2 weeks, 4 days ago

USC’s new GM convinced Trojans are ‘sleeping giant’ of college football

LA Times

Chad Bowden is convinced he can help make USC the “most aggressive” college football program in the NIL era, and he doesn’t see any potential conflict with Lincoln Riley. “I knew I was coming to USC when, in an hour’s time span, I spoke to Jen and Lincoln and had voiced my aspirations and what I believe college football is going to be and how aggressive I’d like to be in that new era,” Bowden said. “I always felt like USC was the sleeping giant of college football,” Bowden said, “and I remember thinking if I ever got that opportunity, deep down, I’d want to take it because I know what this place can do.” He’s been thrilled with Cohen, whom he called both “a friggin’ animal” and the “best in the country.” He’s overjoyed with Riley, whom he says “can do it all,” including grilling up a mean balsamic steak, one Bowden was still thinking about weeks later. “I’m gonna give every ounce of me to whatever is necessary for USC to win,” Bowden said.

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History of this topic

1 month ago

The Times of Troy: JuJu Watkins was the star of an epic movie, but it was real life

LA Times

Welcome back to the Times of Troy newsletter. I’m Ryan Kartje, the Times’ USC beat writer, and I’ve been buzzing ever since Thursday’s crosstown showdown, one of the best basketball games I’ve seen since joining the beat. So USC called a timeout, refocused its efforts on UCLA’s Lauren Betts, and Watkins came alive on the defensive end, doubling Betts in …

1 month, 1 week ago

Q&A: USC AD Jennifer Cohen confident investments in football will help Lincoln Riley win

LA Times

In the 18 months since Jennifer Cohen took over as USC’s athletic director, her job has grown more complicated by the week. “We’re entering into a different era,” Cohen said Thursday, “and for us, we’re motivated to win that era at USC.” Cohen understands that starts, first and foremost, with winning on the football field, where USC has fallen short …

1 month, 1 week ago

The Times of Troy: Chad Bowden’s arrival has shifted the power dynamics for USC football

LA Times

Welcome back to another edition of the Times of Troy newsletter. In fact, there’s still plenty to talk about within USC’s football program after we got a better idea last week of the school’s plans for its revamped personnel department. “We’re going to do everything we can to get the best players in California to stay here and play for …

1 month, 2 weeks ago

USC coach Lincoln Riley touts new hires who are overhauling recruiting and NIL funding

LA Times

USC coach Lincoln Riley said the new members of the football staff will help the Trojans be more competitive recruiting and retaining players. “I’ve been able to stay at Coach Riley’s house over the last week and a half,” Bowden said at his introductory news conference Wednesday morning. I’ve been able to have some of his steaks and balsamic Mickey …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

The Times of Troy: Taking a closer look at new USC Trojans football GM Chad Bowden

LA Times

Hi everyone, and welcome back for another week of the Times of Troy newsletter. “There are no boundaries for where his mind goes,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said of Bowden during an episode of Notre Dame’s official podcast, Wake Up The Echoes. He is a guy that makes me better.” To learn a little bit more about USC’s new …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

USC hires Notre Dame’s Chad Bowden as its football general manager

LA Times

USC players run onto the field before their season opener against Louisiana State at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sept. 1. Chad Bowden, after spending the previous three years at Notre Dame, was hired Friday as USC’s general manager. “Chad is the perfect fit to help us build and sustain a championship-level football program in the new era of …

3 months ago

Lincoln Riley attributes departures to USC’s pro-style formula dictating NIL offers

LA Times

After nine days of chaos and uncertainty, during which 19 of his players left USC for the transfer portal, Lincoln Riley found himself longing Wednesday for a time, not so long ago, when the process of building a college football team was less opaque, teams were equally allotted 85 scholarships, relationships were forged in living rooms and decisions were made …

3 months, 1 week ago

USC coach Lincoln Riley suggests there is no reason to panic as Trojans shop in portal

LA Times

USC coach Lincoln Riley congratulates running back Quinten Joyner after his touchdown against Notre Dame on Nov. 30. The transfer portal was open less than 24 hours when Lincoln Riley appeared on USC’s “Trojans Live” radio show Monday night. This just is what it is right now.’” As its roster stands, USC probably could have used a potential star running …

