Lincoln Riley’s Trojans in downward spiral after back-to-back losses
USC Coach Lincoln Riley glances at the scoreboard during a timeout in the third quarter against Colorado Saturday September 30, 2023 at Folsom Field. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
At the beginning of the season the Trojans were projected to be Playoff contenders, and the favorites to win the Pac-12.
After all, USC returned quarterback Caleb Williams, who was out to become College Football’s second two-time Heisman Trophy winner. However, all of that is in jeopardy now that the Trojans have lost back-to-back games. And that’s a head-scratcher, because everyone expected the team to take a step forward in year two under Lincoln Riley.
That’s not the case though. Which is why Riley needs to pick up the pieces as his team navigates through the Pac-12 meat-grinder. On top of that, USC dropped to 24th in the AP Poll after last week’s home loss to Utah. The Trojans have no margin for error, but will face three teams over their next four games that are currently in the top-25.
USC’s glaring weakness is its’ inept defense. Alex Grinch’s bunch has been a liability all season long. It’s hard to argue against that when the Trojans are ninth in the Pac-12, and 104th nationally in total defense. Most of USC’s games have been offensive shootouts. It appears Riley tries to outscore his opponents by jumping out to a big lead, but then be on cruise control the rest of the way. Grinch hasn’t held up his end of the bargain.
Notre Dame’s defense shut down USC’s offense, and Riley came up short. When the Trojans have trouble scoring on offense, Grinch’s defense doesn’t do anything to help the situation. Utah really exposed that area. The Utes put together an 11-play, 54-yard drive on their last possession against the Trojans, that included a fourth down conversion, and ended with the game-winning field goal.
It’s no mystery that Grinch’s defense has yet to deliver in the clutch moments. USC can’t keep relying on the arm of Williams, with a leaky defense, and not expect more losses. The Utah game was the first time that Williams failed to throw a touchdown as a Trojan.
The Pac-12 is full of parity, and this is the time of the season when the competition gets fierce. The league is loaded too, and has shown every week that it’s the best Power Five conference this fall. The fans are upset by the lack of adjustments by Grinch, and continue to express their frustration on social media.
Something has to give with Riley’s 2023 campaign. USC (6-2) only has one conference loss, and is very much alive in the Pac-12 race. It just so happens that a 3-4 California team is up next for Riley. The Golden Bears have lost three of their last four in Pac-12 play, and this will be the perfect opportunity for the Trojans to get back in the win column.
After back-to-back losses Riley is going to need leaders to emerge, staff members to hold themselves accountable and for everyone to be on the same page. Now the College football world is going to see how USC truly responds to adversity.
