Lincoln Riley Makes Another Promise To USC

USC’s new $200 million football facility comes with a Lincoln Riley promise

The Trojans coach vows a return on investment to donors: ‘I promise that you’re going to get the same from us’

Head coach Lincoln Riley thanks philanthropist Ron Bloom after his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for USC’s new Bloom Football Performance Center on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lincoln Riley thanks philanthropist Ron Bloom after his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for USC’s new Bloom Football Performance Center on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)

Luca Evans (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — In front of another podium, in front of another grouping of some of the most important people on and beyond USC’s campus, Lincoln Riley stood for a public address Thursday morning and flashed back to the first footsteps he’d taken here.

After his flight from Norman, Oklahoma, after the monumental presser that introduced Riley as USC’s next football coach, he walked out to USC’s Howard Jones Field that day in November 2021. He’d taken this job, as he expressed then and has expressed since, for the wealth of resources he saw available at USC in a changing era of collegiate athletics. He’d taken this job, in large part, for the commitment promised to him by an entire university.

And in that moment, the seedlings of his vision in Southern California sprouted to life, seeing a practice facility in need of a gleaming renovation to support a program in need of a gleaming renovation.

“OK, where is this right now?” Riley said Thursday, recounting his thought process that day. “Where do we want to take it?”

Three years later, USC has taken another step in translating Riley’s visualizations to reality, breaking ground Thursday on a new $200 million football facility that’s largely been credited as its head coach’s brainchild. As a crowd of athletic-department personnel, donors and coaches looked on, USC President Carol Folt announced the building would be dubbed the Bloom Football Performance Center, in honor of a $50 million donation from longtime supporter Ronald Bloom.

Smiles abounded, on what a beaming Folt called a “day for bedazzling,” from Riley and athletic director Jen Cohen and donors alike. But an implicit understanding undercut Thursday’s proceedings: $157 million has now been poured into USC’s “Athletics West” capital projects (featuring the performance center as its centerpiece) to, in part, support a football coach with a $10 million-plus salary that has delivered a 4-5 record in his third season helming the program.

And in the final moments of his address to the crowd gathered Thursday, standing atop a mock-turf green tarp laid over layers of dirt, a blue-suited Riley offered a direct assurance to his investors.

“Just like you all got this done for us, and for this program and for this university, I promise that you’re going to get the same from us,” Riley told the crowd.

“So, we thank you,” he continued. “We love being in the fight here, and many great days ahead. Thank you so much. Fight On.”

Updated renderings of the facility, expected to be completed in summer 2026, are nothing short of stunning, fully fitting Riley’s previously expressed vision of the “best college football facility in the country.” The Bloom Football Performance Center will span 160,000 square feet, with two full-length practice fields, and include an expanded locker room and designated space for NFL scouts and a USC-described “recruiting terrace.”

Still, amid a refurbishment that’s necessitated a simultaneous teardown and construction of a new baseball stadium at Dedeaux Field, Cohen made clear to a crowd of donors that the department needed to “keep raising money,” as she said. USC is still $40 million away from its expressed target for Athletics West, and that’s without including an ever-present push for funds to support Riley’s program through third-party NIL collective House of Victory.

Under Cohen’s tenure, a once-messy USC NIL landscape has been handily tidied, with over $12 million available in House of Victory’s 2024-25 budget. But as the dawn of revenue-sharing approaches and collectives at fellow Big Ten programs like Ohio State and Oregon continue to outpace USC, Riley took the opportunity Thursday to continue implicitly calling for more support.

“You’re undertaking something that is so rewarding and so incredible on so many levels, but is so difficult on so many levels as well, that it’s gonna take every single person here to do it,” Riley said. “And it doesn’t – whether you’re talking about building a facility, building a team, building a roster, developing a team – like, any part of this that is not completely invested or that doesn’t want this as bad as someone else will cause this to crumble.”

“It won’t work,” he implored. “It won’t work to the level it should.”

Whether donors continue to trust that Riley’s vision is worth the investment, ultimately, remains to be seen. He sits at 23-13 in three years at USC, now, with one bowl-game win and no College Football Playoff appearances under his belt. But Thursday’s groundbreaking, as Riley affirmed, was tangible proof of the unification of the university toward a common goal. A goal supported, especially, by a deep-pocketed Bloom.

