It’s Heartbreak City Again For USC

USC goes cold at the goal line, falling to Washington in another road loss

Washington running back Jonah Coleman leaps into the end zone to score in front of USC safety Akili Arnold.

UW RB Jonah Coleman leaps into the end zone in front of USC safety Akili Arnold in the first half of the Trojansโ€™ 26-21 loss Saturday night. (Lindsey Wasson / AP)

ย A long, cold night forย USCย had been leading here, to the doorstep of the Washington goal line. For most of this slog of a football game, through the rain and the freezing lake wind,ย Lincoln Rileyย stuck stubbornly with his approach, throwing regularly into a driving rain, testing the nationโ€™s No. 1 pass defense with his struggling quarterback.

But after climbing back in spite of those conditions, after taking the lead, then giving it back, USCโ€™s coach turned back to the ground, grinding away at Washingtonโ€™s defense until his Trojans were just a few feet away from stealing back a game.

Eleven runs on a single drive had led to this moment, on the one-yard-line. But by the time the ball made it toย Woody Marks (scoring above) on that pivotal fourth down, he was stopped immediately in the backfield (below). And soon enough, Washington would slam the door for good,ย handing USC a 26-21 defeat, its fourth straight on the road.

So often USC (4-5, 2-5) had been the team squandering a late advantage, losing all four of their games despite leading at the start of the fourth quarter. This time, it was the Trojans threatening to deal a devastating defeat to a Big Ten opponent.

After turning away the Trojans once at the goal line, Washington (5-4, 3-3) would make another stop to seal the deal. After driving most of the field in less than a minute, USC faced fourth down.

But as Miller Moss dropped back, the Huskiesโ€™ front broke through the USC line again, laying chase to the Trojan quarterback, who had to throw up a desperation heave as Washingtonโ€™s pass rush dragged him to the ground, ending the comeback.

All night long, Riley had kept coming back to his quarterback, even as Moss struggled to move the offense. He threw 50 passes โ€” the third time heโ€™s met that threshold this season โ€” but only managed to tally 293 yards, along with two interceptions, on all those attempts.

The pass-happy approach seemed destined to doom the Trojans until midway through the third quarter, when Moss dropped back on fourth and nine, in desperate need of a spark.

He found it in a streaking Makai Lemon, who caught a perfect pass in stride for a 37-yard score.

The touchdown would turn the game on its head, as USCโ€™s defense forced an immediate punt, giving the ball back to Moss, who needed just three plays to move the length of the field before finding a wide-open Kyle Ford for a go-ahead score.

But that lead wouldnโ€™t last. Not as Washington turned a Moss interception into the go-ahead scoring drive.

Itโ€™s not as if USC didnโ€™t have chances.

The Trojans were given every opportunity to open fast Saturday, with two of their first three drives starting in Washington territory and the other opening on their 40-yard-line. But the Trojans moved just three yards on their opening possession, had a tipped ball intercepted on their second, then watched a 52-yard field-goal attempt hit the crossbar on the third possession.

By the time they got the ball again, the Trojans were already in a 10-point hole.

Nothing came easy from there. With its back already against the wall, USC mounted a 12-play drive that required two third-and-long conversions, one of which came courtesy of a pass interference. Marks eventually punched in a one-yard touchdown, giving the Trojans some semblance of offense to build on.

USC would have to wait to actually harness that momentum. As rain continued to fall, Washington had little trouble scoring on four of its five drives in the first half, while just one of USCโ€™s drives extended more than 34 yards.

All of that would change after half, with USC firing back into the game. But it ultimately wasnโ€™t enough, as the Trojans once again return home with a loss in hand.

latimes.com

___________

TrojanDailyBlogย membersย โ€”ย ย We always encourage you to add factual information, insight, divergent opinions, or new topics to theย TDBย that donโ€™t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.

