Social Media Erupts as Lincoln Riley Faces Backlash After Another Late USC Collapse

Year three of the Lincoln Riley era at USC is going much different than Marcus Freeman's third year at Notre Dame

Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Notre Dame and USC both faced coaching changes following the 2021 season and both made interesing hires.

Notre Dame of course went with Marcus Freeman, who had no previous head coaching experience, while USC seemed to find its pot of gold in former Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley.

Fast forward to November of Year Three for both coaches, and it appears there are two programs headed in different directions.

Notre Dame sits 7-1 as it preps for a run for the College Football Playoff while USC is now 4-5 after falling at Washington on Saturday. As you could probably guess, USC fans were plenty angry at the Trojans head coach following the latest setback to Notre Dame's biggest rival.

Run the Ball Perhaps, Lincoln Riley?

At some point two things need to happen…

1. Make a change that can create somewhat of a spark
2. Commit to the run game

Looking at 4-5… WOW!

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) November 3, 2024

Lincoln Riley Fraud Alert?

Lincoln Riley is officially a fraud. Back to seasons with 5 losses and he may not make a bowl game.

He stood on the shoulders of what Stoops built, but he can’t build on his own. This is year 3 and they are worse than year 2.

Waste of 100 million.

— Tarik D. LaCour (@heirofdennett) November 3, 2024

Lincoln Riley's Losing Trend at USC

Lincoln Riley losses as the Head Coach at OU - 10
Lincoln Riley losses as the Head Coach at USC - 12

(He's coached 30 fewer games at USC) https://t.co/kXgh5z4v8v

— John Williams (@john9williams) November 3, 2024

USC is at least a competitive 4-5!

USC is easily the best 4-5 team in the country. Lincoln Riley is getting everything he can squeeze out of this motley group. 4 to 5 more years and he'll have this program back at 8-4/9-3 consistently. https://t.co/fclRtzlxeL

— David Woods (@daviddavidwoods) November 3, 2024

USC Fans Saw This One Coming

I predicted a 27-24 Washington victory precisely because I figured Lincoln Riley would find a way to blow the game

— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) November 3, 2024

Does USC Miss Clay Helton?

Through 1st 36 games as USC head coach:

• Clay Helton: 27-9
• Lincoln Riley: 23-13

— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) November 3, 2024

Lincoln Riley Sans Heisman Trophy QBs is Rough

It’s weird how Lincoln Riley becomes an awful coach once he doesn’t have a heisman winning QB.

— Sean Maloney (@ItsSeanMaloney) November 3, 2024

USC's Poor Trend Under Lincoln Riley

For the fourth time in four instances this season, USC loses outright as a road favorite. Lincoln Riley is now 2-11 ATS at SC as a road favorite.

— Chris Fallica (@chrisfallica) November 3, 2024

Are USC Fans Still Pretending?

Are we still pretending that Lincoln Riley is a great coach?

— Mar_SC_ella ✌️ (@Mar_SC_ella) November 3, 2024

Has USC Learned Anything Under Lincoln Riley in 2024?

When you watch the game today does it feel like Lincoln Riley has learned anything from the last 4 losses to you?

It doesn’t feel like it to me

— LA (@LASportsFanatic) November 3, 2024

Lincoln Riley's Biggest Opponent is Himself?

USC is in the playoff hunt if they run at a 60 percent split and Lincoln Riley just cannot bring himself to do it. Incredible displays of self-defeatism.

— Mike Piellucci (@mikelikessports) November 3, 2024

A Brutal Last Year for USC Football

Lincoln Riley is 6-10 in his last 16 games. https://t.co/u81SZKYiQT

— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) November 3, 2024

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