Riley Stresses Trojan Defensive Strides at Big 10 Media Days

© Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Representing the USC Trojans, coach Lincoln Riley appeared at the Big Ten Conference Media Days in Indianapolis. Riley told reporters the Trojans' defense is significantly improved and that USC will compete for B1G conference titles and national championships year after year.

USC features a new starting quarterback (Miller Moss), a new defensive coordinator (D'Anton Lynn) and a new defensive scheme to be unveiled shortly.

Riley Exudes Confidence at Media Days

Riley spoke directly and confidently to reporters at the media event: “We are at the top of the Big Ten. We’re at the top of any conference. I don’t ever look at ourselves as below anybody. And never will. Listen, two years ago, look where Ohio State and Oregon were. Look what they took over. Look what we took over. It takes time. I’m not a magician. I can’t wave a magic wand and everything be perfect right away. But find one area where we haven’t made progress. It’s coming. Nothing is going to stop it.”

Continuing, coach Riley noted that USC has made "progress in every way you can possibly measure." He said the Trojans are in the upper tier of the B1G right now.

Moss Rolls Eyes at Finebaum

Riley has recently been on the receiving end of criticism from ESPN’s Paul Finebaum. Indeed, the firebrand characterized Riley's two-year tenure at USC as "a disaster." This invective elicited an exaggerated eye roll from QB1 Moss, who commented simply, "We're not going to pay any mind to people who have no idea what's going on within our program and our building."

No serious observers or commenters agree with Finebaum's breathless proclamations that Riley is on the hot seat at Southern Cal.

NIL, House of Victory

USC donors and alumni are digging deep to finance the success Trojan fans expect and demand. In that regard, Riley declared House of Victory, USC’s donor-led collective, as "the most improved collective in the country." He added: "From where [NIL at USC] was to where it is now is incredible, It's just what lens do you look at it [through]. Is it at the top of the top? No, but we’re not far off."

USC kicks off its season with two of its first three matchups against LSU and Michigan. Thus, it will not take long for observers to assess the Trojans' status.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the USC Trojans and other exciting college football news.