USC coach Lincoln Riley believes his championship window is open right now. College football analysts aren’t convinced the Trojans can make a real playoff run.
Riley has faced criticism for late-season collapses when November arrives. College football podcast host Josh Pate discussed USC’s playoff chances on a recent episode of Josh Pate’s College Football Show.
“This is really hard to see for USC. Even though this is Lincoln’s best roster that he’s had there so far.”
Pate was referring to both a College Football Playoff appearance and a national title bid.
The Trojans face a brutal schedule this season. They’ll play marquee matchups against Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and Washington.
Despite the skepticism, Riley remains confident his team’s window is now.
“It’s May, right? But looking at it in May, there’s definitely a real difference. It’s tangible. It’s not just hope,”
“The program has taken steps, not only in talent acquisition and building the roster, but there’s also teaching them to win, and the progression that comes with that. I know — I’ve seen — the real steps we’ve taken on the field. I’ve seen the signs off the field.”
Riley acknowledged that some Trojan fans have grown frustrated with his tenure. But he’s sticking to his championship goals.
“We were close enough last year to taste it. I mean, literally snaps away from being right in it. I know we have absolutely taken steps. Honestly, now, it’s just time to go do it. It’s time. The program’s ready for it.”
The coach caught heat for his end-of-season comments about opening a championship window.
“I caught some flak from saying at the end of the year that I thought we had opened up a window, but it’s true. It’s how I feel.”
Riley’s assessment isn’t completely off base. USC was in playoff contention until late September.
A last-second loss to Illinois in Champaign started their downfall. The Trojans then dropped games to Oregon and Notre Dame that ended their playoff hopes.
Jayden Maiava returns at quarterback this season. He’ll be key to whether Riley’s championship talk becomes reality.
The 2024 season will show if USC can finally break through in November.
