Lincoln Riley, USC Trolled By CFB Fans for Blowing 2-TD Lead in Loss vs. Maryland
Oct 20, 2024
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans watches his team warm up before the game against at Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on October 19, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The USC Trojans looked poised to claim a rebound victory over Maryland following a heartbreaking loss to Penn State in Week 7.
Instead, the Mid-Atlantic region has victimized the Trojans for a second consecutive week.
USC was up 21-7 at halftime but collapsed in the second half to lose to the Terrapins. Maryland had entered the game 0-3 within the Big 10 and had just fallen in blowout fashion to Northwestern the prior week.
Miller Moss was solid statistically, going 34-of-50 for 336 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, but the offense failed to score on their final three drives and allowed Maryland to squeeze back into it.
Fans took to social media to blast the Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley and declare that the team was not ready for the Big 10.
In three of USC's four losses this year, the Trojans gave up the game-winning touchdown in the final minute of regulation.
The fourth loss? To Penn State in overtime (after allowing the game-tying TD with 2:53 to play in the fourth quarter).
Look i think Lincoln Riley is a great offensive mind. But if USC wants to return to Pete Carroll glory days, they need to fire him. I'll say it again. He tried to exploit the "weakness" of the Pac12 and win a natty. It was a 2-year plan with Caleb. It didn't work out. Simple.
The loss drops USC to 3-4 and 1-4 within the conference. The team is in danger of falling below bowl contention and has now lost three consecutive games.
The schedule doesn't look to get any easier going forward, as four of the five remaining games are against team's currently above .500, with a matchup against No. 12 Notre Dame at the end of the season looking especially daunting.
If USC isn't able to turn the page soon, Riley could find his tenure with the program quickly coming to the end.
Miller Moss, Ja'Kobi Lane Star as USC Fans Praise Comeback Win vs. Wisconsin
Sep 28, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) back to pass during the college football game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the USC Trojans on September 28, 2024, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA.(Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Fans of No. 13 USC had real cause for concern after a shaky first half that featured three turnovers had put the Trojans in a 21-10 hole against Wisconsin at halftime, but a second-half surge helped ease any concerns.
Out of halftime, the tides turned in Los Angeles thanks to quarterback Miller Moss and wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane.
Moss and the defense elevated their performance in the third quarter, with the redshirt junior throwing two touchdowns including a second to Lane, while the defense held Wisconsin scoreless.
USC erupted for 28 unanswered points after halftime, including a pick-six by Mason Cobb that effectively dashed the Badgers' hopes for a comeback.
USC fans swiftly shifted from skepticism to admiration, celebrating the grit displayed during their impressive comeback.
Moss finished the game completing 30 of 45 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns. Lane made a strong impact with 105 yards on 10 receptions and two scores. With their victory over Wisconsin, USC improved to 3-1 for the season.
Social media was plenty excited to see its Trojan team turn it around in the second half.
Miller Moss is such a good QB for #USC, absolutely love him as a Quarterback. I think he is going to be a really good pro.
USC's next challenge will be on Oct. 5 when they face the 2-3 Minnesota Golden Gophers on the road.
Reggie Bush Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, USC, Pac-12; Seeks NIL Compensation
Sep 23, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 02: Fox college football studio analyst Reggie Bush looks on before the Pac-12 Conference championship game between the Utah Utes and the USC Trojans at Allegiant Stadium on December 2, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
USC legend Reggie Bush has filed a lawsuit against the school along with the Pac-12 and NCAA over past use of his name, image and likeness without compensation, according to CBSSports.com's Shehan Jeyarajah.
Bush's lawyer, Evan Selik, said the litigation "is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush."
"It's about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes," Selik said, per Jeyarajah. "Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated and treated fairly or their contributions."
This follows similar lawsuits lodged by former college athletes.
In June, members of the championship-winning North Carolina State men's basketball team from 1982-83 sued the NCAA and the Collegiate Licensing Company over the longstanding usage of their NIL.
The following month, a group of former men's basketball players including Kansas standout Mario Chalmers named the NCAA, Turner Sports Interactive and multiple conferences as defendants as they seek earnings they believe they've earned through the usage of their NIL in promoting the NCAA tournament.
Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards headlined a group of former Michigan athletes who alleged in their own suit the NCAA and Big Ten Network "systematically exploited" memorable highlights for years.
A proposed settlement encompassing three major cases would see a total of $2.78 billion paid out over 10 years to athletes who competed as far back as 2016. Lawsuits like those filed by Bush and others could widen the pool even further in terms of who might receive retroactive NIL pay.
Bush was one of the biggest stars in college football during his three years with the Trojans. He had 4,479 yards from scrimmage and 38 touchdowns while scoring four times on special teams.
A national champion in 2003 and 2004, Bush had his 2005 Heisman Trophy formally reinstated in April. He's still pursuing a defamation suit against the NCAA, which stems from the organization saying he had been involved in a "pay-for-play" situation.
USC Retires Reggie Bush, Caleb Williams' Jersey Numbers; RB, QB Each Won Heisman
Sep 5, 2024
UNITED STATES - JANUARY 04: College Football: Rose Bowl, USC Reggie Bush (5) in action, rushing during BCS Championship game vs Texas, Pasadena, CA 1/4/2006 (Photo by John Biever/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (SetNumber: X74782 TK1 R23)
Now, his No. 5 will be forever honored by his alma mater.
He isn't the only one, as it was revealed Thursday that USC's football program is retiring Bush's No. 5 and Caleb Williams' No. 13. Both players won the Heisman Trophy during their collegiate careers with the Trojans.
Bush was one of the most electrifying college football players in the sport's history and was known for his ability to leave defenders grasping at air with his speed and agility. His resume at USC included two Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year awards, two consecutive All-American selections, the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back and the 2005 Heisman.
He finished that season with 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground to go with 37 catches for 478 yards and two scores as a receiver.
The star running back was a major reason USC reached the national championship game, although it was unable to defend its title thanks to a loss to Vince Young and the Texas Longhorns.
However, part of Bush's story includes his post-college career, when the Heisman Trophy was stripped away after the NCAA determined he and his family were given money and other gifts. Yet he filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA and said he was never paid to play at USC.
There has also been plenty of support for Bush to receive his Heisman Trophy back in the current name, image and likeness era of college football where players have the opportunity to make money even during their playing days.
With that as the backdrop, the Heisman Trust officially reinstated his 2005 win in April.
Williams is also part of that Heisman legacy at USC, as he took home the coveted individual award in 2022 by completing 66.6 percent of his passes for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 382 yards and 10 scores on the ground as a runner.
He was one win away from leading the Trojans to a Pac-12 title and the College Football Playoff but suffered a hamstring injury that limited him during a loss to Utah in the conference title game.
Williams returned the following season and was once again excellent while completing 68.6 percent of his passes for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions.
It was enough to convince the Chicago Bears to select him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and he will now look to become the dominant franchise quarterback the team has always been missing.
If he does, perhaps he can have his number retired in the NFL one day as well.
Video: Miller Moss, No. 23 USC Troll No. 13 LSU After Upset on Late TD by Woody Marks
Sep 2, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 01: USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) rolls out during the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic game between the LSU Tigers and the USC Trojans on September 1, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
USC celebrated its dramatic 27-20 win over LSU on Sunday night with a bit of locker room trolling.
Several Trojans, including starting quarterback Miller Moss, appeared to mock LSU's "L" hand gesture while dancing in the locker room, celebrating their upset win:
Get the gat, get the gat, get the gatโฆ aye..ayeโฆ
The Trojans won the game on a clinical drive that began with just 1:47 remaining, capped off by a Woody Marks' 13-yard touchdown run with only eight seconds on the clock.
And that had a number of USC alumni from the world of sports hype following the win:
Moss looked good in his first regular-season start replacing the top overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Caleb Williams, finishing 27-of-36 for 378 yards and a touchdown. It turns out it was one of two "Ls" he handed LSU on the night.