“I’ve seen some ups and downs with USC football,” Bloom told the crowd Thursday, a lifelong USC supporter. “I’ve been privileged to be here with the McKay era, the Robinson era, and the Carroll era.”

“I know that Coach Riley’s era will bring us the same, the same great times,” he said.

Last Saturday afternoon, as Bloom told the crowd in the beginning of his address, he’d tugged on a lucky Trojans sweater and sat to watch USC take on Washington. He came away disappointed, as USC lost 26-21 to the Huskies. The sweater, he cracked, didn’t help.

“But the coach is going to help,” Bloom said, as Riley stood and smiled next to him. “I’m going to continue with the sweater, and he’s going to continue.”

“Fair enough,” Riley grinned, nodding his head. “Fair enough.”

ocregister.com

___________

TrojanDailyBlog members —  We always encourage you to add factual information, insight, divergent opinions, or new topics to the TDB that don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.

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Fighton74
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Fighton74
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November 12, 2024 8:47 am

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 What a joke!!!!

Golden Trojan
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November 11, 2024 4:19 pm

John Robinson!

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 11, 2024 6:02 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He brought a lot to so many.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 12, 2024 4:03 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Wasn’t he a roommate of John Maddenat sometime in their youth?

RialtoTrojan
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RialtoTrojan
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November 11, 2024 8:58 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Earlier today I was going over pictures on the memory page on Facebook and found a picture two years ago of myself standing next to John McKay’s statue. I remarked they might need a couple more, like John Robinson and Pete Carroll. Anyway Robinson even coached at San Marcos high school, which is just down the street from me these days.

RialtoTrojan
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RialtoTrojan
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November 12, 2024 9:17 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Move McKay to the Coliseum and erect the other two there? I thought about it when I wrote it, there is room for other statues before McKay, but who?

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 12, 2024 10:56 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

How awesome is that picture of a ticker tape parade! I wonder how many ticker-tape parades have the bruins participated in as the guests of honor? 😂

TrojanMPA90
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TrojanMPA90
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November 11, 2024 4:08 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Awesome the Women’s Soccer team is doing so well. Wish them all the best!

Golden Trojan
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November 11, 2024 4:17 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

WOW 64 team tournament! November Madness! Have to go to Hulu for games till the semifinal on Dec 6, ESPNU at 7:30 ET.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 11, 2024 5:43 am

To any of the TDB family and friends for whom it applies, Happy Veterans Day. We all thank you for your time and commitment to serve the USA.😎

Golden Trojan
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November 11, 2024 9:11 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We should remember that the 2025 class will get some money direct from the Universities. How much and to which athletes still seems to be decided. On the non money side of recruiting, which football coaches are seen as running solid programs, which are rising stars and which are flaming out? Lewis is now the 9th ranked QB, 115th overall player. Not sure how much NIL he’s worth as a 4*. Colorado has the 79th ranked class with no QB on their 10 player list. USC is ranked 10th with 23 hard commits including Lewis. USC’s top recruit is Myles,… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 11, 2024 1:07 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

I just saw an article on “the worldwide leader in sports” website talking about how the revenue sharing is going to reduce the churn in the transfer portal in the near future and that this upcoming portal window in December may be the last free-for-all:

Previewing the 2024 college football transfer portal market by Max Olson

I cannot paste the link, unfortunately, and it is behind the ESPN+ paywall. Interesting read. Miller Moss is featured prominently in the title page with his picture….

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 11, 2024 1:16 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

I also saw that receivers as well as QBs will be a hot commodity in the portal next month. I think this may explain Jakobi Lane’s cryptic twitter comments about if he was going to miss Lincoln Riley. Sounds like he will be testing the portal market.

John Weld
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John Weld
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November 10, 2024 5:06 pm

TDB Football Contest Standings as of 11.10.24
4 weeks left…………..who is going to make a big move or will they decide to be conservative to hold onto their spot.

  1. Bus83             40000
  2. Chris              34000
  3. Scoochnew  33000
  4. TrojanRJJ       21500
  5. Troy5543       16000
  6. DubPar22      14500
  7. MrsSteveg     13500

Click link to go to post for full game accounting.
https://trojandailyblog.com/tdb-football-contest-2024-week-11/

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 10, 2024 6:27 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Boss Hog……..