 

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Fighton74
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November 9, 2024 8:42 am

Let’s hire a new RB coach when our O-line is complete garbage! Let’s waste talented RB’s on a team that doesn’t invest in one of the biggest foundations to a football team which is the offensive line. Let’s hire a soft offensive minded HC when we are already have an offensive powerhouse in offensive recruiting. We lack culture and discipline!! Let’s build a new facility for the team that will change everything. Just saw an article in ESPN last week about Colorado and Dieon. I cannot stand Dieon personally however the article was very poignant on what he has done… Read more ยป

Trojanfanatic
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November 4, 2024 11:04 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Weโ€™ve been campaigning for Maiava to at least have a package for a little offensive diversity. This is a good game to give him a shot including the bye. I hope we show a little patience since itโ€™s his first start and really not many opportunities to get in. We gave Moss what 9 games ? With Maiavaโ€™s escapability, will Riley go back to Caleb ball and ditch any effort to call a balanced offense?

Golden Trojan
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November 5, 2024 7:08 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias that describes the tendency of people with low ability in a specific area to overestimate their abilities. Suddenly SLR has seen the light? Hope you are right. Balanced offense, good decision making in the 4th qtr, that would be refreshing.

volunteerTrojan
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November 5, 2024 6:52 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Winning sure is more fun than losing.

Fighton74
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November 9, 2024 9:10 am

I donโ€™t see the same passion and desire from the school and boosters to win as it once was for the football program. Not an all attitude from the school and boosters compared to other top programs. Very very disheartening not seeing the desire to carry on tradition and legacy.

parcelman007
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November 9, 2024 10:50 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I don’t think the Board of Trustees is behind spending all of this money on the football program. Stephan Samples wasn’t. He once said that he wanted to turn USC into the Princeton of the west and they have done a pretty good job of making SC a better academic school. But Princeton was once a national football power until they downgraded their football program. I always wondered whether that is what he meant when he talked about the Princeton of the west. Max Nakias was definitely not a supporter of the football program. Carol Folt most certainly got a… Read more ยป

Steveg
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November 9, 2024 2:39 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

You take it all in and she has been quite detrimental to athletics, football especially. Perhaps the new president will enable the support groups to become involved again. I am sure there would be a lot of financial support from them. Go woke, go broke.

Jamaica
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November 4, 2024 5:32 pm

We should all be worried what this losing is going to do to the 2025 recruiting class. If Prime & Colorado or even Indiana steals JuJu away, we will be stuck with LR & MM again unless Jaiva somehow can win LR’s favor? But does HOV have enough NIL bag money to keep The commitments from flipping? The urgency in Riley winning at least 2 of these last 3-games is critically imperative. Not that a 500 record will impress many 4 & 5 star athletes. If the December NSD proves a failure for USC, this program isn’t going to truly… Read more ยป

Trojanfanatic
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November 4, 2024 4:24 pm

Many here, including myself have come up with strategies to deal with the Lincoln Riley situation. Some extreme ( like mine ) all the way to “he’s got us, too much contract” just play it out. I’m in agreement that the latter is the most likely by Cohen and Folt, but interesting how that strategy could literally wipe USC off the CFB map. Yes, we have our storied history, more great former players than anyone, and a loyal but dwindling fan base. I’m sure there’s one or two of us who still believe LR can become transformative, see things outside… Read more ยป

Trojanfanatic
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November 4, 2024 5:11 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I agree AW, the recruiting as of now is tough sledding, but it’s that D staff that’s going hurt should they run for the hills. Perhaps I’m being naive, but I like having Entz on that sideline. I believe he knows what’s wrong on all fronts, but won’t do an end around on LR. Yes, the D has been underperforming as of late, but damn they are still lighting up our opponents. Yes, we are banged up there, but Lynn still has them popping. And to be honest, Lynn had much more to work with at UCLA, than what Riley… Read more ยป

USC1988
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November 4, 2024 7:24 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

Entz or Lynn for next HC … need a D guy, no more self entitled big talking OCs. After Goatboy, Suck, and LR we just canโ€™t do these frauds anymore.

Trojanfanatic
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November 4, 2024 10:39 pm
Reply to  USC1988

Couldnโ€™t agree more. Notice former D coaches are doing well these days as head coaches in college football.

Golden Trojan
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November 4, 2024 1:37 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Wild game. USC with 24 turnovers, credit Ole Miss defense. Ole Miss got hot from distance late. The only offense USC had in the 4th was to draw fouls. All 16 points for the Trojans in the 4th came by shooting 100% from the free throw line. Ugly first game win. USC looks deep, not just the Juju show. Oh and she needs new shoes. Looked like she was on ice skates.