Heisman 2024 Odds: Miller Moss Rises After USC Upsets LSU; Dillon Gabriel Favored
Sep 2, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 01: USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws a pass on the run during the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic game between the LSU Tigers and the USC Trojans on September 1, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
USC could have another Heisman quarterback on its roster after Caleb Williams' departure.
Miller Moss saw his Heisman odds improve after he led the Trojans to a win in their season-opener against LSU on Sunday. Per DraftKings Sportsbook, Moss had +3500 odds to take home the coveted award before the win, and his odds now sit at +2200.
The rise makes sense given Moss' performance in the win. He had 378 passing yards and a touchdown on 27-of-36 passing, leading the Trojans on a game-winning 75-yard drive in the final two minutes.
It was an outstanding start for Moss, but he'll need to continue putting up performances like Sunday's if he wants to be named a Heisman finalist in December as he has a talented group in front of him.
Leading the way in the Heisman race is Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, who completed 41 of his 49 passes for 380 passing yards and two touchdowns in a 24-14 win against Idaho on Saturday.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart had one of the best performances of the week, picking up 418 passing yards and five touchdowns in the first half alone on Saturday. Miami quarterback Cam Ward put up 385 passing yards and three touchdowns against Florida and Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava had 314 passing yards and three touchdowns in just one half on Saturday.
Moss' odds are even to those of Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, who recorded 445 passing yards and four touchdowns on Thursday against North Dakota State.
Moss will have the chance for another Heisman moment soon, as the Trojans will have their first game as members of the Big Ten in just a few weeks when they take on the defending champs Michigan on Sept. 21.
For all the latest betting information and reaction, check out B/R Betting.
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Miller Moss, No. 23 USC Upset No. 13 LSU on Late TD by Woody Marks, Thrill CFB Fans
Sep 2, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 01: Miller Moss #7 of the USC Trojans prepares to throw a pass during warm up against the LSU Tigers before the Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium on September 01, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
USC quarterback Miller Moss had big shoes to fill after taking over for Caleb Williams as the starter, and he delivered in a big way.
Moss engineered a late drive that culminated with a 13-yard touchdown run by Woody Marks with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter to give the No. 23 Trojans a 27-20 upset win over No. 13 LSU in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. The redshirt junior threw for 378 yards and a touchdown on 27-of-36 passing to secure the win.
After the Tigers tied the game with a field goal, Moss and the Trojans received the ball with under two minutes left and one timeout remaining. Moss completed five of his six passes to drive USC down the field. His last pass to Kyron Hudson was an incredible catch that included a targeting penalty that advanced the ball to the LSU 13-yard line.
It appeared that the Trojans were going to center the ball for a field goal, but Marks took advantage of some good blocking up front to reach the end zone. The speedster finished with 68 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.
Williams and other fans on social media were impressed by the heroics of Moss and Marks in Sunday night's win:
Moss' performance outshined LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who went 29-of-38 for 304 yards, two touchdowns and an interception that was thrown after USC's go-ahead touchdown. The loss marks the fifth straight season-opening defeat for the Tigers, the program's worst streak since the early 1990s.
LSU hasnโt won an opening week game since 2019 โ thatโs also the last time they won the national championship. pic.twitter.com/ou0sWu3DDv
USC is sure to rise up the Top 25 following Sunday's victory. The Trojans will try to keep the momentum going when they return to action against Utah State on Saturday.
Video: USC's Kyron Hudson Dazzles Caleb Williams, CFB Fans with Viral Catch vs. LSU
Sep 2, 2024
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Kyron Hudson #10 of the USC Trojans celebrates a touchdown catch in the second quarter during the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl game against the Louisville Cardinals at Petco Park on December 27, 2023 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
Just one week into the college football season, there's already a contender for catch of the year.
USC wide receiver Kyron Hudson made a ridiculous one-handed grab over two LSU defenders on Sunday night, bobbling the ball but somehow bringing it in for the completion. The officials reviewed the play to make sure he brought it in, but video evidence showed that he made the grab without the ball hitting the ground.
Hudson's miraculous display of athleticism and skill caught the attention of former Trojan quarterback Caleb Williams along with the rest of the college football world.