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 11, 2024 5:43 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Fat tub of goo.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 11, 2024 1:17 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He looks like that troll king in the Lord of the Rings series.

parcelman007
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parcelman007
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November 12, 2024 9:12 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It’s more likely that he is frowning up from down below.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 10, 2024 6:27 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Frankly, I would demand a trade. The Bears are where QB’s go to die. Even McMahon, who won a Super Bowl, is living a tough life in pain due to all the hits he received.
Cash is nice but your health is number 1.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 11, 2024 5:48 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

but this would never happen at USC.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 11, 2024 10:30 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

When will the pollsters get over Penn St? They should be at 11-12.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 10, 2024 8:57 am

Bloom stated….I’am going to continue with the sweater and he is going to continue…….when a billionaire says that……it means what it means. Riley is going to be here for a while. Might as well get used to it.
Does it matter who takes Folt’s position. Probably not.
Finishing with three wins sure would help steady the ship for recruiting purposes.

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
November 10, 2024 8:35 am

Well USC didn’t lose yesterday. But they find themselves in sole possession of 16th place in the Big. The good news is they will not end up in last place or next to last even if they lose out! Some shuffling of the play off rankings expected with Georgia and Miami losing, Indiana 10-0 (first time in history). Can Notre Dame keep a top 10 spot not playing nobody? Who is better Boise St or Army? Come on Army beat ND on the 23rd. Army in the playoffs would be great!

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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November 10, 2024 10:59 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Concerns that we will lose our QB commitment.

trojandn
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November 10, 2024 11:58 am
Reply to  UtahTrojan

No concern here. We don’t need paycheck players. We need players who want to play for the school, coach, and then the NIL. ✌️

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 10, 2024 12:55 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

Why would Lewis spend his time running for his life behind our O-line who think they are matadors.

trojandn
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trojandn
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November 10, 2024 4:09 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

I can give you 25.5 million reasons why if he’s any good at the College level. ✌️

USC1988
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USC1988
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November 10, 2024 11:11 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Crazy final 2 minutes … MIZZU was toast

USC1988
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USC1988
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November 10, 2024 11:13 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

LSU was a tough opener. Cannot doubt that.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 9, 2024 6:34 pm

Does Indiana have a chance against Oh St next week?

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 9, 2024 6:56 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Reports indicate Michigan is offering Bryce Underwood 10 million to flip from LSU.
If that deal happens Moss is probably not considering Michigan.
10 million for a 17 year old kid that has not played a down in college……things are changing.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 9, 2024 7:13 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Plan B,C,D…….hope Jayden plays great and stays for 2 years.
I wonder if an elite QB would still look at Riley right now……unless USC came up with 10 million. Lewis seems to be looking elsewhere.
Frankly, what does Riley have to offer….come to USC and run for your life……until he lands some top tackles.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 10, 2024 11:21 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Like I said, it might be smarter to recruit 4-star QBs if this top rated QB mania gets out of hand and it just might. You know all the baggage it entails. Entitlement, bad karma in the locker room, high expectations & demands from the handlers and no guarantee the kid won’t bolt if somebody’s nose gets bent. And that’s not to say the talent isn’t there that’s needed on the field in the game. No thank you!

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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November 10, 2024 11:00 am
Reply to  illinoisusc

There is something definitely wrong with all of this. Education be damned.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 10, 2024 11:09 am
Reply to  illinoisusc

That report has to be bogus. No HS QB who hasn’t stepped one foot on the college football field is worth that. It would first force the coaching staff to give Bryce preferential treatment and cause a very nasty locker room. But go ahead Michigan if you are dumb enough to do it.

USC1988
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USC1988
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November 10, 2024 11:20 am
Reply to  illinoisusc

No … the Big 10 will see to it that Indy gets 1 loss. Besides they want OSU vs Oregon in BIG final. So the refs can bend over the Quacks at least once this year. Haven’t been able to give them the west coast old man BIG rigged ref treatment because quacks have been drubbing everyone.
BIG will get them in this game. No way is the old boy BIG boys allowing a west coast team to waltz through the big bad BIG, especially with a roster of Cali kids. No chance.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 10, 2024 1:00 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Well, I for one have referee Tourette’s Syndrome. When I see a zebra make a call against my team, I can’t control what comes out of my mouth. 😡😎

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 11, 2024 1:21 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

At South Bend? ND’s home advantage is at least 7 points every game and part of that mojo is what comes over “neutral” refs in that stadium–there is much looking of the other way when it comes to the Irish.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 9, 2024 3:52 pm

Looks like Kiffin has them.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 9, 2024 3:20 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Smoke bowl

volunteerTrojan
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November 9, 2024 4:27 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Go (former) Trojans!

