The Pac-12 had a huge weekend on the gridiron. USC was not alone from this, but the Trojans found themselves on the wrong end of a shellacking. Rival Notre Dame defeated Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and the Trojans on Saturday night in South Bend. The Fighting Irish’s 48-20 win sent USC down in the new AP Top 25, unsurprisingly, as they have to continue on a rigorous road through the conference.
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum joined ‘The Matt Barrie Show’ for his scheduled appearance this week. Finebaum wasn’t impressed with the play of the Trojans and ripped the team after their disappointing performance in South Bend.
“I’m all for Caleb Williams, whatever. We tried to make too much out of USC before the season. They’re not the Lakers, okay?” Finebaum said. The ESPN personality was also critical of the Heisman winner Williams and his performance against the Irish and the media’s approach.
“I think some of the media just turned Caleb Williams into his own entity. But that was a rough night for him and that program.”
USC’s defense has taken the brunt of the criticism this year. Trojans defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has received much of the blame, and so has head coach Lincoln Riley for not making a change. Finebaum also was critical during the segment.
“And at some point, Lincoln Riley, I know the defense played better than the score. But the perception is going to be the same.”