The Times of Troy: At the end of Year 3, USC has yet to find its identity under Lincoln Riley

LA Times

I’m Ryan Kartje, the USC beat writer at the L.A. Times, reporting to you from the final days of another frustrating USC football regular season. Since beating Notre Dame two years ago, in a game that appeared to announce the Trojans’ triumphant return as contenders, Lincoln Riley has barely managed to keep USC above.500. Riley is 14-11 through his last …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Lincoln Riley has imprisoned USC in a cycle of mediocrity

LA Times

This season is officially worse than the last, USC completing its regular season with a 6-6 record and probably destined for a minor bowl in a desert wasteland. 5 Notre Dame at the Coliseum on Saturday, Lincoln Riley has a 25-14 record as USC’s coach. I could go on about that for an hour, but I just don’t think it’s …

4 months ago

Do front offices see USC’s Lincoln Riley as a future NFL coach?

LA Times

You win some, you lose some. “The biggest thing with the NFL if you’re evaluating him as a head coach is what type of team identity are you trying to bring?” AFC said. “I think it’s more appealing to be an NFL head coach right now,” NFC said. It’s hard not to consider the possibility of starting over in life.” …

4 months ago

The Times of Troy: USC has finally learned how to deal with the NCAA

LA Times

There are just two games, maybe three, remaining in USC’s football season, but we’re just finding our stride here at the Times of Troy newsletter. But as I read through the NCAA’s negotiated resolution with USC, it did strike me just how much USC’s approach had changed since the program’s last run-in with the NCAA. When I spoke last year …

5 months ago

His defiance gone, Lincoln Riley struggles to explain USC’s latest devastating loss

LA Times

USC quarterback Miller Moss throws under pressure from Maryland linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II during the second half of the Trojans’ 29-28 loss Saturday night. And it’s like that, over and over and over again.” The loss left Riley below.500 for the first time in his career — and USC with a difficult route just to reach bowl eligibility. The redshirt …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Lincoln Riley still thinks USC can be ‘a really good team’ despite loss to Minnesota

LA Times

An unseasonably warm breeze blew through Huntington Bank Stadium. But nothing about Saturday night’s 24-17 loss to Minnesota would leave USC feeling comfortable with its new place in its new conference. “We’ve got the makings of a really good team,” said Lincoln Riley, who has lost seven of his last 12 as the Trojans coach. “We gave up a couple …

6 months ago

Lincoln Riley isn’t too bothered that Michigan has switched quarterbacks

LA Times

USC coach Lincoln Riley said his team has to be “ready for everybody” on Michigan. But Riley said he understood Moore’s rationale behind announcing the move, even if he wouldn’t speculate as to why he announced it five days ahead of Saturday’s big-time Big Ten opener in Ann Arbor. So, a big challenge, regardless of who’s under center.” Still, it’s …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Lincoln Riley can start CFP dreaming now that USC has a defense

LA Times

Who were these players, and what did they do with USC’s defense? New starting quarterback Miller Moss passed for 378 yards and transfer running back Woody Marks scored a pair of touchdowns, but the most important revelations in the Trojans’ season-opening 27-20 victory over No. LSU drove the ball to USC’s three-yard line on the opening drive of the game …

7 months, 3 weeks ago

Lincoln Riley brushes off criticism, insists USC is still a power at Big Ten media days

LA Times

Lincoln Riley strode confidently into the cavernous confines of a new, unfamiliar stadium, one of the new coaches on the block in the Big Ten, surrounded on all sides by the novel and the unfamiliar. But amid all the new and unfamiliar at Big Ten media days, the message from Riley, at the start of his third season at USC, …

1 year, 3 months ago

Lincoln Riley praises recruiting class featuring ‘large human beings’ to bolster USC

LA Times

USC coach Lincoln Riley said he was pleased most of the Trojans’ recruiting class never waved from its commitment and will bolster the team. After a mad-dash few weeks spent selling his refurbished plans for USC from living room to living room, state to state, it was a mostly quiet signing day morning for Trojans coach Lincoln Riley. “People that …

1 year, 3 months ago

What went wrong for Lincoln Riley and USC in 2023? ‘Something’s really off there’