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 1:51 pm

Ole Miss giving Georgia a game so far. Can’t wait for the Army/Navy game this year.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 1:46 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Last year they lost 16 to the portal. He picked up 8, 7 of which are on defense. Indiana had a good defense under the previous coach also. Cig has done an excellent job so far.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 2:32 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

That happens when you have no offense. Allen is so defensive oriented he is like the opposite of last years Riley.

USC1988
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USC1988
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November 10, 2024 11:23 am
Reply to  Steveg

How did Cigaretti get so many good players to go to James Madison ! was easy to get them to Indy though

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:08 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

WTF?

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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November 10, 2024 11:04 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Clothes were ripped? What the hell?

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:08 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Tech Wins!

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:16 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I was listening to the game, so I didn’t realize Height made that play. I thought MIA was overrated this season.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 1:19 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

They are but they are all the ACC really has. Or had.

volunteerTrojan
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November 9, 2024 4:39 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

My brother got his master’s in EE at GaTech. We saw a few FB games, and some great BB games during his stay there in the mid 80s. The ACC was incredible in hoops then.

volunteerTrojan
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November 9, 2024 4:32 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

They can’t lose too many times in my book.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 1:17 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

So happy to see Miami get exposed. Shut down their QB and they have nothing. Kept a spy who can run on him all day with lots of pressure. Great game plan by GT.

Golden Trojan
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November 9, 2024 8:04 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If this held, Ohio St would play Boise St, then BYU, then the semifinal game, likely Oregon (who would have to beat Tennessee or Indiana). One semifinal game could be all Big10 Oregon-Ohio St. and the other all SEC Georgia-Texas or Alabama. Some fun games in all the rounds.

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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November 10, 2024 11:07 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Referees totally hosed Utah against BYU. Looks like thier refs help the playoff teams too.

USC1988
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USC1988
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November 10, 2024 11:26 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Quacks vs OSU 3x this year lol … hilarious if Quacks sweep them. Old Big 10 boys would freak.

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
November 9, 2024 7:18 am

Not trying to fan the flame, but there may be some smoke…interpret it as you see fit.

https://atozsports.com/college-football/usc-trojans-head-coach-lincoln-riley-losing-locker-room/

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 9, 2024 8:55 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The day I knew Helton would leave…….excuse my lousy memory……one of our players who was one of the star starters committed an egregious penalty on another player right in front of our sideline, refs and coach…..the penalty extended a drive that was going to be a 4th down.
The other night a similar act occurred….can’t remember much of the detail other to say it was close to the end zone, Wash was driving and the kid practically handed them a TD.

RialtoTrojan
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RialtoTrojan
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November 9, 2024 9:04 am
Reply to  illinoisusc

Frustrated players are not a good thing. Riley needs to calm the crew in order to right the ship. I have to believe that Riley expects his quarterback to follow his plays as called, unless the quarterback sees something on the field that would work better. I don’t think Moss was able to analyze the situation as quickly as he should in order to be effective as the coach’s eyes on the field. Moss to often tried making the plays work as called.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:13 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Moss has developed PTS thanks to a lousy line and poor play calls from Riley at critical times.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:18 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Yes.

He has been humiliated by Riley as the scapegoat when Riley should be pointing the finger at himself.

Why should he play for that guy again?

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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November 10, 2024 11:11 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Unfortunately I do not see a future for him here. He needs a fresh start and something better than a junior high school offensive line and a coach that understands the concept of running the ball

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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November 10, 2024 11:10 am
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Couldn’t agree more. The more Moss was hit he consistently became more tentative.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 9, 2024 9:56 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I think we have seen this before when a HC wins a Nattie (Phil Fulmer, Coach O, Brown) or moves to get a huge contract(Rich Rod, Fisher and Riley/Kelly) and they flop. Seems they get too laid back and not so hungry in burning the midnight oil. None of these coaches ever came close to even winning their conference championships let alone another nattie. Will Riley buck this trend? If not he will be the biggest bust of them all.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 1:22 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It is possible we may have a good team in a couple years. These guys coming up are pretty darn good, the 2025 class has a lot of good players in it. We shall see.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 1:37 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I’ll bet Woody plays. He is a great young man. What gets me is the best tackle on the team is playing center.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:39 pm
Reply to  Steveg

I can’t see us keeping the best players from that golden 2025 class.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:23 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I know that MM was the emotional leader at the beginning of the season. If he is kicked to the curb (yes he has some of the blame, but certainly not as much as Riley and Josh Henson), how does the locker room respond to that?

