Miracles come in all different forms, and for U-S-C football fans, it came in the form of Lincoln Riley, and several star players. With a vast improvement from last season’s performance, the Trojans have kept their undefeated streak after last Saturday’s game against Washington State.
Nia Harris has the recap.
USC winning football is back! The team is currently undefeated with a 6-0 record, thanks to new team additions like Head Coach Lincoln Riley and new Quarterback star Caleb Williams. Williams already has 1600 yards with 14 touchdowns, three more than former USC quarterback Kedon Slovis had his entire 2021 season. USC students are excited about the winning spirit surrounding the team this season.
Javier Salinas, a junior studying human biology says the changes to the team has impacted the excitement towards the football games.
Javier Salinas: “With the new team we have, the new recruits, the new coaching staff it’s very exciting. Honestly I think it’s just impacted the student community as well. A lot more students show up to games now. It’s a lot more spirited. And I think it’s just really fun and exciting to see overall.”
The respect for the team extends off campus. Madhavan Anbuchelvan, a junior studying health promotion and disease prevention thinks the success of the team has increased its attention in the world of college football.
Madhavan Anbuchelvan:“Being a college football fan in general, there’s a lot more respect for the team from other college football fans, and it’s just a much more thrilling atmosphere to be a part of. And seeing the Coliseum packed every weekend has always been fun.”
Riley has transformed the team coming from an 4-8 record last season. His coaching strengths on the offensive end of the ball is proven by the team’s high scoring games.
Madhavan Anbuchelvan:“Lincoln Riley just being one of those figures that has believed in the team since the beginning, the fact that he chose to come here really does show how much he likes the potential he saw on the team. And then I think that’s really translating forward.”
Quarterback Caleb William’s athleticism, field vision, and ability to run the ball has surpassed the expectations of the fans watching. Additionally, Williams’s chemistry with Jordan Addison has sparked the offense. Most notably, running back Travis Dye is an unstoppable force for the team with 571 rushing yards, averaging six yards a carry, and has scored six touchdowns this season.
Madhavan Anbuchelvan:“I think the offense is doing pretty good. Williams is doing a great job of making sure that all the wide receivers are engaged…Defense has also been decent. I think our defensive line has been a lot better than last year. There’s still some improvement... But compared to last year, everything’s in a positive direction. And we’re still a highly ranked team right now. So I think that goes to show how good both sides of our team is.”
USC takes on University of Utah this Saturday, October 15th. According to ESPN’s game prediction, Utah potentially can cause an upset to USC’s undefeated record. USC fans are awaiting the outcome to see if the Trojans will remain undefeated.
For Annenberg Media, I’m Nia Harris.