One excuse I’m tired of hearing is that Lincoln Riley needs time to build depth and complete an overhaul of the roster. Let’s look at the teams USC lost to: Riley is in Year 3. In the old days, it was believed a coach needed three years to build a program. But that was before the transfer portal. Now, some pundits are saying Riley needs … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: How Much Time Does Lincoln Riley Need?

How many different ways can Lincoln Riley snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? He is letting the seconds burn off the clock in the final 45 seconds with the ball on the Penn State 45-yard line while holding three timeouts. All in the name of setting up a 45-50 yard FG at the end? Except, that meant his erratic QB would have to throw … Continue reading What On Earth Did We Just Watch?

It’s 30-30 with 2:53 left. Well, D’Anton Lynn is off to a nightmare start of a second half. It’s 20-20 with 4:42 left in the third quarter. Halftime grades: QB — C RB — A OL — C+ DL — B- LB — B+ DB — C+ ST — A- Coaching — C+ Here’s the key today: Miller Moss has a minimal role and the … Continue reading USC Vs. Penn State Live Blog

With an early kickoff tomorrow, we’re going to get a head start on picking the score. The game definitely sounds like a key will be a battle between the Penn State defensive line and USC offensive line. The Nittany Lions are favorites but is this where USC finds lightning in a bottle? There’s no pressure on the Trojans. So who do you like? I’ll make … Continue reading Pick The USC-Penn State Score/Friday Supplement

I frequently mention how Lincoln Riley doesn’t like to interact with the public. Even former players have complained to me recently about how welcomed they feel. Or don’t feel. One example: For several years during the Bohn era, former USC players had pre-game field access to each home game during warm-ups. This year, it dropped to one game. That is a benefit that costs USC no money … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Look, USC would be 5-0 if two plays went differently, OK! And Lincoln Riley said today those narrow losses are not going to affect the Trojans. “We’re still a very confident team. This isn’t some team that has two losses where we got our ass kicked. We know what we’re capable of and we know that we’ve got a really good opponent and a phenomenal … Continue reading Lincoln Riley Says Losses Haven’t Hurt USC