National pundits have a lot to say after USC begins new era under Lincoln Riley
Yes, the USC Trojans were supposed to beat Rice easily. Yes, there is a ton of excitement with Lincoln Riley and the new-look Trojans in town.
But who saw a 66-14 victory coming in which USC scored THREE defensive touchdowns? Not many, yet that’s what happened.
It was an all-around effort and Riley had the luxury of resting his starters early on a hot Saturday afternoon at the Coliseum. Caleb Williams played well, the running attack was strong, and there are just so many options to choose from in the passing game. Miller Moss got to play along with lots of other backups for at least the full fourth quarter. That’s how players get to develop within a system: playing ball. USC rarely demolished opponents like this under Clay Helton. It’s part of why player development lagged behind top national programs.
After the victory, the media exploded with excitement after months and months of curiosity about the Riley-led Trojans.
Lincoln Riley’s debut is an absolute beat down: USC rolls over Rice, 66-14.
— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) September 4, 2022
#USC defeats Rice 66-14 opening up the #LincolnRiley era. @On3USC pic.twitter.com/CKopzfihFO
— Marc Kulkin (@MarcKulkin) September 4, 2022
Former Boise State player and current USFL star Tyler Stephens chimed in as well.
know it's Rice…. But USC looks
goodl
Excited to hear what @iammsuzy has
to say about his Trojans on the set!— Tyler Stephen Rausa (@T_Rausa) September 4, 2022
Now, Rice scored one touchdown in the first quarter on a long drive and had some people hitting the panic button — although that was way too early to do that.
USC wants to be in the Big Ten meanwhile they can barely keep up with Rice 😭😂pic.twitter.com/YOuiLK27Pi
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) September 3, 2022
Former USC star Matt Leinart weighed in with one simple tweet:
60 burger 🍔 @USC_FB ✌🏻
— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) September 4, 2022
Some USC media guide #funfacts:
The last time USC scored 66 points or more in a home game was when it won 66-19 vs. UCLA on Dec. 3, 2005.
The 66 points are the most scored by USC in a home opener since scoring 70 vs. Arkansas on Sept. 17, 2005
— Keely Eure (@keelyismyname) September 4, 2022
Caleb Williams' 86.3% completion percentage was the highest among USC QBs with at least 20 attempts in a game since Matt Barkley in 2012
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) September 4, 2022
The Lincoln Riley era is off to an impressive start with a 66-14 win over Rice. ✌️@USC_FB | @MGMResortsIntl pic.twitter.com/4CVWXSkASt
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 4, 2022
Ouch, and Colin Cowherd fired a shot at Clay Helton and the former staff while praising Lincoln Riley and the new staff.
Well coached teams don’t regularly burn timeouts. Trojans had all three left for final drive of the half. Seemingly unimaginable w previous staff.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) September 3, 2022
List
USC and Rice are 2 of only 13 FBS programs with a special place in football history
