Former USC Heisman winner makes his thoughts on Lincoln Riley clear

“As frustrated as everyone is with USC it is a process. This is year 3 and first year in the Big 10. Let’s try and have patience and trust that Lincoln and this staff will figure this out. Fight On!” Leinart posted on X Thursday.

The Trojans had a promising start to the season as they beat LSU 27-20 and routed Utah State 48-0. But then things went downhill once the Big Ten conference schedule began.

USC lost to a rebuilding Michigan team on the road, beat Wisconsin, and has lost three in a row, falling to Minnesota Penn State and Maryland. During their three-game losing streak, USC has blown a lead in the second half of each game. The Trojans’ inability to finish games has been a huge problem.

Another issue is that USC has lost all three of its conference road games this season. The Trojans were the first team from the Pac-12 to leave the conference for the Big Ten, a move that was done with the intent of making more money and keeping up with the big boys. So far, the decision seems to have backfired, as traveling across the country every other week has proved to be challenging for the team.

After beginning his USC career with an 11-3 record, Riley has gone 11-9. That’s not the type of mark USC wants to see.