Golden Trojan
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November 4, 2024 2:12 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It will be interesting to see Musselman’s totally rebuilt Trojans. Low expectations, picked 14th in the Big10. ESPN at 7PT.

USC1988
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November 4, 2024 7:25 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Just like LR … who was talking about retiring LAST year what the hell! This guy doesnโ€™t even want to coach, just wants the $$$

USCrosegreen
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November 4, 2024 12:11 pm

USC vs Washington: Last play of the game, I was thinking of a QB keeper wide right, because the most expected play call was Woody Marks run over left tackle.

Rock2112
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November 4, 2024 12:16 pm
Reply to  USCrosegreen

Riley was coaching scared at that point, knowing he would be skewered if he deviated from the expected and it didn’t work.

illinoisusc
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November 4, 2024 12:22 pm
Reply to  Rock2112

I agree with both of you.

USC1988
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November 4, 2024 7:28 pm
Reply to  illinoisusc

Not much of an OC genius is he … USC gets conned again

USC1988
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November 4, 2024 7:14 pm
Reply to  USCrosegreen

When I saw trips right I knew we were doomed … my thought was okay keep them pinned back at the 1 and get the ball back no kidding even before the snap
Of course allowed a few 1st downs then got the call back lol then blew it again only LR could pull this shit 5 times in one season only he would throw it on 2nd down when Joyner was just running over people
Gomer would had at least won 1 of these games by accident

Steveg
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November 9, 2024 5:05 pm
Reply to  USCrosegreen

It didn’t matter where they ran on that play, that tackler got through so fast he would have caught Miller. They should have passed, like ucla did last night for the winning td. (sark)

Rock2112
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November 4, 2024 12:06 pm

Now that LR is apparently flaming out, with hindsight, that Mike Bohn hire is looking like the worst hire in USC history!!! He kept CH too long, and then his “home run hire” turned into one of the biggest coaching busts in college football history, so far. On closer examination, the LR hire was necessary as a transition away from the CH disaster. He succeeded in showing that SC football can be fixed – a proposition that was heavily debatable after the string of coaches before him. But the pressure for him to win quickly (YOUR fault and mine, TDBers)… Read more ยป

Rock2112
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November 4, 2024 12:19 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Thanks! That happened to me once — I moved into an apartment that looked nice only to learn later that it was a remodeled slum. It was actually the cockroaches returning that chased me out after a couple of months. Even the landlord couldn’t argue and let me break my lease!

parcelman007
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November 4, 2024 11:49 am

Of the next 3 games, I only see them winning one(Nebraska). I don’t think they will beat UCLA. UCLA gets better every week whereas SC, at best, has stayed the same or maybe even gotten worse. Their chances of beating ND are slim and none and none has a lot better chance than slim. I don’t think they will even go to a bowl game this year.

USC1988
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November 4, 2024 7:21 pm
Reply to  parcelman007

Not sure on Nebby … they are awful but playing in LA at the Coli vs the big USC rep, all we have left, may get them fired up. Lord knows LR won’t have SC ready. The last bye week before Michigan it looked like he used the bye week to hang out and not practice like lazy Gomer used to. UCLA will be repeat of last year. Gutties will be jacked and SC will go through motions with 4th teamers playing on D because everyone is hurt … again. ND lol … enjoy the 4 picks and 2 returned… Read more ยป

John Weld
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November 4, 2024 9:32 am

Current Contest Standings as of 11/04/24

  1. Scoochnew        38000
  2. Chris                    35000
  3. BUS83                 35000
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  7. DubPar22            14000

Click on the link for full game by game accounting…..

https://trojandailyblog.com/tdb-football-contest-2024-week-10/

parcelman007
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November 4, 2024 6:13 am

They say that we will have to wait about 3 to 5 years to get rid of LR because of his contract. I’m not so sure. LR is going to get crucified in the press and among the fans. They will be booing when he comes out on the field. The football pundants are already beating up on him and calling him a fraud. How long is he going to be able to take that abuse. How long is he going to allow his kids at school to be abused and even his wife. It’s going to be much worse… Read more ยป

ATL D.D.S.
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November 4, 2024 10:16 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He’s also young enough to want to die on this hill of his own making. Meaning, for him to walk away from his contract or to radically change his philosophy of football would be the same as him admitting he was very wrong about college football and that he doesn’t understand how to build a program. An older guy with the wisdom of experience would realize that the money is not worth the professional hell that he positioned himself into for the next several years.

