USC Trojans Season Review: Disappointment in Southern California… Again
USC Football’s college football season has continued its contemporary reputation as an underwhelming football giant.
Coming into the 2023–2024 football season, the Trojans were ranked number six in all of college football, coming off an impressive season led by Coach Lincoln Riley and Heisman recipient Caleb Williams. Lincoln Riley’s freshman season with the Trojans saw him turn around the program after the much-anticipated lay-off of Clay Helton, who now coaches Georgia Southern.
Despite the high expectations, the Trojans suffered one glaring weakness coming into the season: their defense. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch experienced pressure from the Trojan fan base before the season started, with many calling for his job following a devastating loss against Tulane in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Grinch, who followed Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma, faced constant criticisms for the seemingly lackadaisical schemes and absent tenacity embodied by the USC defense going into the first few games of the season.
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In an opener where USC gave up 28 points to San Jose State, the Trojans’ play style became evident: let Caleb operate and outrun opponents on offense to make up for the shotty defense. USC’s defense would somewhat come alive, though, forcing sub-15 point performances in the second and third games of the season against Stanford and Nevada; however, this moment was just that: a moment. USC’s defense would allow more than 25 points for the season’s remaining games.
Given their play in the first six games, USC’s performance in the second half of the season was not unexpected. Despite coming out of their performances triumphant, their defense did not convey a high level of play. USC’s assembled defense consistently underperformed against ‘weaker’ opponents, signaling their inevitable defeat at the hands of high-ranked opponents.
When assessing the Trojans’ struggle, one must consider how USC got to its position as an underwhelming defensive team: Lincoln Riley’s coaching tactics. Lincoln Riley was handed the keys to the Colosseum and allowed the power to run the football program to his liking. This season’s outcome has proven this approach to be a mistake.
Lincoln Riley backed Grinch as defensive coordinator for too long despite warning signs indicating the Trojans required a change of pace. Coach Riley did not fire Grinch until the season’s conclusion, failing to appreciate and value USC’s win-now mindset. Riley’s misplaced trust in his staff cost his program a season to learn something they already knew: they need better defense to be a national contender.
USC must hungrily look at the transfer portal to recruit a more mobile and aggressive defense and offensive line, which routinely failed to protect their side of the ball throughout the season. Additionally, Coach Riley must ensure his new defensive coordinator, D’Anton Lynn, motivates and pushes his players to improve as their season unravels rather than maintaining a stagnant way of play. Lastly, Riley needs to take a more critical approach to managing his program. Assessing the program needs without bias and addressing shortcomings rather than banking on the offensive production of one player.
