USC Trojans HC Lincoln Riley has been turning heads this season for his bizarre antics. First, it was his decision to change captaincy every game. However, while the fans thought that Riley would drop no more bombs, they were left in a state of shock by his rigid coaching tactics. There have been enough opportunities for Miller Moss and Co. to take some risk during the September 1 big face-off against the LSU Tigers. However, the HC gave the red light to any risky moves. And BOOM! This was enough for analysts to strip Riley for not being able to make the most use of his program, which is packed with talent.  

Expectations reigned high for Riley and the Trojans since Sunday, September 1 game marked their first stint as a member of the Big Ten Conference. However, the face-off between No. 12 LSU and No. 23 USC in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic left Trojans fans crestfallen. Wondering why? All thanks to Riley and his whimsical move. USC Beats writer Ryan Kartje tweeted, “USC had enough time to take 1-2 quick shots at the end zone, but opts instead to run and kick a field goal to finish out the half. But Michael Lantz misses an easy 29-yarder, and now it’s halftime. USC-LSU, tied at 10.”

And what’s the hoopla all about? Riley came up with a decision during the late first half when he made the Trojans come up with a defensive stop against LSU. Moss and Co. forced a fourth down while LSU had lined up to kick a field and goal and that became a tie! But the Trojans HC had whatsoever no reasons to make this move since they had more than a minute left. Hence, now Riley has been held responsible for taking things slow and wasting nearly a minute by not calling a timeout that would have stopped LSU’s field goal attempt. And what do the fans have to say about it?   

Fans slam Lincoln Riley for his end-of-half strategy 

Riley’s struggle with time management has been a concerning factor. Like the Barstool Sports analyst Unbiased Ev pointed out how the Trojans failed to put out their level best since the pressure of the clock ticking off got them tensed, “Why is Lincoln Riley fumbling the s–t out of this end of half clock management? This is putrid.”

To Audacy Sports analyst Femi Abebefe, the minute lost by Riley’s lack of decision would have helped USC with another touchdown score, “Hilariously bad job by Lincoln Riley. They could’ve scored a touchdown if he took a timeout after stopping LSU on 3rd down. Insane that the broadcast didn’t even mention it.” According to another fan, LSU making the most use of the opportunity and the Trojans missing out on the chance would continue to haunt the USC fans, “Dumb as- usc playcalling. Wtf was that Lincoln Riley?!!!!!! Throw the ball downfield!! That Fg is gonna fu–ing hurt I’m pissed”

Another die-hard USC fan assigns Lincoln Riley with a blame badge for putting talent on a tight leash, “Seen a lot of USC football. It’s clear Lincoln Riley is holding the team back.” Even though the HC himself has faltered, it’s the QB Moss who would bear the blows as a fan shared a GIF with the comment, “Lincoln Riley when his QB isn’t literally the second coming of Christ.” Let’s find out if Lincoln Riley’s misstep lets LSU walk away with the winner’s scepter.