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Lincoln Riley gives strange answer to question about USC’s trajectory
By Mark Kern
Published:
Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans battled for a long time against No. 5 Notre Dame on Saturday, but the Fighting Irish took fourth-quarter interceptions back 99 and 100 yards for touchdowns to pull away for a 49-35 win.
In Year 3 under Riley, the program appears to be on a downward trajectory. In 2022, the Trojans went 11-3 and appeared to be ready to take off. Caleb Williams came back, but the team went only 8-5 last season. It has gotten worse in 2024, as the Trojans ended the regular season at 6-6.
After the loss to Notre Dame, Riley was asked about where USC is as a program, and he gave an answer that only made things more confusing and strange.
“I could sit up here for an hour and talk about the things I know are happening within this program,” Riley said. “I could rattle off all the stats, I could show you the facilities. I could show you the recruiting. I could show you the staff, I could go about that for an hour. I just don’t think it’s the appropriate time right now.”
Lincoln Riley when asked what gives him confidence his #USC program is on a trajectory toward its goals.
“I could sit up here for an hour and talk about the things I know are happening within this program. … I just don’t think it’s the appropriate time right now.” pic.twitter.com/fqrwBVoFHF
— Ryan Young (@RyanYoungRivals) December 1, 2024
Even former USC quarterback Matt Leinart is questioning where the program is going.
Finish 6-6 and just really have no clue what we are ? Who we are? There’s no identity. We have good players. Need to recruit harder. As frustrated as anyone. Want to see USC back to being a contender. Don’t think we are close at the moment.
— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) December 1, 2024
While Saturday night may not be the correct time to talk about it, the fans and media in Los Angeles are going to want to hear what is going on. Riley was expected to bring back the glory days of USC, but it has gotten worse each year he has been there.