Life of Riley Begins for 2022 USC Trojans

Earthquakes are nothing new in Southern California.  However, few would have predicted the ultimate College football betting shock wave in Los Angeles.  Cause by USC’s announcement that Lincoln Riley was taking over as the Trojans’ head coach.  It’s no longer easy to stun the college football world.  But stealing the 38-year-old architect of three playoff appearances at Oklahoma was a nuclear bomb.  Riley produced two Heisman Trophy winners and multiple NFL quarterbacks at OU.  Riley gives USC instant credibility with fans and gamblers.  Still, he’ll need time to engineer the turnaround expected at Troy.

CashBet Odds Analysis – High Expectations vs. Reality  

Despite the renewed optimism in Los Angeles is the fact that a tall task awaits USC and Lincoln Riley.  Riley understands that the expectations are to win immediately.  Also is the demand to return prestige to the most important West Coast power.  Finally, the Men of Troy must return to the national stage.  A massive online sportsbook roster revamp was undertaken to help hit those goals sooner rather than later.  There was a mass defection of high-profile transfers to supplement USC’s usual four- and five-star recruits.

Riley’s Trojan Offense Expected to be Supercharged

Caleb Williams’ goal was to discover which school would best put the dynamic dual-threat quarterback in a position to become a top overall NFL pick.  Of course, Williams reunites with his Oklahoma coach at USC.  Williams earned Freshman All-America honors.  Now he is a preseason Heisman favorite.  Although Williams will have a new supporting cast, championship expectations aren’t unreasonable.  Especially for somebody who could be the best QB in the Pac-12.

Despite the betting on college football hype over Williams, the offense will also emphasize an effective ground game.  That was the selling point for two intra-conference transfers.  Oregon’s Travis Dye and Stanford’s Austin Jones have impressive resumes.  Both are threats in the passing game, too.  Junior Darwin Barlow and four-star recruit Raleek Brown figure to earn playing time.

Most important of all, depth is less of an issue at the receiver position.  And the transfer portal is a big reason why.  Jordan Addison was the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner but opted to transfer from Pitt to USC in May.  As a result, Addison gives the Trojans a clear threat on the outside.

Mario Williams was Oklahoma’s second-leading pass-catcher.  Thus he has a natural chemistry with Caleb Williams.  Brenden Rice, son of NFL legend Jerry, should double the production he had at Colorado.  Also, Terrell Bynum arrives after making 19 starts for Washington.  Gary Bryant Jr. and Tahj Washington are the Trojans’ lone returning starters across the skill positions.

Defense Must Tighten Up

New defensive coordinator Alex Grinch arrives from Oklahoma.  While at OU, he engineered vast bet on NCAAF improvements.  Previously he took Washington State to the top half in just about every statistical category from 2015-17.  However, he has his work cut out for him at USC.  The Trojans’ defense allowed 31.8 points per game.  Luckily, the cupboard isn’t bare. 

2022 USC Trojans CashBet Summary   

The betting on NCAAF arrival of Riley should get USC back in the national championship conversation long term.  The Men of Troy are ambitious to return to the sport’s blue-blood class.  Despite the championship dreams, gamblers and fans must remember that the Trojans were 4–8.  Also, USC experienced a roster turnover higher than any in college football. Even with a new dream coach, a Heisman candidate quarterback, a likely first-team All-American at receiver, and a manageable schedule, the 2022 team faces doubts.