USC Football: Sluggish Victory Doesn't Dampen Lincoln Riley's Optimism

It's getting worse before it gets better

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Another week, another nail bitter for your USC Trojans, and this time it almost bit them in the butt. The Trojans narrowly survived; heck, they got lucky, let's be honest here. 

The 3-3 Arizona Wildcats bailed them out multiple times throughout the game, allowing them to gain extra yardage many times. It was another unimpressive performance by the men of Troy, leaving many fans wondering if USC is a legit title contender. 

While many are pondering over that, head coach Lincoln Riley isn't worried about his squad and said he still has the ultimate confidence in his group. 

“I wouldn’t count us out just yet,” he continues.

— Connor Morrissette (@C_Morrissette) October 8, 2023

Sure, you can say the defense won them the game because that would be true. Their stop in the third overtime after a Caleb Williams rushing touchdown in an odd formation sealed the deal, but I wouldn't necessarily say the defense won the game. I wouldn't necessarily say the offense won them the game, either. 

The USC offense was pedestrian, the least impressive it's been since the Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams era. Williams threw for a season-low 219 yards, one touchdown and only completed 14 of his 25 pass attempts. The offense was not fluid; they were not hitting on all cylinders, even when they were coming back down 17 points. Nothing looked easy for them; they worked for their 365 yards. 

And the defense, oh the defense, was disastrous again. 

The defense that "won them the game" allowed 506 total yards and only caused one turnover, 28 first downs, and five touchdowns to backup freshman QB Noah Fifita. On top of that, they gave up 143 rushing yards to Ariozna's back Jonah Coleman. That was Coleman's first time breaking 100 yards in the season; actually, it was his first time breaking 80 yards in the season. 

It was another tough watch this time for the entire 60 minutes and more. And guess what, Trojan fans, we haven't even hit the tough part of the schedule. All of that starts next week when USC travels to South Bend, Indiana, to take on their long-time rivals Norte Dame. 

It will be a long back half of the season if the Trojans don't figure it out. This storied season could turn around quickly if they head down this road.

We'll find out soon if they're for real or if they're frauds.