The USC Trojans fell again! This time, in a very close call against the Maryland Terrapins, 29-28. But the record did nothing to appease the public’s frustration with HC Lincoln Riley who is currently in hot water. Come on, the Trojans are miserably 3-4 behind teams of their caliber. This almost feels like the beginning of Riley’s downfall. 

Josh Pate issued a gloomy forecast for Lincoln Riley on his YouTube show, Josh Pate’s College Football Show, on October 21. He feels the Trojans HC won’t live to see his hopes of a better USC in the future as a head coach. Pate said, “If he believes what he’s saying, ‘in time it will work,’ but I don’t know if it’ll work fast enough… Right now, it looks like they’re staring into the abyss.” 

Week 8 marked the Trojans’ third straight loss in the Big Ten. USC gave up 22 second-half points with 15 of them coming in the fourth quarter alone. And Pate isn’t the only one doubtful of Riley’s future at USC. Following the game, CFB analyst Paul Finebaum also delivered a shadowy future for Riley. He said, “You know anybody that has Maryland loss? So, I mean, I don’t think he’s going to lose his job, but I don’t really think he’s going to be long for the world out there, though.” 

For Lincoln Riley, it’s a tough ride without his star QB Caleb Williams who carried the Trojans for two seasons. USC’s plight could lose them more than a prosperous season as they’re not exactly painting an attractive picture for scouting CFB prospects. But while the future of Riley remains uncertain in USC, potential replacements are already teasing, rubbing salt into the HC’s wounds. 

Lincoln Riley’s potential replacements

Brutal! We hope Lincoln Riley can prove something before the call for his dismissal becomes a reality. But while he’s stuck in his dilemma, the world is still moving on with free agent Pete Carroll as one of the favorites to replace Riley if he gets fired. Carroll already has a history with the Trojans as one of the most successful HCs to lead. It’s very unlikely the same success will come back or Carroll will return, but it’s still worth a try. 

One reason Indiana is still undefeated through Week 8 is their HC Curt Cignetti. That’s why he would make a great replacement for Lincoln Riley. He has won everywhere he went from IUP to his first season in Indiana. But if we’re to settle with a familiar face, their own LB coach Matt Entz could be a good choice. He’s no stranger to winning national championships with two FCS National Championships as NDSU head coach. Still, let’s keep our fingers crossed and wait for what will unfold in the upcoming days.