USC Football: Lincoln Riley Stands Firm in Support of Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch

What else do you expect him to say?

That was a close one, right, Trojan fans. USC had complete control for most of the game until the Colorado defense stepped up (credit to them), and the USC defense showed shades of their 2022 performance. 

Luckily, their offense did more than enough, as usual, and survived on the road to pick up their fifth win and move to 5-0 on the season. But the defense, oooff, the defnese, was horrendous, embarrassing, lackluster, and flat-out bad. It was USC's worst defensive performance of the season. 

Still, head coach Lincoln Riley displayed unwavering confidence in defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. 

Lincoln Riley says he still has confidence in Alex Grinch.

— Connor Morrissette (@C_Morrissette) September 30, 2023

Not exactly what you want to hear, I know. Trojan fans feel the exact opposite about Grinch, and they weren't shy to express how they felt despite the win. 

*sigh* Alex Grinch…. pic.twitter.com/Moy3AXZD74

— Barstool USC (@BarstoolSC) September 30, 2023

Alex Grinch pic.twitter.com/xNj6U8gwOF

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) September 30, 2023

Sorry Alex Grinch has got to go period!!! We do not belong among the elite of college football period!! I’m a USC fan and I’m not a sunshine pumper. I tell the truth!! It’s pathetic

— Brian (@scfan37) September 30, 2023

Alex Grinch with this #USC Defense: pic.twitter.com/KKbYJNivo4

— Alec Elijah (@ElijahVandross) September 30, 2023

Fire Grinch and promote Kliff Kingsbury to call the defense.
It can’t be much worse.#FightOn pic.twitter.com/QjB2FYxCHH

— Eddie O (@SquadNation619) September 30, 2023

FIRE ALEX GRINCH pic.twitter.com/lje37yvwCx

— Harris✱ (@RaptorsHarris) September 30, 2023

You might think all this is hyperbole; trust me, it isn't. 

Honestly, what else do you expect Lincoln to say? 

He can say whatever he wants, but his frustrations showed a bit in his post-game in-field interview with FOX reporter Jenny Taft. 

“We gave up some big plays defensively where we just simply didn’t tackle.”

Lincoln Riley doesn’t often let his frustration about the defense show. This is as close as he’s gotten. https://t.co/KkpmUrw6T3

— Jack Smith 🎙 (@JackSmithPxP) September 30, 2023

Now, the USC defense was great in the first half, allowing only 14 points and getting the Colorado offense off the field from time to time. But things went off the rails in the second half. 

The Buffaloes outscored the Trojans 34-14 from the final three-minute mark of the second quarter and on. USC's biggest lead of the game was 27, 34-7, and then the barrage started. 

Will the nightmare ever end? Probably not. The chances of the Trojans making immediate changes this season are very unlikely. So, Trojan fans, we're stuck with Grinch till at least the end of the 2023 season. Take that as you may, but if things don't improve, you can kiss the hope of a National Championship goodbye.