USC Football: Trojans In Contention To Play Spoiler Role For Remainder Of The Season
Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans football team didn't expect to fall out of Pac-12 contention by November, but such an outcome is looking increasingly more likely after their recent performance.
Two straight losses to Notre Dame and rival Utah now have the Trojans on the fringes of the AP Top 25 despite preseason national championship expectations.
Riley's roster now faces uncharted territory but could embrace a new role for the rest of 2023 given their circumstances.
Now, this one is interesting. USC never wanted to play spoiler. With Caleb Williams at quarterback, the aspirations were always so much greater. After consecutive losses, though, spoiler might just be the role the Trojans need to play. And spoil they still can. Granted, this team is a bit of a mess. The defense can't tackle, and the offense simply doesn't seem like itself. Still, USC plays Washington, at Oregon and UCLA to close out the year. This version of the Trojans squad would likely struggle against all three, although nothing is a given in a conference with this much talent and depth. And with Williams under center, this team, no matter how disappointing, can conquer everything in front of it.
Williams likely wanted a second Heisman in his trophy cabinet before the year kicked off but that outcome is growing increasingly unlikely by the day.
In fact, Williams might not be the best quarterback in the Pac-12 this season as Huskies lefty Michael Penix Jr. is dominating for the fifth-ranked team in the nation.
With nothing but a better bowl game to play for to end the year, Williams and company could now stand to improve their record and end title hopes for their rivals.
Washington and Oregon are fast approaching on their schedule and it'll be up to the Men of Troy to get back on track with a new mentality.
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