There's still a full season of football ahead, but it will be hard for any receivers to top what Hudson did on Sunday.
Hudson, a junior, had a quiet season last year, recording 189 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 17 receptions. He showed on Sunday that he has the hands to have a big year, and he'll look to have a career season this year.
After falling just short of reaching the College Football Playoff in 2022, the Trojans took a step back last season going 8-5. USC will look to bounce back this year, but it will be a big task without a Heisman winner like Williams under center.
The Trojans' quest to return to glory got underway with a matchup against LSU on Sunday, and they'll face Utah State next week before a big test against Michigan later in September.
USC Brothers Zion, Zachariah Branch 1st CFB Players to Land Jordan Brand NIL Contract
Aug 26, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: USC Trojans Zachariah Branch (1) points during the USC Spring Game on April 20, 2024, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA.(Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Jordan Brand signed brothers Zion and Zachariah Branch to NIL contracts ahead of the 2024 season, making the USC players the first college football players in the brand's endorsement stable.
USC football players Zachariah and Zion Branch will become Jordan Brandโs first NIL football endorsees. The brothers join a roster that includes Dak Prescott, Deebo Samuel, and Jalen Hurts. pic.twitter.com/P7m6pdwwg3
Zachariah, a wide receiver, and Zion, a safety, are both entering their sophomore seasons with the Trojans.
Zion was the No. 58 overall recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2022 season. Zachariah claimed bragging rights as the seventh-best player and No. 1 wideout in 2023.
Knee injuries have disrupted Zion's time in Southern California. A torn ACL caused him to miss all of 2022 and then he was limited to nine appearances in 2023 before his left knee proved troublesome again. As a redshirt freshman, he finished with 22 total tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble.
Zachariah, meanwhile, was a supporting player in the passing game as a true freshman. He was third on the team in receptions (31) and fourth in receiving yards (320). He should play a bigger role this year with Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice in the NFL.
The 5'10" wideout figures to be a valuable contributor in special teams after averaging 18.4 yards per kick return and 20.8 yards per punt return. His exploits as a return man earned him some All-American honors.
Don't expect the Branch brothers to be decked out in Jordan Brand gear when USC opens the season Sunday against LSU. Sportico's Eric Jackson noted the Trojans have a larger apparel contract with Nike that limits what their players can wear on the field.
USC's Lincoln Riley: 'I'd Love to Have' Pete Carroll Join CFB Staff amid Teaching Job
Aug 22, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 13: USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during USC Trojans practice on August 13, 2024, at Howard Jones Field in Los Angeles, CA.(Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Lincoln Riley is hoping to get a legendary coach on his staff at USC soon.
The Trojans head coach said that he'd "love" to have Pete Carroll join his staff after the former Seattle Seahawks coach revealed he's returning to USC to teach in the spring.
I'd love to have him. He's great. Coach has been great to me. We've had a chance to catch up pretty often, check in with each other. He's been a great resource," Riley said, per 247Sports' Chris Trevino. "And, you know, great person to be able to pick his brain, and he's been very good to me." So, yeah, shoot, I'm excited he's going to be here more and would be crazy to not take advantage of having him around, so whether it's in an official role or not, he's made it very clear that we've got a good open line of communication. It's one that I appreciate and respect very much, and will always, never hesitate to pick up the phone and call him or to reach out to him. You know, because of obviously how successful he was as a coach, and he's also got a great knowledge of this place. I've been appreciative of his help and his friendship and be glad to have him around a lot more."
Carroll had one of the most successful coaching tenures in USC's history, winning a pair of national championships in 2003 and 2004 and leading the Trojans to seven Pac-12 titles during his nine years.
After his time at USC, Carroll coached the Seahawks from 2010 to last season, when he and the team mutually agreed that he would step down as head coach while remaining in an advisory role.
The Trojans could use some advice from Carroll after going 8-5 in Riley's second year at the helm. USC showed promise in Riley's first season as head coach, going 11-3 in 2022, and it is looking to recreate that success this year.
Whether Carroll will get involved with USC in any way is to be determined, but it could be a good way for him to stay connected with football while no longer serving as a head coach.
