It goes without saying that Lincoln Riley’s tenure at USC hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.
Leaving a powerhouse program at Oklahoma, Riley expected to hit the ground running in Southern California, but hope and reality proved to be two different things.
Don’t get me wrong, the Trojans have flashed at times under Riley. But fair or unfair, his tenure can only be described as a disappointment thus far.
Returning Heisman Trophy winning quarterback (and eventual #1 NFL pick) Caleb Williams, the Trojans were expected to contend for the national championship last season.
However, defensive struggles, offensive line issues, and a strange regression by Williams helped doom USC’s season.
The end result was an uninspiring 8-5 finish. (Perhaps the brightest spot of the entire season was backup quarterback Miller Moss’ dominant showing against Louisville in the Holiday Bowl.)
Now entering the Big Ten (that’s going to take some getting used to, huh?), the competition will take an enormous step up for Riley and the Trojans.
While it’s sad that the Pac 12 is now extinct, the fact of the matter is the Big Ten is on a whole other level and USC is going to have their hands full.
Interestingly, it’s been revealed that Riley has quietly been working behind the scenes for nearly two years to remove a game the Trojans have scheduled with the LSU Tigers.
“USC tried for nearly 2 years to find a way out of a contract to play LSU in Las Vegas because Trojans coach Lincoln Riley didn’t want the game,” Saturday Down South reported.
The lengths to which Riley allegedly went to avoid the game included seeking assistance from his agent, Trace Armstrong, who also represents LSU coach Brian Kelly.
“Just how committed was Riley to get out of the game? High-profile sports agent Trace Armstrong represents Riley and LSU coach Brian Kelly, and a source told SDS that Riley asked Armstrong for help in changing Kelly’s mind.”
Riley’s tenure at Oklahoma was marked by struggles against top-tier SEC teams in the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners faced Georgia, Alabama, and LSU in consecutive years, losing each time.
Ironically, Riley’s old program is now entering the SEC where they will seek to change the tune under now-head coach Brent Venables.
As for USC’s matchup against LSU – not only will it be happening, but it will be one of the showcase games during Week 1 of the season.
The standalone matchup will take place on Sunday, September 1st in Las Vegas. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm EST.
What are your thoughts on Riley allegedly trying to eliminate the LSU game?
Do you look at it as him being scared to play Kelly and the Tigers, especially that early in the season?
What’s your expectations for the Trojans this coming season???