Notre Dame vs. USC: Fighting Irish’s Dominating Victory and USC’s Downward Spiral
In an October 14 matchup, the Fighting Irish welcomed the undefeated and 10th-ranked USC Trojans to South Bend, fresh off a disappointing loss at Louisville. Notre Dame’s 48-20 victory in that game marked a triumphant moment, yet the Irish have struggled since then, amassing an 8-3 overall record.
In stark contrast, USC’s trajectory has been disastrous, with the team’s record plummeting to 7-5 following a string of defeats after entering the Notre Dame contest at 6-0. Interestingly, the reactions to this downturn, particularly directed at USC head coach Lincoln Riley and the team’s former Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, have been particularly strong on social media.
Here are some of the standout reactions from Twitter users:
“Completely Unacceptable:
Emmanuel Acho highlighted how USC’s 7-5 record is inadequate for a powerhouse program and called on the team to address its defensive flaws.
“An Open Letter to Lincoln Riley”:
One USC fan expressed immense gratitude to Lincoln Riley for spurning Oklahoma and choosing USC, albeit sarcastically.
“Undefeated or 5-7?”:
Another Twitter user criticized Riley’s comments about nearly being undefeated, questioning USC’s current 7-5 record.
“Flat Out Quit”:
A comparison of Riley’s coaching records at Oklahoma and USC raised speculation about the former’s ability to lead the Trojans.
“Riley a Fraud?”:
A USC fan called Riley out as a fraud, citing his alleged lack of understanding of the USC program.
“Major Changes Coming?”:
Speculations were made about significant changes to USC’s coaching staff and strategy following this season’s disastrous finish.
The assorted reactions on social media reflect the unrest in the USC fanbase, as prominent figures in the college football world critique Lincoln Riley’s management of the Trojans. As the 2023 season comes to a close, USC faces critical decisions regarding its future and the repercussions of the team’s underwhelming performance.
Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.