Lincoln Riley under fire after USC's scuffling start to Big Ten home opener vs. Wisconsin
Lincoln Riley has already experienced enough highs and lows in this season. However, he’s once again facing some fire after USC’s performance against Wisconsin in the Big Ten home opener for the Trojans.
It’s remarkable how much can change in a game and a half. After all, USC was firing on all cylinders entering last week’s game as a road favorite vs. Michigan.
Then, the Trojans fell apart late during a game-winning drive by the Wolverines, and that kind of performance has carried over into Saturday’s home game vs. Wisconsin.
Heading into halftime, USC is trailing 21-10 after entering the game as a 2-touchdown favorite. USC’s offense has found success moving the ball, but it hasn’t been able to afford major miscues.
A muffed punt by Zachariah Branch, a penalty on a potential 4th-and-1 play and more recently, a strip-sack turnover are all issues that have plagued Riley’s team. It’s a far cry from the performance that saw USC beat LSU to open the season, and falling to 0-2 in the B1G would be a major dud for the head coach.
The Wisconsin defense coming up big with another turnover! pic.twitter.com/bYxmw9xkyB
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 28, 2024
With Saturday’s odds getting bleaker and bleaker entering halftime, Riley is catching the brunt of the criticism on social media. He’ll want to find an answer vs. the Badgers to get things turned around in the 2nd half.
Take a look:
I thought Lincoln Riley had finally got the defense figured out after how they looked against LSU… should’ve known about those Week 1 games lol
— Trey (@Trey_Oh5) September 28, 2024
Lengthy discussions about Lincoln Riley need to be had #Fraud
— Liam Blutman (@Blutman27) September 28, 2024
I'm not sure Lincoln Riley is a top coach in college football. pic.twitter.com/yniigwZhSw
— College Football Enjoyer (@SteenSN) September 28, 2024
we’re early here….but alex grinch returning to los angeles as the co-defensive coordinator for wisconsin and stuffing lincoln riley and company in a locker would be one of the funniest happenings in college football history.
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) September 28, 2024
Lincoln Riley ain’t it.
— Devin Martin (@theedevinmartin) September 28, 2024
Here come the Lincoln Riley NFL rumors
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) September 28, 2024
USC-Wisconsin must be a big game because another Lincoln Riley team is playing like it does not belong on the same field. Are we sure he is a good fit for the B1G? Because this soft, finesse USC style he puts on the field isn’t cutting it any more.
— Tom Luicci (@TomLuicci) September 28, 2024
#usc once again is trying to play cute football and not run downhill. Lincoln Riley shrinks in big moments .
— ChrisTha5th (@2grown_4tha_bs) September 28, 2024
Lane Kiffin: I'm going to underachieve massively at home against a team that doesn't have as much talent as mine does.
Lincoln Riley: Hold my beer.
— Wes — I am the maker of rules… (@CrimsonTideWes) September 28, 2024
Lincoln Riley should probably be close to a hot seat if this season goes off the rails
— Jordan Klein (@jordanhk92) September 28, 2024