New York Times

In USC’s dream scenario, it would be spending the next two weeks preparing for the program’s first-ever trip to the College Football Playoff. This was one of the worst defenses we’ve faced.” Said another Pac-12 head coach: “They have some talented guys on defense, but they miss a ton of tackles. Where’s the defensive lineman no one can block?” asked …

1 year, 3 months ago

USC football recruiting reset: 7 thoughts on the Trojans entering early signing period

New York Times

LOS ANGELES — Lincoln Riley is less than 24 hours from putting the finishing touches on his second full recruiting class at USC. There are still some promising pieces, but USC needs to land more elite linemen if it wants to make noise nationally, which is something we’ve been saying for five years and two different coaching staffs. There’s no …

1 year, 4 months ago

Lincoln Riley’s past taught him to be patient while rebuilding USC football program

LA Times

The toughest year of Lincoln Riley’s otherwise charmed coaching life felt, in a lot of ways, painfully similar to this one. I know we’re going to get there.” Effectively eliminated from the Pac-12 title race, USC won’t be going anywhere this season outside of a second-rate bowl game. “It’s just one day at a time right now, put your right …

1 year, 4 months ago

USC’s lack of progress on defense compelled Lincoln Riley to fire coordinator Alex Grinch

Associated Press

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! LOS ANGELES — Lincoln Riley said he hadn’t seen much progress or improvement from Southern California’s defense since the previous November, and that’s why he finally decided to fire coordinator Alex Grinch. “We simply weren’t making the progress that we all expected we would make,” Riley …

1 year, 4 months ago

Commentary: Lincoln Riley is on the verge of losing USC fans’ devotion by keeping Alex Grinch

LA Times

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch jogs on the field before a loss to Utah at the Coliseum on Oct. 21. USC coach Lincoln Riley continues to sidestep questions and redirect when it comes to Grinch’s status amid the Trojans’ ongoing defensive woes. Just a guess: This fan jumped to support Riley’s decision to suspend the Southern California News Group’s USC …

1 year, 4 months ago

Letters to Sports: Lincoln Riley and USC continue to disappoint

LA Times

If the Trojans were as defensive on the field as Lincoln Riley is in the press room we’d be undefeated. Rob Raban Huntington Beach :: With USC’s deep pockets buying the head coach and quarterback from Oklahoma, they should dip back into these same deep pockets and send them back. Mike Aguilar Costa Mesa :: Lincoln Riley’s game plan probably …

1 year, 4 months ago

Lincoln Riley is failing USC instead of restoring its greatness

LA Times

USC coach Lincoln Riley talks with quarterback Caleb Williams during a timeout in the Trojans’ 34-32 loss to Utah at the Coliseum on Saturday night. USC coach Lincoln Riley walks on the sidelines during Saturday’s 34-32 loss to Utah at the Coliseum. “At times we ran it well, at times we got stuffed,” Riley said, adding, “I had a couple …

1 year, 5 months ago

Commentary: USC fans better get ready for a lengthy Lincoln Riley rebuilding project

LA Times

It’s going to take a long time — especially when calculated in USC years. No time is soon enough.” USC coach Lincoln Riley bows his head and walks to the bench during the first half of his team’s loss at Notre Dame on Saturday. The way Riley talked that dreamy day, he must have felt confident Caleb Williams was going …

1 year, 5 months ago

‘I don’t want to have regrets.’ USC’s Lincoln Riley tries to balance family and football

LA Times

On the night of his 40th birthday, Lincoln Riley left his USC office late, as he does most Tuesday nights during football season. “One of the coolest gifts I’ve ever gotten,” Riley said. “As long as it’s like this,” Riley said. I think there are other things I’m going to want to be.” Riley said he has broached the subject …

1 year, 5 months ago

Another inconsistent defense threatens to ground No. 9 USC’s loftiest ambitions

Associated Press

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! That’s because the college football world knows USC’s defense has been leaky and inconsistent again under second-year head coach Lincoln Riley and his longtime defensive coordinator, Alex Grinch. Despite another year of talent additions and familiarity with the scheme, the Trojans are still struggling to stop …

1 year, 6 months ago

Is No. 5 USC as strong as its record? Three good and three bad trends for the Trojans