ATL D.D.S.
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November 4, 2024 10:20 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He is a young 41, IMO.

Steveg
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November 9, 2024 5:53 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Or he could turn it around and vow never to be in that position again.๐Ÿ˜

parcelman007
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November 4, 2024 11:31 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I don’t know. Clay Helton got it bad. They called him stupid, idiot, moron, clown, A-hole and every kind of personal attack that you can think of. These were personal, not just professional concerning his lack of coaching ability. But it will be a lot worse with LR because they expected so much more from him. He has let everyone down much worse than CH ever did. They never expected much out of CH. He was there, according to many, just to settle down a wayward program after Kiffin and Sark. Remember,LR won his first 4 games as a head… Read more ยป

parcelman007
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November 4, 2024 6:31 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He does have SC over a barrell and who knows, with time he may turn into really good coach. Either way SC is going to have to give him that time.

USC1988
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November 4, 2024 7:38 pm
Reply to  parcelman007

Maybe … when both sides become miserable enough, and LR may be there now. A lower buyout could be arranged to get him out of here. The old lady isnโ€™t going to like going back to Waco or whatever shithole he ends up at. When Kiffin got canned his old lady divorced him and stayed in LA lol as he bounced around all over the place. LRs old lady might do the same.

USC1988
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November 4, 2024 7:34 pm
Reply to  parcelman007

Gomer didnโ€™t care what he was called or how many games he lost .. that dope still couldnโ€™t believe he had the USC job. It was like winning the lottery for him.
Yes, LR is a huge disappointment. 1st year was fools gold and tells you how good CW really was.

Golden Trojan
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November 4, 2024 8:48 am
Reply to  parcelman007

It’s pretty easy to tolerate the abuse. He gets driven from the secluded mansion to the front door of his secluded office. Goes to closed practices. At the end of the day gets driven back home. His kids probably go to an exclusive private school. His wife can associate with a small circle of friends in secluded PV. An easy life for 3-5 years and end up with $100 million.

illinoisusc
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November 4, 2024 10:25 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If the folks want to put the heat on him……they can make his life hell…….think about the recruiting, conference meetings, admin meetings, player meetings heck even his kids in the fancy school will have teachers and other students, parents that will come after him…..as for close friends….don’t count on it…..even your family and church will turn on you with enough pressure.,,….. etc etc……they can get to anybody……if they want to. Of course there was a contract signed so USC will need to be good for a min of 80%. If the folks want to put the heat on him……they can… Read more ยป

illinoisusc
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November 4, 2024 12:21 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I believe USC is done with Helton. His contract is fully paid off. As for Riley…..it’s always tough….it’s about the future. Is Jen competent. If she is the next coach could pay for the sins of the past. A negotiation might reduce the payout to 60 million or so…..based on getting cash now vs cash in the future. Texas A&M did it for 77 million. The key is understanding that Riley’s issue is not about him learning or making better decisions…..it’s a personality defect that does not match the job. USC has the huge cash payments coming in from the… Read more ยป

USC1988
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November 4, 2024 7:45 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

When your office is front of 65,000 fans … and this is your product. Forget seclusion. You cannot hide from this mess. LR doesnโ€™t seem like the type that will hang around and get booed the next 3 years.

