USC is at the epicenter of college football’s paradigm shifts, and Lincoln Riley said that fans ought to embrace the significant changes hitting the sport in the conference realignment, NIL and transfer portal eras. It was the Trojans’ move to the Big Ten that preceded the Pac-12’s downfall and further separation between their new conference, the SEC and the rest of the FBS. And now, their annual series with Notre Dame is in peril as one of the nation’s most storied rivalries stands on the brink of dormancy.
This season’s USC-Notre Dame battle is the last one on the schools’ current contract, and the Trojans are reportedly reluctant to commit to a long-term extension. Sports Illustrated reported that USC is uncertain about the series’ impact on its College Football Playoff hopes, considering the demands that come with playing a Big Ten schedule.
“There are some changes that we’ve all just gotta accept, because it’s just part of it right now,” Riley said on “Always College Football.” “Obviously that continues to move, and we’ll see how it evolves. But I think any door that closes, there’s also a new, really exciting door that’s getting opened. I think we can still love what was in the past, but let’s don’t miss that there’s some pretty cool things happening right in front of our faces right now that we’re kind of all in the forefront of.”
USC helped usher in a new college football era last season with its Big Ten-opening duel against Michigan. A contest previously reserved for Rose Bowls and marquee non-conference battles became just another week in the Big Ten.
“If you love college football, then are you going to scroll on your TV past USC-Ohio State? No, you’re not,” said Riley. “All of these things have to start somewhere. Is there…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-fans-gotta-accept-change-lincoln-riley-says-as-usc-notre-dame-series-hangs-in-balance/
Author : Carter Bahns
Publish date : 2025-05-23 20:07:00
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