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 1:27 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

I personally thought a couple of weeks ago a change should be made. The team should realize this happens, everyone can get replaced if they are not performing. I like Moss, but for some reason he seems to have gone backward. His line is no help and dropped passes have hurt him all season. Lets see what a more mobile guy can do.

USC1988
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USC1988
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November 10, 2024 11:30 am
Reply to  illinoisusc

Kid actually got caught retaliating but yes, poor move. And another shit call by our BIG friends … I think it was # 22 one of the reserve cbs.

RialtoTrojan
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RialtoTrojan
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November 9, 2024 8:56 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

 it feels like he isn’t putting the team in sinning situations as often as he should be.” I read this twice at the source and once here. Is USC going back to its religious roots? My mom said she was expected to go to chapel once a week.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:24 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Well, it certainly wouldn’t hurt at this point.🙄

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 9:42 am

Perhaps Riley is getting close to losing his offensive side and the QB change will make up for it. It is amazing what a win will cure, for the players and fans. I do think the result of the Neb game will be very important in maintaining the culture. On the other side of the ball the defense has not given up, only in regard to injuries have they fallen off. We are seeing the real Riley, how his young age and experience is showing he needs to mature as a head coach. Somewhere in there I believe is a… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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November 9, 2024 10:29 am
Reply to  Steveg

He needs to rebuild himself as well. Right now he seems to be trying to do too much. He needs to realize he needs a real OC that he respects to run the offense including game plan and play calling. He needs to fire Henson and hire a tough as nails OL coach that has NFL experience like a Eric Henderson. He needs to hire a real Special Teams Coach as well. If he does that and focus on the whole team and game management he will go a long way to improving himself and the team.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 11:56 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

USC has Josh Henson as the OC. Then they have Anthony Jones as run game coordinator and Dennis Simmons as the assistant head coach and passing game coordinator. So I wonder, is Riley calling all the plays? Who knows. Sure seems like a lot of coordinators. Then hey have Zach Hanson as the assistant head coach for the offense. I guess titles are a really big deal at USC.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:31 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Easier to pay with titles than cash?

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:30 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

He will only relinquish play calling if he is given an ultimatum by Jen Cohen.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 1:33 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

You are probably right. Maybe he will read this blog and learn something.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 9, 2024 1:40 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He could call plays and have all of his assistant head coaches work on game management. I don’t know if he has anyone on staff now that can call plays.

ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:28 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Because Helton was a laughable figure, we didn’t expect much and couldn’t believe the school was keeping him around. BUT, we thought we had the homerun hire with Riley. He has proven to be so far below what our expectations were when he arrived and after the first season (prior to the conference championship and bowl game disaster). I think that’s why the bitch factor is so high right now.

Steveg
Major Genius
Steveg
Online
November 9, 2024 1:35 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

So soon we forget how miserable we were.

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
November 9, 2024 2:22 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Expectations, you hit the nail on the head. LR has accomplished so far below expectations. I can only speak for myself…by year 3 I expected a conference championship and playoff slot. No reason it couldn’t have been achieved with the combination of local talent pipeline and the portal. Yet here we are.

If he were to be asked what, if anything, he would change from the past 3 years, hopefully he would NOT say, “Nothing comes to mind.”

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
November 9, 2024 4:23 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

😁 I couldn’t resist.

Steveg
Major Genius
Steveg
Online
November 9, 2024 2:35 pm

If USC had the money to spend in year one of Riley, they would have gotten some of those guys that went to Oregon. This is like the first year USC is somewhat competitive moneywise.

parcelman007
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parcelman007
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November 8, 2024 10:48 pm

USC spent all this money hiring this “great” defensive staff and UCLA has a better defense than SC does for a lot less money. UCLA has won 3 in a row while SC has lost 4 out of their last 5 games. UCLA will probably go to a bowl game. I don’t think SC will. SC had better beat Nebraska because I don’t think that they will win the last 2 games.

parcelman007
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parcelman007
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November 9, 2024 2:20 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Probably should have made this switch to Maiava earlier. LR is quite often a day late and a dollar short.

