Massive Expectations Follow USC and Lincoln Riley

Five things to watch for in Lincoln Riley’s debut vs Rice

A transformed Trojan offense?

Over the last nine months, we’ve heard a lot about Lincoln Riley’s brilliant offensive mind. Finally, on Saturday, we can evaluate what that means in practice at USC.

There’s good reason to expect fireworks. Riley added a Heisman Trophy contender at quarterback and a Biletnikoff Award winner at receiver. He revamped USC’s backfield and threw in three more starting wideouts from the portal for good measure. If everything clicks, USC’s offense has the talent to be one of the best in college football.

At every stop in his career, Riley has tailored his offenses to the talent at his disposal. In seven years at Oklahoma, the Sooners never finished worse than eighth nationally in scoring. He’ll have new wrinkles ready to deploy Saturday, leaving plenty to unpack in the weeks to come.

Backfield Shuffle

Former Mater Dei RB Raleek Brown could be USC’s next game breaker. (Jerome Miron/for The Times)

When Travis Dye and Austin Jones announced their transfers to USC within one day of each other, a two-pronged Trojans backfield seemed assured. But how that split works Saturday is still unclear. Both were listed as starters in USC’s initial depth chart.

Jones is built more for power, while Dye already has proved himself as a prolific all-purpose threat. Both are capable of playing three downs. Don’t be surprised to see them on the field together, mirroring what Riley did with two top backs in his early days at Oklahoma.

Riley said he could play all four of USC’s top backs Saturday. The wild card is dynamic freshman Raleek Brown, who seems sure to force his way onto the field sooner rather than later.

A Deep Connection

Former PITT WR Jordan Addison is expected to be USC QB Caleb Williams’ top target. (Keith Srakocic / AP)

 

No college wideout was more dangerous on deep balls last season than Jordan Addison. Addison scored 10 touchdowns on 40 targets from 20 yards or deeper for Pittsburgh. There’s no reason to think USC won’t use him in a similar fashion.

Already, Addison says he and quarterback Caleb Williams have a strong connection down the field.

“His accuracy with the deep passes, if you’re putting it on the outside shoulder, it’s gonna come on the outside shoulder,” Addison said. “Wherever he wants to put the ball, it’s gonna be there.”

Williams completed just 37.5% of his deep passes as a freshman last season, according to Pro Football Focus. A dominant downfield weapon such as Addison could take that part of his game to a new level.

Searching For Sacks

USC’s lack of a pass rush was a serious problem last season, and that was with Drake Jackson, a second-round pick in the NFL draft, coming off the edge.

This season, it’s even less proven. Auburn transfer Romello Height looks the part at rush end, but he had just three tackles for loss and no sacks last season with the Tigers.

USC desperately needs former top recruit Korey Foreman to make a leap in his development. But his progress was slowed by injuries in spring and fall camp. If he has a slow start, it would slow USC’s pass rush in the process.

New Captain In the Middle
Alabama LB Shane Lee returns a pick against Mississippi State on Nov. 16, 2019, in Starkville, Miss. (Rogello V. Solis/AP)

From the day he first spoke to Lincoln Riley on the phone, it apparently was destined Shane Lee would become a leader on USC’s defense.

The coach clearly has the utmost confidence in Lee, who was a freshman All-American at Alabama. But since that standout debut season, Lee had just nine total tackles over two seasons with the Tide. When USC’s depth chart was revealed Thursday, he was listed as a co-starter with Ralen Goforth.

USC’s staff has been resolute in its belief that Lee will be a difference-maker in the middle of its defense. His debut will be among the most telling of USC’s transfers Saturday.

latimes.com

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Steveg
Major Genius
Steveg
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September 2, 2022 6:28 pm
Steveg
Major Genius
Steveg
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September 2, 2022 5:57 pm

Good high school game tonight, Mater Dei / Corona Centennial. Wish they televised them like they used to.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 2, 2022 3:37 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I thought there was some talk of trying to go in 2024? Is that out the window?

Jamaica
Noble Genius
Jamaica
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September 2, 2022 2:54 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Those promoting PAC-12 football conveniently/purposely omit its preseason & bowl game records that are, pretty poor, and want listeners to tune into season records. With the exception of Oregon, this conference should be embarrassed that it can’t hold their own with other Power 5conference teams. And frankly, are losing to MWC teams more times than not if you look at that record. Of course, our administrations are shameless in holding their “entitled” hands out for TV money. No one was more elated than me when we heard USC was leaving this conference of pretenders!

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 2, 2022 11:47 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Perfect fit for Gibbs. Hope he does well.

ATL D.D.S.
Noble Genius
ATL D.D.S.
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September 3, 2022 6:12 am
Reply to  Steveg

Southern fried food and sweet iced tea should be just what old Max needs to get that weight under control..

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
September 2, 2022 11:17 am

I prefer anticipation over expectation. One day before game 1, I have massive anticipation and modest expectations. I expect a more talented team, that executes much better with few mistakes/penalties, and able to get at least 8 wins. I anticipate an offense that blows out most of their opponents before they know what hit them. I would not be surprised by 10-11 wins but don’t expect that. With each game my expectations will grow. This team will be fun to watch grow over the first half of the season. The phrase, “Wait till you see this team in November” is… Read more »

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
September 2, 2022 1:01 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Allen you and I are not far off. I expect at least 8 wins. I guess I should also expect most if not all of those 8 games LR’s offense will bow them out, including Rice and Stanford. The other 4 games will be tough ones including Utah and ND. My expectations for those games may grow as they get closer. Tomorrow will good looks at both those teams and Oregon. I have anticipation of SC running the table but don’t expect it. Can’t wait.

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
September 2, 2022 3:20 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Tomorrow is Opening Day! Everybody is undefeated and has shot at the NC. Trojans all the way!😎

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
September 2, 2022 2:52 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

True, and I think that by the time we play ND, we will be hitting on all cylinders. I “expect” USC to beat both ND and UCLA. There, I said it, just after a big gulp of cardinal Kool-Aid. It really just comes down to if our defense can do better against our opponents’ offenses than their defenses can do against our offense. And I’m taking our offense every time. I think our defense will be good enough to not get in any wild shootout. So, if we don’t stumble early, and don’t have any key injuries, I think we’ll… Read more »

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 2, 2022 10:45 am

You wonder just how much offense LR will show in this opener. Will he put on a display that will have upcoming defenses trying to figure out what will be coming at them or will he go low key and not show their capabilities just yet. Either way I am sure we will see lots of points on the board. I for one am not worried about the defense like many are. I see a new team going out not at all related to what we had before. We have leaders, a will to win, and a good work ethic… Read more »