Despite high hopes for a national title and Caleb Williams’ Heisman Trophy aspirations, both seem distant.
Lincoln Riley finds himself facing challenges in his second season at Southern California
Lincoln Riley‘s record matches his predecessor’s, Clay Helton, after 22 games. This falls short of USC’s vision when they brought Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma. Expectations were for a return to national prominence. Lincoln Riley’s 17-5 record at USC leaves many dissatisfied.
Back-to-back losses to Notre Dame and Utah have dealt a blow to the Trojans’ standing. Lincoln Riley, disheartened by the loss to Utah, emphasizes the team’s relentless effort. USC has dropped to No. 24 in the AP Top 25, their lowest since Lincoln Riley’s arrival. Defensive performance has lagged behind expectations, reflected in their rankings.
Caleb Williams, the linchpin of Lincoln Riley’s Trojans, has encountered a rough patch
Despite being the top NFL draft prospect, he’s had three lackluster games recently. Interceptions outnumber touchdowns, and sacks have piled up. Lincoln Riley defends the defense, but statistics show room for improvement.
Lincoln Riley’s media standoff and disputes highlight his sensitivity to criticism. He’s urged the team to focus on the games ahead. USC’s upcoming matches against California, Washington, Oregon, and UCLA offer opportunities for redemption. The Pac-12 title remains within reach, provided they rise to the occasion. Lincoln Riley’s message is clear: the season is far from over.