LA Times

There was no way Lincoln Riley would bite, even if the stats gave him a perfect reason to indulge. “Do you think this team has the chance to be the best team you’ve ever coached?” a reporter asked this week. “This team has a chance to be a very good team,” said Riley, who is in second year leading USC …

1 year, 6 months ago

Letters to Sports: The Grinch that stole USC’s defense

LA Times

It’s very admirable to have loyalty to a friend or colleague, but it should go both ways. If coach Alex Grinch has any loyalty to Lincoln Riley, he should quit immediately or step aside and let a real coach with experience help his friend put together a great defensive squad for the Trojans. Kip Dellinger Santa Monica :: As usual, …

1 year, 8 months ago

Commentary: In Year 2 under Lincoln Riley, USC will make its first College Football Playoff

LA Times

USC coach Lincoln Riley answers questions during Pac-12 media day in Las Vegas on Friday. It’s an honor to do it at that place.” USC coach Lincoln Riley runs on to the field before the Trojans’ spring game at the Coliseum in April. “I just see the responsibility because I think West Coast football is always going to go as …

1 year, 11 months ago

Dear Andy: Lincoln Riley can do these 2 things to help USC’s defense

New York Times

A familiar face has returned to college football, and you have questions … Note: Submitted questions have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Obviously, you’d have to link the poor defensive performance to Riley’s overall team philosophy, but I’d like your take on the impact of the offense and how it impacts the defense. Let’s start with Joshua’s reaction …

2 years ago

USC coach Lincoln Riley: ‘We’re excited about where we’re headed defensively’

LA Times

USC quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Lincoln Riley look on during the first half of the Cotton Bowl game against Tulane on Jan. 2 in Arlington, Texas. I think there’s certainly a lot less new, but at the same time, we’ve pushed the guys to understand that what was acceptable 12 months ago is not necessarily acceptable now.” Nowhere is …

2 years ago

USC spring practice: Lincoln Riley recaps roster movement, defense and more

New York Times

LOS ANGELES — Lincoln Riley held a video call with local media members Tuesday after USC wrapped up its second spring practice session. “We’ve pushed the guys to understand what was acceptable 12 months ago is not necessarily acceptable now,” Riley said. “There’s probably less position battles where it’s kind of obvious who the guy’s going to be, and I …

2 years, 2 months ago

State of USC’s football program: Overhaul complete. Now comes the ‘critical’ stage

LA Times

Every aspect of Lincoln Riley’s football program, every plan, every decision, every note from every season he’s spent as a head coach is accessible from an iPad that he has at the ready. “Year 1 here,” Riley said this week, “I had over 600.” Riley spent some time poring through those notes since USC’s Cotton Bowl loss, assessing from every …

2 years, 2 months ago

USC football: 10 thoughts from Lincoln Riley’s state of the program discussion

New York Times

LOS ANGELES — Lincoln Riley spoke with the media for two hours on Tuesday morning. Extremely doable and it’s going to happen and it’s not going to take long.” And there’s one aspect where USC must continue to improve — the defensive front. USC brought in several defensive transfers last season, but with the exception of linebacker Eric Gentry and …

2 years, 2 months ago

Morales: Lincoln Riley doubling down on Alex Grinch — a gamble USC desperately needs to win

New York Times

LOS ANGELES — There’s no blackjack table inside Heritage Hall, but Lincoln Riley doubled down Tuesday morning. After watching an embarrassing display of tackling that led to 47 points allowed to Utah in the Pac-12 title game and 46 in a stunning collapse to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl, USC’s fans have pleaded for Riley to move on from defensive …

2 years, 3 months ago

Lincoln Riley says his first USC team should be his weakest

LA Times

USC coach Lincoln Riley gestures during the second half against UCLA on Nov. 19 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. “I’ll be disappointed if this isn’t the worst team that we have in our entire tenure here,” Riley said. “You better jump on,” he said, “or watch us go by.” Little wonder the likes of Nelson, Branch and receiver Makai …

2 years, 3 months ago

USC ‘panicked a little bit’ as Utah pulled away: Takeaways from the Pac-12 title game

LA Times

Lincoln Riley’s swift rebuild at USC was one of the most compelling stories in college football this season. But Friday’s Pac-12 championship game proved that the instant gratification from a talented team of all-star transfers isn’t enough. Utah handed the Trojans both of their losses this season and won its second consecutive Pac-12 championship against a team that many were …

2 years, 3 months ago

Commentary: Where does Lincoln Riley’s first-year turnaround at USC fit in college football history?