parcelman007
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November 5, 2024 8:53 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Even in an exclusive private school his kids will hear it from their peers. Palos Verdes is a rich area. I know. I coached football in the Palos Verdes-Rolling Hills area. How many of those rich CEO’s who live up there graduated from USC? Probably a lot and how many are staunch USC football fans? Their kids hear the frustrations of their parents.They hear their parents calling LR an idiot and a moron. Kids can be cruel. If my kids were coming home from school and saying “hey dad, my friends all are saying that you are an idiot and… Read more ยป

parcelman007
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November 5, 2024 10:09 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Like I said before, I coached football in that area and got to know the parents. Many of them are USC graduates and fierce USC football fans. These people are Alpha type people who expect positive results and won’t stand for failure. What I didn’t see was a lot of UCLA grads. But there were many parents who didn’t graduate from USC and were still big time USC football fans. Unless he can turn this program around, this is going to be hard on his family. There is no amount of money that could convince me to put my family… Read more ยป

parcelman007
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November 4, 2024 6:04 am

Out side of Mason Murphy, SC’s O-Line looked pretty good in the Washington game. I would still argue that the O-Line is a problem. They had 1st and goal at the 4 yard line of Washington.That gives them 4 downs to make 4 yards against a Washington rushing defense that was rated in the late 70’s or early 80’s. They couldn’t get in. Any team with a good O-Line would have gotten that TD especially against a relatively poor run defense.

parcelman007
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November 4, 2024 2:00 am

LR should have a long talk with Pete Carroll about the psychology of creating a championship mental attitude on your team. I think there is some psychology involved here. This team is not that bad of a team.They are not getting blown out.They really are just 19 points away from being 9-0. Yet they lose every close game. These close games usually go both ways. You win some and you lose some. Lady luck may be on your side today but maybe not next week. But when you lose every close game, maybe you need to find a way to… Read more ยป

USC1988
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November 4, 2024 7:40 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Finy knew something … damn

parcelman007
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November 5, 2024 4:14 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

As much as I can’t stand that short bald headed loud mouth, it’s beginning to look like he was right

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 7:51 pm

What are the odds SC would had been called for roughing on that 4th down pressure the Huskies had to end the game …. of course, after #91 slammed MM to the ground, which okay fine, but the obvious head twist too. Flag.
Yes, bad play MM panicked, Huskies win, but no doubt, if SC on D, itโ€™s 1st and goal Huskies. The Big 10 hacks have made that clear this year.
Granted, SC probably wouldnโ€™t had scored anyway if roughing were called. This team is cursed.

volunteerTrojan
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November 3, 2024 6:57 pm

Darnold to Addison for a TD, love it!

Jalenbuck1
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November 3, 2024 6:53 pm

LR is a very good OC but he must have a stud at QB, Moss is very good but does not fit the LR system! As a HC he is mediocore, he has to utilize both RB’s to set up thepass, it would make it so much easier, Without Bush and White Leinhart would have been just another QB, he became the best because Carroll (a defensive guy) let the offense shine, the rest is history! Riley be the HC and let the coordinators call plays. Sadly he may have to do what Chip Kelly did, take an OC at… Read more ยป

UtahTrojan
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November 3, 2024 6:58 pm
Reply to  Jalenbuck1

I see a guy that is a good HC when he has a Heisman QB. But he wasnโ€™t a good HC with Williams.

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 7:19 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

Very disappointing with LRโ€™s play calling … not capable of making the correct call in the clutch, seems like cannot even get a receiver open anymore. Takes a circus catch for a completion.

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 8:01 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Yes. Caleb deciding he wasnโ€™t going to run the ball anymore ruined the season. He did show some old flashes vs Washington but it was on national TV and vs Penix, so he turned it on more.
The final half of 2023 and this miserable, gut wrenching, embarrassing year are big time missed opportunities and โ€˜what ifโ€™sโ€™.

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 5:41 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

When will he own up! It’s not the team it is him, he’s not good enough! What a smuck! Be a man, be the head coach, earn the $100 million and take the heat!

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 5:45 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Enough, I need a glass of wine, out.

