The USC Trojans are entering the Big Ten. Given Lincoln Riley’s failure to field good defenses and physical teams, a lot of commentators are hugely skeptical of his ability to turn things around in Troy this year. One commentator is college football analyst Barrett Sallee. On his “Smothered and Covered” podcast, Sallee was blunt and direct in questioning both Riley and USC. Sallee said USC is “not ready” for what it’s getting into in the Big Ten. He acknowledged the new defensive staff hires but emphasized that the problem with defense and a lack of physicality still starts at the top.
It amounts to a view which needs to see a changed identity on the field before being convinced Riley and his approach are different. Fair enough. It can’t be denied that USC has to prove it is different before anyone gives the Trojans and Lincoln Riley the benefit of the doubt. That’s where we are.
Hopefully, USC will use these doubts as motivational fuel which translates into the improved results the Trojans hunger for.
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