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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November 10, 2024 11:19 am
Reply to  parcelman007

Riley will never be a dollar short due to his unearned salary.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 8, 2024 7:36 pm

Foster has got the Ruins playing. Garbers looks good in spite of the two picks. They have tons of injuries but look seamless.
We’re going to have a game when we play these dudes.

Steveg
Major Genius
Steveg
Online
November 8, 2024 7:39 pm
Reply to  illinoisusc

ucla has the ball at the two and throws for the TD. Thankfully it wasn’t USC doing that, people would get upset. Run, run, run.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 8, 2024 7:46 pm
Reply to  Steveg

LOL….true……when the fans get on you there is no reason.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 8, 2024 7:47 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Is Foster a good recruiter? Any info?

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 8, 2024 7:50 pm
Reply to  illinoisusc

He is one scarey dude when he is pissed off.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 8, 2024 7:52 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Let put it this way….If I fumbled the ball I think I might run to the other sideline…..no lineman will give him much shit about why this or why that…..he looks like a guy you do it or else.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 8, 2024 7:57 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Thanks…….it’s just a few games, so not going too far, but it looks like he is going to be trouble for more programs than us in the next few years if he can get some talent.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:35 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We had a better than average defense with the players we had at the LSU game. With the players lost since then, (knucklehead portal entries, season ending injuries) we are again average to below average.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 8, 2024 1:47 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Hopefully just the beginning of more pictures of Riley with Lara’s peers showing &building connection and cooperation. This needs to happen up & down the State. If Riley wants to develop this further, he and the coaching staff should offer workshops for HS football programs if it hasn’t already.

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
November 8, 2024 1:54 pm
Reply to  Jamaica

The NFL doesn’t exist without college football. College football doesn’t exist without HS football, which doesn’t exist without Pop Warner. Each level needs to support the level that feeds them. The premiere college program in California, such that it is, needs to be out there to help the sport in general if nothing else.

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
November 8, 2024 4:40 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

😂

ATL D.D.S.
Major Genius
ATL D.D.S.
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November 8, 2024 2:50 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Too little too late

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
November 8, 2024 3:59 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Good to see, indeed. Better late than never, but still almost 3 years late.

Seems to me when LR came in, he would immediately ask how USC has been successful in the past. He should have heard early on about the CA talent pipeline and identified it as an ingredient to carry forward.

But I guess not…

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 8, 2024 7:38 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Good. Hopefully he’ll try to correct at least one issue.

illinoisusc
Major Genius
illinoisusc
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November 8, 2024 7:49 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Well…..at least he is trying. I suppose there are folks that would just take the 70 million and sit.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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November 8, 2024 8:08 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

As long as old man Bloom likes him…..well…..you know……it’s not a democracy.

illinoisusc
Major Genius
illinoisusc
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November 8, 2024 8:17 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Thanks…..looks like there still is plenty of steam in the boiler…..who said life has to slow after 75.

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
November 8, 2024 11:55 am

Carol Folt announced she is retiring at the end of the academic year in July 2025.

ATL D.D.S.
Major Genius
ATL D.D.S.
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November 8, 2024 2:52 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

The election results were too much for her. She is triggered.

Steveg
Major Genius
Steveg
Online
November 8, 2024 7:42 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

1/3 of the nation is triggered. They gonna “fight back”.

RialtoTrojan
Major Genius
RialtoTrojan
Online
November 8, 2024 3:20 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

She got a gig as a stunt double for Carrol Burnet. (Or elsewhere they’re saying Minnie Mouse in Anaheim)

ATL D.D.S.
Major Genius
ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:36 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

😂

RialtoTrojan
Major Genius
RialtoTrojan
Online
November 8, 2024 10:27 am

This story appeared in the late edition of the E-paper I read this morning. It was accompanied by a few photos and the one that caught my eye was the obligatory first scoop shot. All these dignitaries lined up in their finery, shoulder to shoulder with silver shovels and all I could think was, what’s on Lincoln’s shovel? I’ll bet Traveler contributed some extra grassy fertilizer for Lincoln’s scoop.