UtahTrojan
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USC1988
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November 3, 2024 3:26 pm

Tough to lose these games but LR has figured out how to do it … is the guy shaving points for the mob in Vegas ??? can a veteran HC really F up 5 games like this in final minutes. A high school coach would stumble on two wins.
What a complete disaster! and losing to teams that are not very good

Trojanfanatic
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November 3, 2024 2:18 pm

We realize there’s not many options here. I’m wondering if AD Jan is as disillusioned with LR as most everyone else, or is she talked herself into “waiting for great things to happen “ approach. Out of the box thinking by understanding that things are not going to improve with LR ever: Approach LR with a restructuring of his contract to include incentive bonuses ( yes I know, 5% chance) suspend Riley temporarily and put Entz or Lynn in the HC role. Test drive leadership instead of destroying USC football in its entirety with an Air Raid coach. The threat… Read more ยป

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 3:16 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

Cohen could hire a consultant that comes up with a list of fixes. Cohen, Folt and the biggest football donor give the list to Riley and demand action with support. If he refuses, NIL gets cut and moved to basketball, his shiny new football building is slow walked, anything else within the contract to make his life miserable.

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 3:28 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Pay an over priced consultant to tell him … find a real football player to play qb. Get off your ass and recruit like a SC coach should. And find a new play book.

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 5:34 pm
Reply to  USC1988

Nick Saban, Pete Carroll, Bill Belichik, Urban Meyer someone that commands respect would get his attention. Any of us and Cohen could tell him what he needs to do but he won’t listen to us.

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 7:29 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Will never happen … no chance and no veteran coach worth a shit would even think about it doubtful LR respects any of these guys anyway
Besides do you think Saban gives one F about LR and USC football. Whatโ€™s he going to say anyway? buy better players and dummy down your schedule to your advantage.
Biilchick lol that creepy porker only cares about his viagra and young girls.
Urbie LMAO see Billichick and Saban

Now Pete he should talk to about being successful at USC. But probably to late.

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
November 3, 2024 3:32 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

Wishful thinking, but never gonna happen. Unprecedented public humiliation that wouldn’t be beneficial for Cohen’s career either.

However, a more behind the scenes series of steps IS possible. If I were king for a day, if PC were agreeable, I would mandate LR receive mentoring from him with an action plan that LR must implement.

LR has clearly been mentored by a very limited variety of coaches and must diversify and adapt. He is stuck in a rut trying to force his only known style in a world in which it does not work.

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 5:37 pm

Absolutely, keep it confidential. He’s a $90 million white elephant, USC has a right to get improvement.

UtahTrojan
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November 3, 2024 3:58 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

I read somewhere that Jen and LR do not have much of a relationship.

volunteerTrojan
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November 3, 2024 4:39 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

๏ปฟ๐Ÿ˜‚๏ปฟ

ATL D.D.S.
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November 4, 2024 5:52 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Funny, it never looked like Jen Cohen’s hair was infested with critters…I guess the Air Raid must be working.

illinoisusc
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November 3, 2024 2:13 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

That would say quite a bit. The cherry would be a kickoff at 8pm LA time and 11pm EST.

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 3:32 pm
Reply to  illinoisusc

LR has lost to those great football minds Judd Fish and Mike Longsley lmao … he can complete the trifecta losing to 1st year HC Deshaun Foster and freaking Bienemy.
What a disgusting train wreck.

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 2:05 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

USC football is far worse off than it was 4 years ago. A coach as bad or worse than Helton and stuck behind a $90 million 8 ball.

Jamaica
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November 3, 2024 5:46 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We will see on NSD who will sign and who wonโ€™t. He wonโ€™t be able to explain away why he only has 3-star recruits to sign.

ATL D.D.S.
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November 4, 2024 5:54 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

There is a lot of talk out here that Julian Lewis is reconsidering his SC commitment…. Just sayin’.

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 1:25 pm

Those of us who have been around long enough know what great coaches look like at USC. USC hasn’t had one for the last 15 years. A whole generation of football players know USC as a mediocre football program. So what does it take to make a great Head Football Coach? In no particular order here is a list I came up with: Good rapport with media, boosters, student body and fans. A leader of men. Able to recruit and develop talent deep throughout the roster. Doesn’t play favorites with coaches and players that aren’t performing. Able to game plan… Read more ยป

volunteerTrojan
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November 3, 2024 1:31 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Not a bad list, I’d add “Ability to make in-game adjustments to other teams offense and defense.”

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 1:41 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Help us Obe Wan, you’re our only hope!

