USC vs LSU: Riley and Kelly’s Critical Year 3 Comparison
The college football world was stunned in November 2021 when Lincoln Riley left Oklahoma and Brian Kelly departed Notre Dame for head coaching positions at USC and LSU, respectively. These two coaching hires marked a significant shift in the landscape of college football and set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between the Trojans and the Tigers in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic.
Both Riley and Kelly have had moderate success in their first two seasons at their new schools, including division titles, but they are still chasing their first College Football Playoff appearances with USC and LSU. As they enter Year 3 at their respective programs, the similarities between the two coaches and their teams are striking.
Parallels in Coaching and Development
One of the key similarities between USC and LSU as Year 3 begins for Riley and Kelly is their success in developing quarterbacks. Both coaches have mentored Heisman Trophy winners in recent years, with USC’s Caleb Williams and LSU’s Jayden Daniels being the most recent examples. Riley and Kelly have a proven track record of developing top-tier quarterback talent, which has been a crucial factor in the success of their respective programs.
In addition to their success with quarterbacks, both Riley and Kelly have made significant investments in their defensive coaching staffs. LSU hired Missouri defensive coordinator Blake Baker as the highest-paid assistant in the nation, while USC brought in D’Anton Lynn from rival UCLA to lead a staff with extensive experience. These coaching investments highlight the importance of strong defensive play in the success of both programs.
Defensive Revamps and Roster Construction
Both USC and LSU have undergone significant changes on the defensive side of the ball in preparation for Year 3 under Riley and Kelly. The Trojans and Tigers have made sweeping changes to their defensive staffs, bringing in high-profile coaches to lead their units. These changes reflect the emphasis that both programs are placing on improving their defensive play and building a championship-caliber defense.
In addition to coaching changes, USC and LSU have focused on roster construction and recruiting to strengthen their teams. Both programs have added key transfers and made strategic moves to bolster their defensive depth and talent. These roster changes, combined with the coaching investments, signal a commitment to building competitive and successful teams at both USC and LSU.
Offensive Powerhouses and Quarterback Battles
Both USC and LSU are known for their high-powered offenses, with Riley and Kelly emphasizing offensive production and explosive playmaking. The Trojans and Tigers have been among the top-scoring teams in college football in recent years, thanks in large part to their dynamic quarterback play and talented skill position players.
As USC and LSU prepare to kick off their seasons, the quarterback battle will be a focal point for both teams. USC’s Miller Moss and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier will be taking the reins of their respective offenses after waiting patiently for their opportunity to start. Both quarterbacks have shown promise and poise in limited playing time, and their performances will be critical to the success of their teams in Year 3 under Riley and Kelly.
Looking Ahead: National Championship Aspirations
As USC and LSU begin Year 3 under Riley and Kelly, the ultimate goal for both programs remains the same: to compete for a national championship. While both teams have had success in recent years, they are still chasing the elusive College Football Playoff berth and the opportunity to compete for a title.
The Trojans and Tigers will face tough challenges in the upcoming season, with USC playing one of the toughest schedules in the nation and LSU looking to recapture its championship form. The showdown between USC and LSU in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic will provide an early test for both teams and a glimpse of what the future holds for these two storied programs.
As Riley and Kelly continue to lead their teams in Year 3, the similarities between USC and LSU are apparent. Both coaches have made significant investments in their programs, both on and off the field, and are committed to building competitive and successful teams. The upcoming season will be a critical one for both USC and LSU, as they look to make a statement on the national stage and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.