USCs Lincoln Riley exposed once again, putting fate on clock

Leave it to the USC students, skilled at spotting a phony, to know what they were seeing.Someone who keeps skating by with a D in pass-fail courses.An individual who is constantly served at the commissary without a meal card.A person who takes credit for a spotless corner in an otherwise-filthy dorm room.Sizing up the situation early in the third quarter Saturday at the Coliseum, those USC students rendered their verdict.“Fire Lincoln!” they chanted, after it became clear their Trojans were in for an unexpected fight against an undermanned team.“Fire Lincoln!” they continued, after the offense sputtered and the defense acted like it was playing two-hand tag.“Fire Lincoln!” they concluded, after once again watching the same slop led by the same coach.As one longtime observer of USC football under Lincoln Riley said when it was over, the Trojans having somehow prevailed for a meritless 25-21 victory over Washington, the takeaway is frequently that he can’t believe the Trojans won — or lost — after way too many games.When the Trojans win it’s often in undeserving fashion after a slipshod showing.When they lose it’s often to teams that have no business being within a touchdown of the Trojans.This is the sign of a program that rarely does what it should under the circumstances.One that is adrift, without an identity or a credible leader.

One that needs massive juice boxes hoisted on the sideline to generate energy.USC was at it again Saturday under Lincoln Michael Riley.Needing a last-minute defensive stop to prevail against a team down to its fourth-string running back, the Trojans celebrated as if they had won something meaningful.Defensive coordinator Gary Patterson exchanged a hug and a hand slap in the press box as if he was headed to the College Football Playoff.Riley spoke of “a lot to be excited about” and being “proud of fighting” after his offense repeatedly had trouble simply lining up in a legal formation.Only quarterback Jayden...