247Sports, Sports Illustrated, On3.com|3 minute read

USC Trojans Football: Lincoln Riley Faces the Heat in the Big Ten

Alright, folks, gather ‘round because we’re diving deep into the chaos that is USC Trojans football under the watchful eye of head coach Lincoln Riley. If you thought the Trojans’ struggles were just a minor hiccup in the road to glory, think again. With the team currently ranking a dismal 122nd nationally in pass rushing, averaging just 1.14 sacks per game, the critics are sharpening their knives. This isn’t just a bad day at the office; it’s a full-blown catastrophe!

Where’s the Pass Rush Gone?

Let’s face it: a team that can’t pressure the quarterback is like a lion without teeth—just a big, scary cat. Lincoln Riley has some serious explaining to do. His squad is not just lagging behind; they’re scraping the bottom of the barrel in the Big Ten. It’s almost laughable if it weren’t so damn tragic. For the Trojans, every game feels like a game of “Where’s Waldo?” but with the pass rush. Spoiler alert: Waldo’s nowhere to be found!

Riley's High-Flying Offense Needs Defensive Support

In a recent loss to Maryland, the Trojans threw the ball 51 times. Fifty-one! That’s not just a lot; that’s a desperate cry for help. They might as well have been playing a game of “who can throw the ball the furthest” rather than making the most of offensive opportunities. And now they’re set to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, whose run defense has been about as effective as a screen door on a submarine.

Can USC Exploit Rutgers’ Weakness?

With Rutgers’ run defense ranking lower than your last Tinder date’s chances of finding love, USC has a golden opportunity to turn the tide. Coach Riley needs to channel his inner football wizard and whip up a game plan that takes full advantage of Rutgers’ defensive lapses. If the Trojans can’t capitalize on this, they might as well pack it up and just play for pride.

The Stakes are High in the Big Ten

The Big Ten isn’t for the faint-hearted. Every game is a battle, and if USC wants to make any noise this season, they better start by shoring up that pass rush. Otherwise, they’ll be playing catch-up for the rest of the season, and believe me, no one wants to be known as the team that couldn’t tackle a paper bag.

Lincoln Riley: Rising Pressure and Expectations

It’s a tough gig being a head coach, especially when the spotlight is shining brighter than a Vegas strip club. Lincoln Riley is feeling the heat, and rightly so. His track record says he can whip up an offensive juggernaut, but where’s that defensive prowess? He’s got to get his team to step it up or risk becoming the laughingstock of the Big Ten.

Final Thoughts: Can USC Turn the Ship Around?

As the Trojans gear up to face Rutgers, all eyes will be on Riley and his ability to reclaim some dignity for this struggling program. Can they finally put the pedal to the metal and show their true potential? Or will they continue to flounder like a fish out of water? The fans are restless, and the time for excuses is over. It’s game time!

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