It was a season of promises and collapses for USC. More collapses than promises if you pinpoint it. But doubts and questions are rising for Lincoln Riley. After all, he joined the Trojans with much buzz, and the fans envisioned an era of dominance—just like the one that Oklahoma witnessed with him. However, a 7-6 season says otherwise. Now it seems that the USC head coach has to fight battles on the field and outside it.

If you are a USC fan, you must have noticed a similar pattern in all the losses—shaky defense. You recall the game with Michigan, Penn State, and Minnesota, where the Trojans led the contest, but their defensive line failed to close the game. But their defensive line has undergone a drastic change this season. All thanks to defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. The USC ranked at the bottom in every major defensive statistical parameter. This season? 53 in rushing defense and 77 in total defense. It was no wonder that some teams came poaching, especially Lynn’s alma mater, Penn State.

The ‘USCJ Lost in the Sauce’ podcast host also shed light on the same situation. The host, in the latest segment, said, “James Franklin flew out to Los Angeles to come get his coach, and look, it scared all of us. I’m gonna tell you why it scared all of us. Because this guy is a guy that played for Penn State. Rightfully so, like, Penn State had a real shot. A real chance… They’re gonna try to give him the bag. James Franklin came with the bag.”

Lynn played for the Lions from 2008 to 2011 and also bagged the All-Big Ten honorable mention at cornerback thrice. So, is it a case of love lost? No. Penn State lost their defensive coordinator, Tom Allen, to Clemson. What’s a better replacement than someone who has been through the Lions’ factory? But isn’t Lynn failing in his current job? Not exactly.

The reason for their defense’s failure to step up at moments—injuries. Linebacker Eric Gentry and defensive end Anthony Lucas were out for the season in October itself. Before them, senior linebacker Raesjon Davis and junior defensive tackle Bear Alexander had already announced their decisions to redshirt the season. It left them short on the defensive line, eventually affecting their season outcome. But $30-million-worth Riley is already looking beyond this season after securing Lynn’s loyalty.

Lincoln Riley: iron-cast USC defense

After spending 3 seasons with the Trojans, the fans will now also start asking some questions. That’s not only it. The USC lost 19 players to the transfer portal. That also included Zion Branch and his brother Zachariah Branch. But that’s the part of the reshuffle. Kamari Ramsey has returned, as he decided not to take the NFL route. In his words, he has some “unfinished business.” Then you have the likes of Gentry and Lucas, who will make the team’s sheet after their promising 2024.

You can also look at the new additions to the defensive line. Keeshawn Silver has joined the Trojans from Kentucky, and Georgia’s Jamaal Arrett will also bolster the line. But they will have high expectations from 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart. Cornerback DJ Harvey and safety Bishop Fitzgerald would also provide something the USC laced this time around—experience. This will be the real test for Lincoln Riley, maybe a final one too, if things go south.