Jordan Addison, Lincoln Riley talk about UCLA game and DTR’s bold pronouncements
USC-UCLA week is in full swing. UCLA players are talking a very big game, and USC players and coaches are reacting calmly, not really taking the bait by firing back.
You will notice in the comments coming from the USC camp that the Trojans are somewhat amused, and totally unbothered, by the words from UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson about the 2021 game and the Bruins’ desire to not only match, but exceed, what they did last year in their 29-point fire-bombing of the Trojans. It was a sacking of Troy the ancient Greeks would have admired.
Here are some of the early reactions from USC players plus Lincoln Riley on the UCLA game:
NOT BOTHERED
#USC safety Calen Bullock when asked about Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s comments about wanting to put 60 points on the defense:
“Oh he said that?”
Then gave a small laugh. He wasn’t aware he made that comment.
— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) November 15, 2022
THE HIGH ROAD
USC WR Jordan Addison when asked about UCLA’s trash talk this week, “I didn’t see those comments, but who wouldn’t want to put up 60 on us? We’re USC.”
— Keely Eure (@keelyismyname) November 15, 2022
FEELS LIKE IT
#USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley jokes the first time he coached against Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the QB must have been 15.
— Anthony Gharib (@GharibSports) November 15, 2022
WHY THEY PLAY
#USC OL Andrew Vorhees on the #CrosstownShowdown: A kid from California comes to USC for a game like this. … You come here to play these big games and have the big moments.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 15, 2022
TRUST THE PROCESS
#USC OL Andrew Vorhees said one of the big tasks this offseason was creating the culture.
"Wow. We've come so far," he said when reflecting on the last 11 months.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 15, 2022
THE MAIN POINT
#USC HC Lincoln Riley said you can't ignore the rivalry, but you have to harness the emotions because at the end of the day, what you'll remember the most is the win or loss.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 15, 2022
RILEY STEPS INTO THE FIRE
Lincoln Riley said he's especially excited for his first crosstown showdown due to what's at stake: "When both teams are good and there are lot of opportunities ahead for both teams, it makes it way, way better.”
— Keely Eure (@keelyismyname) November 15, 2022
CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK
#USC HC Lincoln Riley on Chip Kelly: "He's extremely innovative and has been for a long time."
Called him one of the best there is and said he's had a huge impact on the game of college football.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 15, 2022
DTR FIGHTING WORDS
Dorian Thompson-Robinson said UCLA wants to break 60 points against USC and be even better than it was last season at the Coliseum.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 14, 2022
MORE FROM LINCOLN RILEY
“We’ve acknowledged that this game in some ways is going to feel different. We’ve acknowledged that it is a rivalry game, there’s a lot of history behind it,” Riley said. “It’s going to be a great game to play in.”
FOCUS
More from Riley:
I think we’re really zeroed in on what we believe is going to help us play well. And that’s where our focus is gonna be. Other than both teams wearing home jerseys, I don’t know if there’s a whole lot different to be honest.
NICK FIGUEROA ON DTR
“Those are his comments. Sometimes you get those questions that are a little bit targeting your response. I’m sure that’s kind of what his were. I’ve really got nothing to say about it.”
BRETT NEILON ON THE UCLA GAME
“It’s definitely exciting,” Neilon said. “It’s something that you dream of and that’s why you come to SC, to play in these big games and be in these moments so it’s definitely just a blessing. We’ve had a great season, but we have a long way to go. Everyone knows that. Just treat it like a game and don’t put that added pressure on you and just do what we’ve done.”
