Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire couldn’t resist taking a shot at USC after the Trojans played to a sparse crowd in their season opener.
On Monday, McGuire made it clear he still has respect for Lincoln Riley, but he also used the moment to point out what he sees as a major difference between Los Angeles and Lubbock.
“Not to take any shots, because I have a lot of respect for USC and Lincoln Riley, but it’s really awesome to be playing in Lubbock, Texas, knowing we’re going to be playing in front of 60,000 (fans),” McGuire said Monday. “It’s going to be warm. It’s going to be every bit as warm as it was Saturday."
That comment came after No. 14 USC beat San Jose State 42-26 on Saturday afternoon at Los Angeles Memorial Stadium, where the crowd was described as mostly empty for the Week 0 opener. With no conference implications attached to the game, interest was light, but the turnout still stood out as Riley and his team ran out of the tunnel.
McGuire then leaned into the contrast, praising the Texas Tech fan base for showing up no matter the conditions.
“The great thing is we got some really tough people in West Texas that love their football, and they’re going to show up, no matter what the weather’s like. There’s not going to be any excuse of why they’re not going to be here for us."
USC officials acknowledged the situation and said they expected better going forward.
"We understand the factors that impacted Saturday’s attendance," USC officials told USA TODAY Sports. "We have high expectations and a premier home schedule this season, and we know the competitive advantage an electric Coliseum atmosphere can provide our program. We thank our fans who showed up on Saturday and look forward to seeing increased attendance the rest of the season."
USC will get another chance to draw a bigger crowd this weekend when Fresno State comes to the Coliseum.
In Other News...
USCs Week 0 Numbers Hint At Something Bigger On Offense
USCs season opener left behind more than a win, it also offered an early statistical snapshot that suggests this offense may already be tracking toward something more dangerous. Jayden Maiavas efficiency stood out right away, with the quarterback setting a completion percentage record in his debut as the starter, while true freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley made his first college game look far less ordinary than most opening nights for an 18-year-old.
There is still plenty to sort out, especially on the other side of the ball, but the broader picture from Week 0 was hard to miss. USC showed up in the national and Big Ten rankings in ways that reflect real production, and the number of true freshmen in the starting lineup only added to the sense that this group is still getting its footing while already flashing a higher ceiling than a typical early-season team. [Read more 🡒]
Kirk Herbstreit Just Called Out USC Fans Over A Growing Problem
USCs home opener brought the kind of spotlight the program usually expects, but not the kind of crowd it wanted. ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit took aim at the Trojans fan support after the stadium was only about half full, despite USC coming in ranked 14th nationally and trying to position itself for a run at the conference title.
Herbstreits criticism also pointed beyond the stands and toward the broader picture around the program, including the schools response to the disappointing turnout. For a team trying to build momentum early, the scene served as a reminder that success on the field does not always guarantee the atmosphere around it, and USC has some work to do to turn home games back into the kind of event that matches the expectations. [Read more 🡒]
USC May Have Found A Freshman Lincoln Riley Can Trust Early
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Landon Tengwall noted Bowmans advanced physical development and the kind of blocking skills that can earn a young player trust fast, and that matters in Lincoln Rileys offense. Bowman also chipped in three catches for 15 yards, but his bigger value may come from what he does before the ball ever reaches him. If USC is going to lean on its ground game early, Bowman already looks like someone the staff is comfortable putting on the field. [Read more 🡒]