

        #ItHelpsYouSeeTheMessageBehindTheMessage…

        Like

  27. It’s become obvious that Lincoln Riley is overrated. He has shown he’s over his head in leading us to a championship. He has shown he doesn’t know how to evaluate talent both with coaches and players. We lose to mediocre teams because of his coaching decisions. The whole atmosphere he has created is not working. He was not the right decision and he needs to be replaced.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. Yes… that’s right. The NFL is clamoring for Lincoln to join their ranks.

        #Is There A Football I.Q. Test Location Near Your Dumpster?

        #You Might Want To Take The Exam & Report Back Your Score

        Like

      2. You said the same BS about Kliff Kingsbury!. He currently has the #1 scoring offense in the NFL.

        Once again, you proved to have a football IQ in the weed

        sBAAAAAAAMMM, …….CROTCH KICK!

        Like

    2. I’d hire the Minnesota coach Fleck- he put it all on the line at the end of the game instead of playing it safe and settling for the field goal because he was smart enough to know USC would come roaring down the field and tie it with our kicker who had made a 55 year field goal in the first half. He has guts. And why don’t we have a Bush Push play in our arsenal when we invented the play? This guy is innovative and  wins with much less than we have. Imagine returning USC to a great running powerhouse!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      3. He dresses pretty sharp, too, Good Gabby!

        The fool wants Saban when he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with the new headaches created with NIL & the portal. Now if there are some serious changes, maybe. But I’m not holding my breath.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Michael, speaking of Folt did you catch the “Gay Pride Fight On” shirts handed out at the women’s volleyball match last night against Minnesota? The entire coaching team was wearing them.

        There’s acceptance and there’s shoving it down your throat. I don’t mind the first. But the second is getting out of control.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. So cal:: Now if there are some serious changes, maybe. But I’m not holding my breath.

        This is exactly what the schools are begging for. It will bring back some parity and even the playing field……you finally made a comment that makes sense

        Like

    3. If he loses a couple more games in which he’s favored, he might go into early retirement all on his own. Seriously. He looked like he was real close to cracking in his post game presser.

      #WishHe’dTakeRealDumbGabbyWithHim…

      #ThatWouldBeSoTight

      Like

      Reply

      2. #Is There A Football I.Q. Test Location Near Your fake maui condo?

        #You Might Want To Take The Exam & Report Back Your Score

        you enjoy getting slapped around like a pinata

        Like

      3. Says the person who’s mad cuz she’s sitting on the outside looking in. Mentally disturbed and finding enjoyment in annoying people. She tries to call it something else, in an effort to make it make sense. But they’re just lies she tells herself.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. MOVING THE GOAL POST AGAIN WHEN YOU GET SLAPPED AROUND.

        Are you trying to say there are different levels of supporters regarding USC football……I never got the memo……enlighten me, please!

        NEVER MIND, YOU’RE THAT TROLL WHO COULDN’T DEBATE HIMSELF OUT OF A PAPER BAG….PATHETIC!

        Like

      6. There is no such thing as “different levels” of football fans…. but… there is demonstrably such a thing as crazy people …..

        #AndEVERYONEHereHasYouPegged

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment