USC coach Lincoln Riley walks off the field after a 42-27 loss to ORE on Saturday that all but eliminated the Trojans from College Football Playoff contention. (Lydia Ely / AP)Bill Plaschke (LA Times) — Another big game, another big stink.
Another loaded season, another lost season.
Four years after Lincoln Riley arrived at USC amid gaudy promises to return the football program to national prominence, well, two words.
Still waiting.
Needing a win at Oregon’s Autzen Stadium on Saturday to have a chance at their first College Football Playoff berth, the Trojans once again fell short, fell deep and basically fell on their faces.
Still waiting.
In front of its jubilant fans roaring like USC fans once roared, Oregon used an 85-yard punt return, a terrible Trojans penalty and awful USC play calls to roll to a 42-27 victory.
Still waiting.
With the win, the seventh-ranked Ducks almost certainly earned a playoff spot.
With the loss, the 15th-ranked Trojans definitely have been eliminated for the fourth time in Riley’s four seasons while hanging an equally damning number on the embattled coach.
Under Riley’s leadership, the Trojans are 0-5 against top-10 teams.
Nearly as bad, in four years the Trojans have won just three road games against teams that finished the season with records better than .500. Before beating Nebraska this year, Riley’s Trojans had not recorded a quality road win since his first season.
If USC beats UCLA next weekend as expected, the Trojans will finish with a 9-3 record and a nice vacation in some anonymous bowl game.
And that will not be enough. That cannot be enough.
One wonders how long the deep-pocketed USC people will endure such failed expectations, such fruitless autumns, such … mediocrity.
Heck, if UCLA can buy its way out of the Rose Bowl, one imagines that USC could buy its way out of a football coach.
Just saying. Just saying, because at this point, there really isn’t anything more to say.
Lincoln Riley could smile early Saturday as the Trojans forged a tie, but by then end of a 42-27 loss to Oregon there was little to feel good about. (Lydia Ely / AP)
“We’re right there,” Riley said afterward. “This has been an inspiring team to watch all year. It’s just gonna keep getting better and better.”
It indeed has been inspiring watching the Trojans battle back from countless injuries to field a battling team Saturday that was gutted at several positions.
But that still didn’t make it much fun to watch Oregon gain more than three times as many rushing yards while the Trojans hurt themselves with an unacceptable 103 yards of penalties.
When it came time to make a big stop, the Trojans couldn’t. When it came time to complete a big play, they often were flagged.
Oregon is good, but Oregon shouldn’t be able to control the game against a deep and gifted USC team … and yet for long stretches, the Ducks did.
“They made more plays than us,” Riley acknowledged.
The rest of the time, the Trojans just tripped over themselves.
USC began Saturday’s game with strength and style, forging a 14-all tie on the first play of the second quarter on a trick play that didn’t work against Notre Dame, receiver Makai Lemon throwing 24 yards to Tanook Hines to tie the game.
If only the swaggering Trojans weren’t also so sloppy.
On their next possession, a line-drive punt was returned 85 yards for a touchdown by Malik Benson to give Oregon a 21-14 lead.
“Obviously a huge, huge play in the game,” Riley said.
Then at the end of the first half, everything fell apart for USC, just like everything always seems to fall apart in big games.
The breakdown began when USC seemed to regain momentum on a missed 44-yard field goal by the Ducks’ Atticus Sappington. But on the play, the Trojans’ Desman Stephens II leaped over the line for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
“Panicked a little bit,” Riley said. “Did something that we don’t teach.”
Given new life, the Ducks quickly took advantage with a one-yard touchdown run by linebacker Bryce Boettcher to give them a 28-14 lead with 1:52 remaining in the half.
Then USC looked even worse on its ensuing drive when, on first and goal from the Oregon eight-yard line, Riley inexplicably called two running plays by Lemon that were stuffed. The Trojans eventually were forced to attempt a field goal, but, in the final ticks of the half, Ryon Sayeri bounced it off the right upright and the Trojans ended up with zilch.
“The defining sequence in a lot of ways,” Riley said.
At halftime, the Ducks’ 14-point lead seemed a lot larger, and it turned out to be insurmountable.
At the start of the second half, the Trojans held Oregon on fourth and one from around midfield, stole the Ducks’ next possession on an interception by Kennedy Urlacher, converted their own fourth down and eventually scored on a four-yard pass from Jayden Maiava to Lemon to make it 28-21.
But then Oregon used several bruising runs to set up a 28-yard touchdown pass to Kenyon Sadiq to make it 35-21 late in the third quarter.
The Trojans made it a one-possession game again on a nine-yard touchdown pass to Lake McRee early in the fourth quarter, but Oregon drove 79 yards and scored on another bruising run by Noah Whittington to clinch it.
End of game. End of season.
Still waiting.
latimes.com
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Bill is right on target with his comments. But he fails to add that everything will be OK with LR as our opponents will be downgraded so he can get to the CFP….and then get slaughtered.
I generally don’t care for Bill’s commentaries but I do agree with him that Riley has hit his limits. And is USC football this pathetic that some are happy with a 9-3 record? There’s always next time? WTF
Although Plaschke is mercurial in his sentiments, I pretty much agree with everything he says in this article. As for me, I believe LR squandered 2-3 years of the program’s progress. As for LR gradually learning on the job, there’s very little evidence yet he has. I will not believe anything more he has to say until I see big nasties in the trenches controlling games. I am optimistic that CB will work his magic this off-season, but what “Lincoln Franklin” does with it remains to be seen.
VT, I am glad someone else has locked on to the idea of “Franklin” being an appropriate addition to the name of our “head coach.”
Love it, ATL, he is undoubtedly trending in that direction more than in any other. The university has gone above and beyond to provide everything necessary for him to be successful. It is 100% on him, no excuses.
College Football Playoff Rankings
1 Ohio State 11-0
2 Indiana 11-0
3 Texas A&M 11-0
4 Georgia 10-1
5 Texas Tech 10-1
6 Oregon 10-1
7 Ole Miss 10-1
8 Oklahoma 9-2
9 Notre Dame 9-2
10 Alabama 9-2
11 BYU 10-1
12 Miami 9-2
13 Utah 9-2
14 Vanderbilt 9-2
15 Michigan 9-2
16 Texas 8-3
17 USC 8-3
18 Virginia 9-2
19 Tennessee 8-3
20 Arizona State 8-3
21 SMU 8-3
22 Pittsburgh 8-3
23 Georgia Tech 9-2
24 Tulane 9-2
25 Arizona 8-3
USC beats Seton Hall 83-81.
Impressive win, when you consider that their best player ( Rodney Rice) sustained a bad shoulder injury and missed the 2nd half. It looks like he could be out for sometime. The curse of USC Basketball is alive and well. Too bad, because I think we have a really good coach
Bummer about Rice. I like Musselman too.
Saturday I flew up to Portland of all placese to spend the week with family. Missed the 2nd qtr melt down but got most of the second half. Plaschke is gonna tear an anterior talo-fibular ligament jumping on and off the band wagon! Last week it was “USC…showcasing the toughness…gutsy win…proved they are capable of winning critical games in the Big Ten. This week it is “another big game another big stink…fell short, fell deep…fell on their faces…Riley should be on hot seat”. This is the same Plaschke that said last week “Few will believe they can beat 6th ranked… Read more »
Wow GT. You mean USC lived down to our expectations and lost to ILL, ND and ORE, the three teams everyone figured USC might, and probably would, lose to before the season, especially the Irish and the Ducks. Whooppee. So you don’t think Riley should be on the hot seat? Maybe you’re right. But if not now, as we head to another meaningless player-opt-out bowl in the Playoff era, when? Nobody’s “surprised” USC lost to ORE. Most of us actually predicted it. Outside of the TDB, I couldn’t find one single Trojan fan who thought USC would win in Eugene… Read more »
Here’s Dan Lanning getting his Ducks fired up to maul the Trojans. “They’re livin’ off their history. In this fight, if they get a little bit tired, we say one more round. After we hit a big play, we say one more round. After they start to bleed, we say one more round. “Matt Leinart ain’t walkin’ through there. Reggie Bush ain’t gonna show up. We’ve got the warriors necessary to go out there and deliver. “This is a DNA game: connection, toughness, roles, sacrifice. It all shows up right here. “Understand something. Why are you wearing black? You’re going… Read more »
Chad Bowden and Lincoln Riley must fire Rob Ryan to improve USC Matt Zimek (Trojans Wire) — USC football has a game against UCLA this week. However, the offseason has in many ways already begun for the Trojans and their fans. The playoff will be viewed from a couch once again. The Trojans will not participate in it for the 12th straight season since the playoff began in 2014. Lincoln Riley and Chad Bowden have to get it right in 2026. One thing they have to do: Fire Rob Ryan, the underperforming linebacker coach who dragged down this defensive staff. Rob… Read more »
With all the staff that has been hired to help Riley, and his incredible salary contract, one would think that Riley would do a better job preparing his teams for the big games in particular. He speaks a good line, pretty slick with the words, after four seasons he has not for the most part delivered. IMO. USC class of ’84.
Colin Cowherd on coaching traits
Cowherd — “USC hired a guy named Clay Helton. Wonderful guy. Family, faith and football. You know where he’s at? Georgia Southern.
“There are certain traits the great coaches have. Saban, Urban, Dabo, Harbaugh, Lane, Kirby Smart. They all have the same traits.
“It’s not warm and fuzzy. It’s not loyal. It’s aggressive, intense, and hyper-competitive.”
Just for fun I skimmed the SCNG sports page and found a couple of tidbits to amuse people here. Nico (Ucla’s quarterback) has neck spasms and questionable for Saturday. Could this be a red herring? Both teams have been known to dangle false leads before the game. This could mean nothing or maybe Ucla has a real quarterback they plan to use. The Raiders coach fired offensive coordinator chocolate Chip Kelly. Pete could really help a fellow Trojan out by offering the open spot to an offensive genius in Los Angeles. I mean who cares about the Raiders? And who… Read more »
Lincoln loves calling plays. I doubt he’ll ever give that up unless forced. I think Sark is the same way.
And if you’re a UCLA fan, where’s Norman Dow or John Barnes when you need them?
I have no problem with LR giving up calling plays as long as they get somebody as good or better to call the plays.
I think SC will beat UCLA and they’ll beat them good. UCLA is blessed to be in SoCal. That gives them advantages. They will hire a good coach and next year they will begin to repair that program. But right now, the UCLA football program is a train wreck. I say that cautiously because the USC-UCLA game is a rivalry and they still have that QB. When he is not on he’s not very good but when he is on he can do some damage. Also, SC now has a trio of outstanding receivers. Tinook Hines came into his own… Read more »
Agreed. I think USC will absolutely pound hapless UCLA, beat the huge spread, and we should.
Enjoy our last time seeing Jakobi Lane and Makai Lemon. Hard to believe they wouldn’t declare for the draft. Which means they sure as hell won’t play in the bowl game. What a great duo of receivers!
In case you hadn’t heard —
CAL fired HC Justin Wilcox (former USC DC from ’14-15) on Sunday after losing to miserable STAN 31-10. Wilcox (48-55) was the Bears HC since 2017. CAL GM Ron Rivera said, “After careful consideration, we believe the time has come for new leadership.” Senior offensive assistant and former HI HC Nick Rolovich will serve as CAL’s interim coach for the team’s matchup against SMU on Nov. 29.
CAL owes Wilcox a $10.9 million buyout, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
When Wilcox was the DC at SC I didn’t think he did a very good job. But as a HC, he surprised me. I thought he did a fairly good job. What do they expect…..an NC? After all, this is Cal Berkeley, not Ohio State.
Wilcox did better at CAL than I thought he would too. He was absolutely horrible as the USC DC. But if you’re only 6-5 in the ACC and lowly big rival STAN, a school that barely cares about football now and is only 4-7, smashes you 31-10, I would have to say Ron Rivera made the right move, but I sure didn’t see it coming. At least Rivera knows what’s going on inside the program. On second thought — Wilcox never had a winning record in conference play (Pac-12 or ACC) and he had at least six wins just twice… Read more »
It’s true….In this day and age of college football, one game can send you packing
Eric Gentry is a unicorn, a basketball player posing as a linebacker. He’s had a history of physical injuries. His Oregon game non performance revealed a mental deficit. He may play in the NFL, but it will not be as a linebacker. We wish him the best, as it is suspected he checked out of USC last Saturday.
Thinking about the “Wins” we have as a bargaining chip towards a chance to get into the elite teams in the championship derby. The first two games were basically scrimmages, but it was fun seeing Helton get screwed over by USC. Unfortunately the crowd running the rankings weren’t impressed by either game. USC’s most impressive loss was to Illinois. The reverted form against ND and Oregon. Stupid penalties stupid last minute play calling it all adds up to stupid coaches. Bottom line I don’t see us making much of a case for inclusion in the playoffs. (Unless they are looking… Read more »
USC beats BOISE ST 70-67. Rodney Rice scores 27 (11-21, 4-7 3-PT FG) and wins player of the game.
If we think this season’s team is young, then what about the 2026 team with all the freshmen coming in? This creates another noticeable gap in player experience for a straight 2nd year? If Maiava declares for the draft, I think will definitely set the program back an extra year, maybe two years from being ready to challenge top competition. How long will the pressure on Jen cause her to react? With the investment involved in all this, how many chances & excuses will overcome the patience trying to hold off a big move made? How long will Jen be… Read more »
Most teams make the wrong hires when replacing a coach. That’s just a statistical fact. That’s why so many teams are looking for coaches right now. So when you say, “Who do we know that has that quick turnaround capability and would be available?” The truth is, none of us know the answer to that question. And if some of you do, congrats, because I sure as heck don’t. LR’s got until at least through the 2026 season to be in charge of USC. And a main reason for that is USC doesn’t know who would be a better replacement.… Read more »
My approach to this post was what can we really expect from a young team currently to a prohram bringing in a #1 class of freshmen expecting to get into next seasoned games? A lot of unknown is the answer with this year’s team showing a lack of talent and an infuse of new players coming in with no experience. Where does this put us looking at another year or two to develop? Based on these past seasons, what kind of leadership can we expect from Riley theoretically continuing his attempts to makeover a program? So what your reply is… Read more »
Ya, I don’t believe Jen Cohen is hot to trot about firing Riley. She’ll give him all the rope she can and I think that extends at least through next season, and longer if possible. Apparently, it would cost too much to fire LR and his staff now based on what we have all heard about the buy-out. For some reason, PSU could do it suddenly and without mercy to James Franklin, who has already severely mitigated PSU’s payout and taken the VT job. I also think Cohen would like to avoid having to find the person who can fix… Read more »
Colin Cowherd goes south on Lincoln Riley Cowherd — “Four years in, I’m not sure what USC is. But when they play Notre Dame or an Oregon, their defense is below average, and the special teams are a wreck. I mean, that’s just what the reality is. “The offense feels like it’s basically Makai Lemon. It’s a one man offense. They’re down to walk-ons on the offensive line. They did not recruit southern California well enough the first three years. They spent a lot of money on NIL and not a lot of it well. “I don’t think they’re close.… Read more »
Sometimes Cowherd puts his finger squarely on the issue and he has this time. After going on 4-seasons Riley leadership,as Cowherd has actually pointed out, the USC is still an Air Raid program with a weak defense.
Cowherd is as much of a pro USC honk as you will find in the media. He’s just being honest IMO.
Sometimes we twist ourselves into pretzels nowadays as USC fans to pretend things are better than they are.
You’re right. USC is an Air Raid team. ND and ORE are not Air Raid teams. Big difference.
Is SC really out of the playoff race? Ohio State is 8-0 in conference and they are not going to lose this weekend. Michigan is 7-1 but they are going to lose. That would make them 7-2, just like SC when SC beats UCLA. But SC beat Michigan handily. Indiana is 8-0 and they are not going to lose this weekend. So if Indiana and Ohio State win and Michigan and Oregon lose, wouldn’t that make USC the 4th team. If the NCAA takes 4 teams from the Big 10, then SC would go……right? The big If is will Washington… Read more »
I don’t think they will take 4 teams from the Big 10 and we have 3 losses. I hope we can get in but doubt it will happen.
I’m sure you are right. Because I wouldn’t be surprised to see Oregon go up to Seatlle and get beat.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Washington beat Oregon this coming Saturday
SC got the shaft on that missed Oregon FG where Desmond Stephans was called for leaping over the center. If you watch the replay on you tube, there is a gap between the center and the left guard. He tries to jump high and go over and through the gap. It’s the guard who moves over into the gap to block him. That’s not illegal. It’s illegal if the LB(or CB or whoever) lines up right behind his own noseguard or the offensive lineman and steps on their back and uses it as a springboard to block the kick. Oregon… Read more »
I believe you are right Parcelman. I read the rule awhile back from another game that had the same play. It states a lineman or other member of the same team can’t lift or be used to prop another teammate up to block a field goal. It doesn’t say anything about a player on the opposing team affecting a player who jumped up and over the LOS. Did Riley question the Ref’s on this? Or send a complaint to the league office about the penalty?
I don’t even think that he knows that going up high in the gap between the center and guard is not a violation.
SC is #54 in the nation defensively. That sounds like it is not bad. But consider that the teams they played this year were mostly defensive teams and not offensive teams, It’s really a long way from where they need to be. The only good offensive teams that they played this year are Oregon and ND. Oregon is #3 in the nation offensively and ND is 23rd. They had much better players this year. Last year Kobe Pepe played a lot. This year he hardly ever got on the field. Last year they were rated 78th defensively. So I guess… Read more »
Allen so right. Unfortunately the AD before Jen, (Bohn) was so desperate to get rid of Clay Helton, who was single handily driving USC into extinction, didn’t do his homework on Riley. He was star struck. USC needed to rebuild from the ground up. From the Center or Nose guard on out. To reinstate USC’s history of physical dominance. Lincoln Riley inherited at Oklahoma a turn key program from legendary Bob Stoops. Rileys lack of experience and understanding of the importance of defense to win a natty, special teams, well rounded recruiting ( not just finesse positions) was not evident because of Stoops solid… Read more »
I don’t blame Bohn. At the time it really looked like a great hire.
Bohn could have obviously done more homework. And he should have, but he got blinded by the lights, and he was desperate. So be it.
Bohn’s biggest failure was the stupidly exaggerated money he agreed to pay, as well as the undeserved length of the contract and the ridiculously high buy-out which tied USC’s hands behind its back.
We’re all paying for that now, and that’s 100% Bohn’s fault. He should have been willing to let LR walk if he didn’t like USC’s more reasonable offer and terms. Desperation always smells bad.
But it may work out in the long run. LR is slowly making progress. Even at this slow rate, this team is going to be ready to go in a couple of years. At that point if USC wants to send LR packing, they’ll be a lot of great prospects for this job because at that point the team will be loaded for bear and this time Cohen(not Bohn or anyone else) will be making the decision with a lot of great prospects to pick from. But I’m not willing to totally blame Bohn because when they hired LR, I,… Read more »
My point was that Bohn completely screwed up the contract, not that LR was hired. There’s no way USC should have been hog tied with nearly the most expensive CFB HCing contract along with the world’s largest buyout. And the truth is, OU fans loudly warned us all that LR’s teams couldn’t play defense worth a lick. Since many fans still believe defense wins championships, that’s a huge negative for an Air Raid coach who had never built up any program in his life. LR had a big name because he followed Bob Stoops at OU. Since that time we… Read more »
I agree. I for one was happy. Wasn’t on my list of coaches I thought we needed, but I was happy.
More than ever these days, it’s apparent LR took the USC job with an awful lot still to understand about coaching. He truly is totally learning on the job, and this was never more evident than yesterday when mistake after mistake after mistake sunk the Trojans in this huge game. USC football still has a long way to go. Here we come, Alamo Bowl, or something like that. Fortunately, the Bruins are so bad, I don’t think they are capable of upsetting us in the Coliseum with this ragtag group of unworthy players and coaches they have over there now.… Read more »
Perhaps we should trade Riley to UCLA and offer to buy half his remaining contract as a good faith gesture. (Couldn’t hurt)
Maybe Gentry is playing hurt and not telling anyone. About to go pro, I don’t think he wants the reputation that he gets injured easily(which he already has). But for the early part of the season I thought Desmond Stephans was a waste. But the last 4 or 5 games he’s been playing like an all-pro. In the last 6 games he’s had 52 tackles and 31 solo. He’s leading the team in tackles with 77
I wish I could share your unbridled optimism about ucla, but I will never forget 13-9. or the 1989 game, when a truly pathetic ucla team tied a USC team ranked in the top 5. Or how about 2 years ago, when we played ucla and acted like we didn’t want to be there.SC got beat badly that day.And while Nico is inconsistent, if he plays, he could be the “X” factor, by killing us with his feet. All signs point top a Trojan victory, but I don’t trust Lincoln enough to be convinced the USC players will be in… Read more »
Well, if this USC team somehow finds a way to actually get dropped by the 3-8 little gutties, then it would be official, Lincoln Riley stinks as a USC coach in 2025. I don’t think that’s true though. USC is a massive 21.5 pt fave, not because USC is so good, but because UCLA doesn’t even have a coach, may be looking to break its lease with the Rose Bowl (huge team distraction), is actually a horrible team, and USC is playing in the Coliseum, where it always plays better. Hey, 8-3 USC isn’t playoff material this year. What’s new?… Read more »
They’ll beat UCLA….probably easily
Does anyone buy the theory that Riley’s recruiting class will save his bacon? The question comes from listening to the game on the radio while flying. Arbogast was touting the incoming freshman as the next big step forward in rebuilding the Trojans. I remember a time when the Trojan football players sang “Fight On” as a team. They didn’t jump up and signal first downs. They didn’t spin the football like a high schooler. They knew their assignment and stayed with it and they expected consequences for stupid mistakes. It’s safe to say being benched more than once a game… Read more »
Yesterdays game was hard to watch, with all the stupid penalties, and the special teams breakdowns.Thank you John, for posting that fake field goal by the hapless bruins. It was even worse than anything we did in Eugene. The bruins getting trounced at home brought me some badly needed relief. ucla is bad, but will USC show up to play, unlike two years ago? If the Trojans manage to blow this game, Riley will be under enormous heat, and will have to answer as to what is happening. USC is close to a 20 point favorite, but I doubt the… Read more »
AP Top 25 poll rankings 1 Ohio State 2 Indiana 3 Texas A&M 4 Georgia 5 Oregon 6 Ole Miss 7 Texas Tech 8 Oklahoma 9 Notre Dame 10 Alabama 11 BYU 12 Vanderbilt 13 Miami (Fla.) 14 Utah 15 Michigan 16 Texas 17 Virginia 18 Tennessee 19 USC 20 James Madison 21 North Texas 22 Tulane 23 Georgia Tech 24 Pittsburgh 25 SMU Week 13 Coaches Poll 1 Ohio State (61) 2 Indiana 3 Texas A&M (2) 4 Georgia 5 Oregon 6 Ole Miss 7 Texas Tech 8 Oklahoma 9 Notre Dame 10 Alabama 11 BYU 12 Vanderbilt 13… Read more »
Anybody see Lanning tear his WR Benson a new a——. Benson who is just about the last top notch experienced WR Oregon has, had just caught a beautiful pass on our 4 yard line. Instead of just going back to the huddle he acted out. A flag comes out and Oregon has to go back 15 to the 20.
Benson goes to the sideline and Lanning comes up to him and just about tears his head off in front of the team.
Trojans committed the same penalty with no visible reaction from the USC epicene mannequin man coach.
Wait till next year? Running out of seasons here.
Hate to say it but I pointed out to my financial advisor that long term for me is next week.
And for a good laugh, watch the UCLA trick play blow up ………….
https://twitter.com/i/status/1992466072218534092
They just keep you laughing. Wonder who the poor slob is that has to go in there and try to clean it up.
Thanks for this, John.
Not only is this hilarious, but it makes you think — what did they think would happen?! Even if that little blind over the shoulder toss had somehow landed perfectly in the kicker’s arms, there were three people ready to tackle him before he could even get back to the original line of scrimmage, much less the 15 needed for a first down. They should be begging people to burn the film on that one.
Current Standings After Week 13
Illinois Trojan – 72000Dubpar22 – 54000BUS83 – 52000GoldenTrojan – 40000TommeTrojan – 31000Scoochnew – 20000MrsSteveg – 10000Rialto Trojan – 9000TrojanRJJ – 7500Figueroa – 5000
Click Here for Game by Game Wagering Results
SC has 39 four stars and 3 five stars. Oregon has 49 four stars and 6 five stars.SC has good talent but still not on Oregons level. They don’t have Oregons depth at each position.They have to do a better job on their portal acquisitions. Of all the portal people that they brought in this year, only a handful really had a lot of real success. They are making progress but it’s a slow progress and therefore nobody is really sure if they will ever get where they want to be. LR is going to have to step up the… Read more »
I will be referring to our head coach intern henceforth as Franklin Riley—he can’t beat top ten teams and he will lose big games in predictable ways.
Growing up Oregon was an occasionally good team. Then a number of things happened, which have left the Trojans mired in mediocrity. It’s frustrating to watch. It’s another “wait until next year season.” You may think I’m whining a nd in fact I am. The formula for collapse has got to be written in stone somewhere on campus. Start well then throw in a stupid penalty followed by a complete breakdown on a routine put topped off with a stupid forced interception. Voila you have a collapse. Kiffin’s teams did it Sark did it and Homer actually added the trick… Read more »
We have a Qb that threw 2 pics, an O line that cannot open a hole, a D line that cannot hold its ground, rushers that do not pressure the Qb, linebackers watching runners go by, D backs turning the wrong way or not turning at all, with 2 WR going to the nfl and tight ends other teams would love to have. We have players making stupid mistakes all the time. Our depth at most positions is exhausted. Other than that we are in pretty good shape to beat ucla next week. Fight On.
Other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
Tidy Bowl, here we come, again.
Last August it was “how improved our secondary” would be, how strong the running game and the return of smash mouth linebackers.
The secondary was pure hype, the run game sputtered with injuries and the linebackers…..MIA.
Oregon is what USC used to be. Bigger, faster, smarter and three deep at most positions.
Enough palaver about CFP. We were exposed again on national television, as predicted.
LR had the Trojans jumping up and down on the sideline like pogos on Viagra. Guess it tired us out?
Big truck runs over little truck, again.
Bill Plaschke seems to not realize that in the current NIL time it takes time to build a program.
We are 8-3 and this team is better than last year and have been in all the games they lost.
Finish 9-3, win a bowl game, and keep building with Lincoln Riley.
Let’s be proactive and fire Lincoln Riley. he will not get us to a championship game. Every year it’s the same hype around a new recruiting class, how well Fall camp is going, then we are down to three losses. This is quite similar to HC Franklin at PSU. He does OK,. but can’t win against the top teams. That’s just not what we want and LR has demonstrated time and time again that he is top a NC level HC.
Who would you hire to replace him and do you reallly think they would be an NC team with that change?
There are several good choices and yes they would all have a good chance at a NC. Eventually. Who……..KIffin, Fisch, Freeman etc. to name a few or a younger up coming defensive coordinator. Lanning is an example of someone like that which Oregon hired when we decided to go to the air raid genius. Alternatives exist…….how we can defend this coaching staff and claim that we are advancing is beyond me. The team was not competitive last night. Oregon was missing more than half their offensive starters and they controlled us and put 42 on us. In fact if it… Read more »
Illinois that was a great summary of what so many of us have been thinking.I managed not to throw the TV remote even though I wound up to pitch it at least 6 times. Damn things are expensive.My only fear is that with the “#1” recruiting class for next year, if we dump the Muleshoe boy, how many of those players do we lose. Kiffin ain’t coming back and the amount of $$$ it would cost to get rid of LR and to entice a really good candidate would be more the the GDP of several European countries. Unfortunately I… Read more »
That will be a tough schedule–two trips to the far eastern time zone, and playing the top of the conference that we have avoided in our first two years in the B1G (Indiana and the oSu.
They actually hit a guy going full speed that clearly had signaled fait catch……..it goes on and on……improvement? A big joke. This team needs a head coach and a special teams coach.
Sorry…..The reason our class is number one is we have to take a lot more players due to our transfers than most. Compare the Ohio State,Michigan or Oregon classes….you’d take their’s every time.