I’m disappointed USC did not have Gary Patterson available to speak to the media this week. He’s the one guy worth talking to, especially since Lincoln Riley was so clear about the defense playing well the first three quarters and falling apart in the fourth.

“I know he’s pissed right now about the fourth quarter, as you can imagine, because the guy’s standards are so high,” Riley said about Patterson.

• Does anyone ever check what Lincoln Riley says for accuracy?

“Reality is that during my years here, attendance has gone up every year,” Riley said this week

Well, let’s check out that statement:

USC in 2024: 71,571 fans per game
USC in 2025: 67,783 fans per game

Does that look like USC’s attendance has gone up? So why did Riley say it? Because he’s always spinning..

• USC’s new depth chart includes defensive end Braylan Shelby, defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart and safety Kendarius Reddick, which means they should be available to play vs. Fresno State.