It’s pretty amazing that Lincoln Riley, during his post-game victory lap at Penn State, tried to stick it to anyone who questioned his program.

Why? Because USC plastered billboards all over Southern California in the offseason that said, “The Time Is Now.”

That wasn’t the fans or media making unrealistic claims. It was USC.

So why get defensive when USC plays poorly against Rutgers and Washington while losing to Oregon?

Unfortunately, this is the game coaches like Riley play. He wants everyone to keep their mouths shut and blindly follow him. He wants people to think USC can win a national championship.

And if cracks start to appear in that false narrative or fans express disapproval, he strikes back at them for having the temerity to express an opinion

How dare you questioned him! He just beat 3-3 Penn State!

Unfortunately, the sycophants fall in line with him after such an ordinary accomplishment. But they are not the majority.

• The L.A. Athletic Club held its annual Wooden Award preseason coaches’ luncheon yesterday that features every Division 1 coach from Southern California. But UCLA coach Mick Cronin and USC coach Eric Musselman did not attend.

You know who USC sent instead? Assistant coach Michael Musselman. I’m sure the people who actually paid to go to the event were thrilled.