Trojanfanatic
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November 3, 2024 11:05 am

UtahTrojan posted an article ( Mike Zemek I think ) that spelled out everything we’ve been talking about for quite some time. It’s like we all see it. Gotta believe his assistants see it, especially Matt Entz. They are gone btw. This passing fetish that isn’t competitive in the B1G nor really anywhere else tells us he’s incapable of seeing things clearly unless overwhelmingly bullied ( i.e. Grinch etc) and will not change anything like game mgmt, recruiting in USC’s backyard, line play importance, offensive balance, player favoritism ( like dynamic Maieva getting blown off) not getting opportunities, the list… Read more ยป

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 3:36 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Might beat Nebby they are actually worse than SC but then might not.
UCLA will be an embarrassing no-show like last year, count that as a loss.
Notre Dame will have 4 picks probably return 2 for TDs in an easy win.

Fighton74
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November 3, 2024 9:09 am

I agree with the O-Line coach extremely important. You need a development program for o lineman to compete in the Big-10 also very essential to building a running game which we obviously lack!!!!

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 9:48 am
Reply to  Fighton74

Uh, did you watch the game yesterday? SLR called 3-1 passes to runs in the first half, 2 interceptions and down 20-7 at the half. 3rd quarter, 8-8, outscores Washington 14-0. 4th qtr, ran the ball down the field with a chance to go ahead. They can run just fine. Just need someone who can game plan and execute at the end of a close game.

UtahTrojan
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November 3, 2024 11:07 am
Reply to  Fighton74

No problem with the running game. We have a problem calling running play. I wonder who is in charge of that?

Fighton74
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November 3, 2024 9:06 am

๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅLR!!!!!!

Fighton74
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November 3, 2024 9:03 am

I have tried to give LR the benefit of doubt, but bottom line there is no significant improvement with this team Lynn or not. We play up to better teams and play down to worse teams. Pathetic. Loose to Washington 2 former PAC-12 teams are ranked ahead of us AZ and Colorado. I don’t care if the Big-12 is weaker. Once again we have shown 0 improvement in 3 years with LR 0!!!! SC I wanna move to the Big-10 so I can win a National Championship, and there’s more money. Should’ve move to the Mountain West conference. This team… Read more ยป

volunteerTrojan
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November 3, 2024 10:13 am
Reply to  Fighton74

The only difference I see from last 2 years is USC isn’t making every opposing mediocre qb look like a Heisman qb with a career game. Same end results though.

UtahTrojan
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November 3, 2024 11:09 am

No, now it is the tight end that has the career games.

volunteerTrojan
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November 3, 2024 1:33 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

That’s been happening. Remember Utah?

UtahTrojan
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November 3, 2024 4:09 pm

Painfully. But this year I keep seeing Penn St #44 without a Trojan within 10 yards all day long.

MPS65
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November 3, 2024 8:31 am

USC needs to replace its offensive line coach. At 4th and 2 last night, USC ran the same play it did against Penn state in overtime near the goaline, and the same thing happened defensively with the same result. A linebacker lined up nose-to-nose with an offensive lineman (right guard) and went unblocked into the backfield for a TFL. I would expect 99% of starting high school offensive lineman to adjust their blocking scheme given the obvious threat, and I would expect 99+% of offensive line coaches/offensive coordinators, at high school or greater level, to fix this problem. It is… Read more ยป

Trojanfanatic
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November 3, 2024 9:23 am
Reply to  MPS65

Ya getting old. You certainly have it right regarding a walk up LB showing / threatening A / B gap. In HS weโ€™d check the blitz and pick it up or if it was a no go, fulfill the original dbl team or lb assignment. Hell I was covering that in my Pop Warner coaching years. Itโ€™s simple line rules based upon pre and post snap reads. Kids stuff really.

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 3:40 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

MM pulls it … he walks in
Good kid but simply not a gamer
Shame on LR for not having the big kid ready for those situations

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 7:41 pm
Reply to  MPS65

SC didnโ€™t threaten the EZ in OT. No call PI to Lemon on 1st down. Slow developing โ€˜not sure what to call default run playโ€™ for loss on 2nd (maybe that play?) 3rd down No call PI on Lane.

illinoisusc
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November 3, 2024 7:37 am

Indiana playing Ohio State in a couple weeks is going to be fun. Indiana is looking at a playoff spot if they play it close. Could they actually beat O St?