LA Times

USC defensive back Calen Bullock reacts with defensive backs Max Williams and Latrell McCutchin after intercepting a pass late in the game against Notre Dame at the Coliseum on Saturday. So, USC’s wondrous whirlwind from 4-8 to 11-1 and the doorstep of the College Football Playoff in Lincoln Riley’s first season got me to thinking this week: Where does Riley’s …

2 years, 3 months ago

For USC, the path to a CFP berth is clear, if focus can shift quickly from UCLA to Notre Dame

LA Times

USC quarterback Caleb Williams, left, gets a hug from coach Lincoln Riley after the Trojans defeated UCLA to clinch a spot in the Pac-12 title game and stay in contention for a College Football Playoff spot. The realization seemed to sweep over USC’s sideline all at once in the final seconds of its 48-45 victory over UCLA on Saturday: Not …

2 years, 5 months ago

Commentary: Lincoln Riley and USC fail to achieve statement win as playoff hopes dim

LA Times

USC coach Lincoln Riley speaks with quarterback Caleb Williams during the first half of a 43-42 loss to Utah on Saturday night. The seventh-ranked Trojans had every opportunity to leave this house of horrors victorious for the last time on their Pac-12 farewell tour, but their defense wilted again and again, giving up 415 yards passing to Utah quarterback Cameron …

2 years, 6 months ago

Caleb Williams, Lincoln Riley and the relationship sparking USC offensive revival

New York Times

LOS ANGELES — There are times when USC running back Travis Dye can’t hear the chatter from the sidelines during games. … Then he said, ‘You’re going to keep progressing through this offense, take control and make it your own.’” Caleb Williams, a Washington, D.C., native, has found a home in Los Angeles. “I didn’t want to feel like a …

2 years, 6 months ago

Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans are Pac-12's best playoff shot

LA Times

The day after Utah lost to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, I talked with George Kliavkoff. But, based on what we saw in USC’s 66-14 blitzing of Rice Saturday at the Coliseum, this could be a very fruitful two years for the Pac-12, which hasn’t had a team reach the College Football Playoff semifinals since 2016 and just watched …

2 years, 6 months ago

Lincoln Riley makes a strong impression: Four takeaways from USC’s win over Rice

LA Times

USC running back Austin Jones scores a touchdown against Rice in the second quarter Saturday. The Trojans flashed some impressive playmaking out of the backfield with two touchdowns from Stanford transfer Austin Jones and one more from freshman Raleek Brown, who scored his first college touchdown on a 14-yard run in the second quarter and punctuated the effort with a …

2 years, 6 months ago

USC football feels like USC football again with Lincoln Riley

LA Times

USC coach Lincoln Riley celebrates with his players after a touchdown against Rice on Saturday. The outcome of the Trojans’ first game with new coach Lincoln Riley and his two-dozen transfers — a 66-14 victory over Rice — was completely expected. “We’re going to do everything we can as a team to keep working so people can’t even stand the …

2 years, 6 months ago

Showtime: Lincoln Riley’s star-studded USC ready for debut

Associated Press

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! He has assembled a star-studded roster that includes ex-Sooners quarterback Caleb Williams and the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner in wide receiver Jordan Addison to reboot a program with several national championships and seven Heisman Trophies in its illustrious history. “That’s what I’m really, really excited to …

2 years, 7 months ago

Lincoln Riley hopeful USC and donor-run NIL collective it opposes can find common ground

LA Times

USC football coach Lincoln Riley talks with the media after practice on the first day of fall training camp Aug. 5. Many of those potential problems came into focus this week when a group of USC donors and fans announced the formation of Student Body Right, a third-party NIL collective that seeks to pay all Trojans football players who are …

2 years, 7 months ago

Transfer of power: Riley rebuilds USC with veteran arrivals

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — When Brett Neilon looks around Southern California’s locker room, the Trojans’ sixth-year center sees a few teammates who were with him all the way from the heights of a Pac-12 title to the depths of this storied football program’s worst season in 30 years. It’s all a melting pot for a really fun, exciting season.” Most of …

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1 week, 2 days ago