Lincoln Riley faces renewed backlash with USC football following the Oregon loss. Fans once again are calling out the head coach for the defensive flaws, which has surfaced during Big Ten Conference play. Even ex-Riley player Max Williams has called out the flaws.
Former cornerback Max Williams, who played for both Riley and former coach Clay Helton, has noticed the defensive issues. He outlined what he sees is going wrong with this defense that's now led by defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.
“Think the biggest issue with the defense currently is we get the call in late. Which in turn does not allow our players enough time to process the formation, communicate, read pre-snap indicators, etc,” Williams posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Williams wasn't through with the critique of this Patterson-led defense.
Article Continues Below“Instead of thinking about making a play and playing fast, you are left in fight-or-flight mode thinking about your assignment as the ball is snapped,” Williams added.
So another words, Williams sees a disorganized unit in Patterson's first season. That presents a new defensive issue under Riley.
The former Oklahoma coach, now in his fifth season with USC, continues to get blasted for the defense flaws. Even dating back to his time in Norman before taking over the Trojans. Except now Riley is leaning into a hall of fame coach from TCU and one-time Big 12 rival.
But this USC defense has surrendered 30 points to Louisiana, 35 against Rutgers and now, 41 versus the No. 15 Oregon Ducks. Riley and Patterson return to the hot seat. Now an ex-Trojan under Riley has dropped a detailed harsh critique.