Of course, USC has much better quality on its coaching staff. The jump from Clay Helton to Lincoln Riley is a leap across the Grand Canyon. This is not a small upgrade; it’s a huge one.
Of course, USC has gained a massive boost in offensive talent thanks to the transfer portal. Caleb Williams replaces Kedon Slovis. Jordan Addison and Mario Williams join the wide receiver room. Travis Dye and Austin Jones are now the lead running backs for the program. This doesn’t even include the arrival of defensive transfer standouts such as Alabama’s Shane Lee, Colorado’s Mekhi Blackmon, and Arizona State’s Eric Gentry. This is a big infusion of talent. Of course USC will be better as a result.
Yet, what might make the biggest difference for USC under Riley and Alex Grinch? It could be something as simple as providing full effort.
Stop and think about that point for a moment.
Clay Helton wasn’t a good coach, but more than that (or should I say, LESS than that …), he was lazy. His staff was lazy.
Simply having a coaching staff which will make a full effort — in addition to having better personnel on the field and the sidelines — could increase USC’s upside more than the skeptics think.
We talked about this with Mark Rogers at The Voice of College Football:
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