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Paul Finebaum says USC can contend for 12-team Playoff
By Mark Kern
Published:
Paul Finebaum gave a lot of credit Lincoln Riley and USC for a big-time victory over LSU in Week 1.
While making an appearance on First Take today to talk about the USC-LSU game, Finebaum said the Trojans are a team that could be contending for a playoff spot.
“Let me say something about Lincoln Riley,” Finebaum said. “He corrected his situation so give him a lot of credit. They look like a team that can contend for the bottom of the 12 team playoff. LSU doesn’t.”
“[USC looks] like a team that can contend for the bottom of the 12-team playoff. LSU doesn’t.”@finebaum and @stephenasmith like what they saw from USC’s defense pic.twitter.com/cosgqBxp15
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 2, 2024
It is only one game, but that was the type of game USC has typically lost during Riley’s time as the coach. The defense has been a major issue during his first 2 years in Los Angeles, but that unit played really well on Sunday night. New defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s group made huge plays throughout the game.
They got an early stop when LSU got aggressive and went for a touchdown, and held up late as the Tigers were driving to potentially win the game.
USC will face Utah State in Week 2.