Immediate Changes Not in the Offing
Did Saturday’s 24-20 USC loss at Stanford endanger any jobs on the Trojan coaching staff?
No, said one athletic department source, asking not to be identified. But he meant right now.
“Obviously, after the season, whether you’re 12-0 or 6-6, you sit down and evaluate everything,” the source said. “But right now, no--it’s not even being discussed.”
It’s believed John Robinson’s job is safe, no matter what happens when the 5-5 Trojans finish the regular season against UCLA (Nov. 23) and Notre Dame (Nov. 30). Last spring, he signed a contract worth about $3 million that carries him through the 2001 season.
Offensive coordinator Mike Riley has been the subject lately of scrutiny. USC’s offense, after building a 20-7 halftime lead Saturday, was ineffective in the second half.
Riley defenders would point out he started eight offensive seniors in the Rose Bowl, including the entire offensive line and Keyshawn Johnson.
USC started two true freshmen, a sophomore and a junior in its offensive line Saturday.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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