Jamaica
Noble Genius
Jamaica
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November 8, 2024 10:32 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Hahahaha

Jamaica
Noble Genius
Jamaica
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November 8, 2024 9:47 am

Coach Riley, talking when you are emotional can be troublesome for what you may say. You already put your foot in your mouth when you got here declaring how you were going to win and it isn’t happening. Now you say how your program will return the investment made on the new Bloom Sports Center. I just hope you aren’t digging a deeper hole for yourself unless you are making some big changes in areas that are glaringly needed. So far, you keep saying how incredible USC has such benefits already to offer players but it seems your message has… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
Major Genius
ATL D.D.S.
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November 8, 2024 9:54 am
Reply to  Jamaica

Sounds like ole Linkin’ sure had time to make a lot of input into his $200 million club house/fort. But time to develop a recruiting network in the home state of USC? Not so much. Lazy SOB you are, Riley.

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
November 8, 2024 11:46 am
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Wonder if he had a secret underground parking just for him, never would have to get out of car on campus.

ATL D.D.S.
Major Genius
ATL D.D.S.
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November 9, 2024 1:37 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

would not be surprised!

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
November 8, 2024 6:55 am
ATL D.D.S.
Major Genius
ATL D.D.S.
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November 8, 2024 10:44 am

I always liked that song….

TrojanRon
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TrojanRon
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November 8, 2024 1:37 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

A narrow win again for USC over what I would think is weaker opponent like the first one. The next one is Texas Arlington, and I don’t know if that team is very strong. Although wins will help build the confidence of this team, not playing a tougher schedule to start may backfire once conference play gets underway. The BIG has always had strong basketball teams that compete nationally. When SC announced it was leaving the PAC-12 for the BIG, the first sport I thought of was of course football but quickly had reservations about competing in basketball. USC has… Read more »

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
November 8, 2024 7:00 am
Reply to  TrojanRon

Normally I would agree with scheduling tough teams early so a coach can see what he has. But given the top to bottom remake of the entire team, I think a few easier games make sense this year to sort things out.

trojandn
Genius Member
trojandn
Offline
November 8, 2024 9:52 am
Reply to  TrojanRon

i believe they beat Gonzaga in an exhibition game on a neutral court and their top scorer is currently out due to an injury. Games like this will help them to grow mentally ✌️

Jamaica
Noble Genius
Jamaica
Offline
November 8, 2024 10:11 am
Reply to  TrojanRon

Gosh, the way they played Gonzaga in an exhibition game a week or so ago you would think the team would romp
over these next opponents?

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
November 7, 2024 10:13 pm

Oregon’s football 145,000 sq.ft football facility cost $68 million. Dan Lanning makes $8.2 million. Oregon’s NIL is $23 million. So USC is paying $132 million more for its football facility and $2 million more for a coach and $10 million less in NIL. Who’s getting the ROI!

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
November 7, 2024 10:14 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

USC football is a boat. A hole in the water you pour money into!

illinoisusc
Major Genius
illinoisusc
Offline
November 8, 2024 6:34 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Thanks…..did not know she was a Summerall.

ATL D.D.S.
Major Genius
ATL D.D.S.
Offline
November 8, 2024 9:56 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I have heard rave reviews about her. Did not know she was related to Pat Summerall

Steveg
Major Genius
Steveg
Online
November 8, 2024 7:46 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Wonder if she can do play by play for the flag football games on the White House lawn.

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
November 8, 2024 9:58 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Play by play for the round of golf that Trump and Biden sparred over during their debate.

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
November 7, 2024 7:56 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If true, that sure didn’t take long.

illinoisusc
Major Genius
illinoisusc
Offline
November 7, 2024 8:14 pm

Moss according to many is a very intelligent person. So…..if he gets benched what will change later in the year or next year to improve his chance to start. Nothing. The OL next year might be weaker than this year viewed as pass blockers.. Same head coach. So, next question…..does he have the talent necessary to make an NFL roster. Doubtful….but…..he could make enough from NIL to start out life with a nice cushion…..and if lightening strikes and he gets drafted in the later rounds….so much the better. Third question…..where ever he goes has to have a line that can… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
Major Genius
ATL D.D.S.
Offline
November 8, 2024 10:01 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Too bad, Riley screwed over a true Trojan with his poor recruiting, game management and play calling.

I will miss MM and I wish him well. I hope he comes back to haunt Riley.

I guess I really dislike Lincoln Riley. Certainly as much as I disliked Clay Helton. But not as bad as I hate Paul Dee—I will piss on his grave some day. 🤬

Steveg
Major Genius
Steveg
Online
November 8, 2024 7:48 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

His is #2 I will pee on. Hanoi Jane is my first.

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