Lincoln Riley discusses Year 2 expectations with USC Trojans

On3 imageby:Nick Kosko03/01/23

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Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans exceeded expectations and then underwhelmed in a roller coaster first year. 

Riley came over from Oklahoma and nearly led USC to the College Football Playoff and a Pac-12 title in 2022. USC made it to the Pac-12 title game, but lost its second game to Utah, failing to make the playoff.

But, Riley preached patience going into Year 2.

“You can only do so much in Year 1, and I feel like we did a lot,” Riley said on All Things Covered. “I keep telling people, this is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re not even good yet. I think we’ll have a chance to get good here pretty quick, which will be a lot of fun. I don’t want to put any limitations on what we can accomplish.”

USC goes into 2023 with national title expectations. The team is loaded and is certainly the favorite in the Pac-12.

By winning the conference, USC could set itself up for a College Football Playoff appearance.

“It’s gone from teaching the guys what winning looks like, what it feels like, to convincing them they can do it because they’ve been down for so long,” Riley said. “There’s a psychological hurdle that you’ve got to get over. I think now we know we can win.” 

With Caleb Williams back, the Trojans quarterback could win a second Heisman Trophy, only accomplished by Ohio State legend Archie Griffin.

Williams finished the 2022 season with 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns, five interceptions and a  66.6% completion percentage. He added 382 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.

With that type of play, USC is bound to play at a high level once again. Considering this is the team’s last year in the Pac-12 before the Big Ten in 2024, USC can make a big impression.

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“As you guys know, you can’t do this at a high level with this current team if you’re looking too far ahead,” Riley said. “Behind the scenes, we’ll do the work and get this team ready to go into the Big Ten. But on the forefront, we have a big opportunity in front of us and we want to make the most of it.”