Keyshawn Johnson Blasts Lincoln Riley After Notre Dame Fallout

The Fallout from an Iconic Rivalry

Lincoln Riley took the reins as the head coach of the USC Trojans in 2021, promising a revitalization of a once-great program. Though he achieved some success, including bowl game appearances, doubts linger about his leadership, especially in light of recent news regarding the historic USC vs. Notre Dame rivalry.

On Monday, fans were hit with the shocking announcement that this cherished rivalry, which has weathered wars and witnessed legendary moments since 1946 (except for a brief pause in 2020), will no longer take place in the foreseeable future. The decision stems from scheduling conflicts and a lack of agreement over game dates. USC officials cited concerns about late-season losses affecting College Football Playoff (CFP) standings, prompting many to question the school's commitment to tradition and rivalry.

“USC officials determined that the game date was not ideal considering past decisions from the CFP selection committee,” wrote Ross Dellenger from Yahoo Sports.

Keyshawn Johnson's Outspoken Reaction

USC alumnus and football icon Keyshawn Johnson didn't hold back his feelings about the decision, expressing his frustration with Riley and the program's administration. In an impassioned critique, he declared, “I don't know what the [expletive] is going on with our athletic department.”

Johnson's frustration stems from a belief that the leadership lacks an understanding and respect for USC's storied history and rivalries. “We've got people in there who are not Trojans, who don't know anything about being a Trojan, running our athletic department,” he said. He added, “This program has become hard to support when we keep doing this type of behavior.”

The Present and Future of USC Football

Despite Lincoln Riley having led the Trojans to a winning record in each of his four seasons and posting a respectable 35-17 overall record, the fans and alumni want to see more than just victories. His record against ranked opponents leaves much to be desired, standing at a mere 6-13, and a dismal 0-5 against top-10 teams. The recent season ended in disappointment with a 9-3 record, where the Trojans faced elimination from CFP contention against Oregon.

Now, with bowl game preparations underway for their upcoming matchup with TCU, questions loom over how many star players will be suiting up, given the NFL Draft looming large and the transfer portal's disruptive influence.

What's at Stake?

As the Alamo Bowl approaches on December 30, the stakes for Riley are steep. Will this be the game that revitalizes a program in peril or merely a prelude to further questions about its future? Johnson speaks for many when he hints that the choice to sideline the Notre Dame rivalry might stem from an inability to keep pace with a fading glory days.

Looking Ahead

As passionate fans and alums contemplate the fallout from the current leadership, there remains a critical question: What does it mean to be a Trojan in today's changing college football landscape? The decision to suspend the Notre Dame series signifies something deeper—a shift in understanding rivalry and tradition among the current management. If USC hopes to reclaim its status among college football's elite, they must balance tradition with a forward-looking strategy.

As I analyze this situation, it's vital to recognize that great programs are built not just on wins, but on stories, rivalries, and the heart of what makes college football worth cheering for. Lincoln Riley and his administration have much to prove, and with Keyshawn Johnson's fierce words echoing throughout the fanbase, it's evident that the pressure is on.

Conclusion

The heartbreaking cancellation of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry allows us to reflect on what we value in sports—passion, competition, and tradition. As we look into the future, let's hope that those running the athletic department understand that our greatest strengths lie in our history, and more importantly, the rivalries that fuel our passion for the game.