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 3:41 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Big 10 refs are not allowing Indy to win that game … they want OSU vs Oregon in Big 10 title game

parcelman007
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November 3, 2024 1:28 am

This team is hard to figure out.It’s hard to figure out what is wrong. They are good at a lot of things. But the thing that they are best at is finding a way to snatch defeat from the hands of victory. In that category they are #1 in the country. If you were to just look at the box score, you would think SC won. They won all the categories: first downs 26-21…..Total Yards 459-375…..Passing 293-262…..Rushing 166-113…..Time of Possession 33-27……plays run 79-69. They did that in Washingtons stadium. Yet they lost the game and were behind for most of… Read more ยป

UtahTrojan
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November 2, 2024 11:10 pm

โ€œI donโ€™t handle losing very well. It hasnโ€™t happened very much in my career. That part of it is unacceptable,โ€ Riley said in his postgame press conference.
he seems to go out of his way to make sure they lose.

usc50
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November 3, 2024 7:05 am
Reply to  UtahTrojan

Riley is the second coming of Helton.
He has turned USC into a basketball school.
He may be a good OC but a lousy HC.

Golden Trojan
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November 3, 2024 7:20 am
Reply to  usc50

He’s not even a good OC. Unless you think calling pass plays to showcase quarterbacks is a good game plan.

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 3:44 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

LR play calling is awful … the 1st pick was an awful call
the goal line play and final series were pathetic
His receivers cannot even get open most the time
While opposing receivers run free all the time
LR is a big fail

UtahTrojan
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November 2, 2024 11:05 pm

Through 1st 36 games as USC head coach:

โ€ข Clay Helton: 27-9
โ€ข Lincoln Riley: 23-13

Golden Trojan
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November 2, 2024 11:11 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

SLR is a moron! Who throws the ball 75% in the first half, gets down by 13, THEN decides it’s time for a balanced offense?

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 3:53 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

Gomer was losing games by 30 his final 2 years
LR isnโ€™t getting his ass kicked lol

UtahTrojan
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November 3, 2024 4:10 pm
Reply to  USC1988

That makes me feel better. Maybe we can give LR a trophy for not getting his ass kicked. That will look good in Heritage Hall next to his last place finish.

UtahTrojan
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November 3, 2024 9:23 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

LOL

RialtoTrojan
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November 2, 2024 10:37 pm

Miller Moss is clearly not NFL material and he’s just another in a long line of stubborn failures from Lincoln Riley. Lincoln clearly is NFL material as most pro teams are pass happy. It seems we should be trying to build him up as the next Arizona Cardinals coach (or maybe the Raiders are dumb enough to take him off our hands)

MPS65
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November 3, 2024 8:35 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Things can change, i.e., he is young. But you are right that he tends to stare down his receivers and is not great at reading defenses, which are both inconsistent with NFL play. To my eye, USC’s two biggest problems are (1) incompetent offensive line play/management/coaching, especially when it comes to the right side of the line; and (2) as if that wasn’t bad enough, Miller moss tends to stare people down and not go through his progression (when he does have time to do that).

USC1988
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November 3, 2024 3:49 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

NFL lol … maybe not even D1. Weak arm so no long ball, inaccurate, release is too long, gun shy, canโ€™t move much, poor vision, worthless on RPOs.
3 picks miserable picks and another pick/6 dropped.
LR is getting Grinched2.

Golden Trojan
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November 2, 2024 10:36 pm

I guess if you are the LA press and you want access to USC football you don’t print the USC head coach is an F***ing moron!

After the NCAA, Haden, Swann, Bohn and Stink’n Lincoln, USC football is dead! RIP! You had some good years way back when but not anymore! USC is now a basketball school.

Golden Trojan
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November 2, 2024 11:08 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Here’s a plan. Take the $65 million a year in football money from the Big10 TV deal and pour it into basketball. More bang for your buck. Let SLR stew with no talent or staff while men’s and women’s basketball win NCs. Monday at 9am on ESPN and 7pm on Big10 Network is our first look at the USC Women’s and Men’s basketball teams.