During the offseason, the USA Trojans appeared to put themselves back into the National Title scene when they got head coach Lincoln Riley and QB Caleb Williams from the Oklahoma Sooners.
It appears the fan base is not yet sold, despite the team being ranked 14th in the country.
During Saturday’s game against the Rice Owls at LA Memorial Coliseum, the camera shots showed that the stadium wasn’t even close to being filled.
USC takes the field for the first time under Lincoln Riley pic.twitter.com/YDx2CHUMPA
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) September 3, 2022
Former USC basketball stars Evan and Isaiah Mobley led out USC football to the field for the first time in 2022. pic.twitter.com/pRjIb6sDg7
— Annenberg Media Sports (@ANNMediaSports) September 3, 2022
@USC_FBB @OU_Football look at the attendance at USC first game. Meanwhile we are sold out. Every single game. Lmao. There is NO comparison. pic.twitter.com/397XCGTfTB
— Pierce Morales (@PierceHall89) September 3, 2022
Packed house for the USC debut of Lincoln Riley, Caleb Williams and Jordan Addison. pic.twitter.com/BrSL9PkqVh
— The Field of 12 (@TheFieldOf12) September 3, 2022
There are literally people in attendance for Rice v. USC!#CantSpellSucksWithoutUSC #TBOW pic.twitter.com/NKXQZBU4Af
— TheNolanK (@TheNolanK) September 3, 2022
It should be noted that the area is dealing with a crazy heat wave where temps are breaking records in southern California with advocates concerned for the unhoused and outdoor workers.
You can only imagine that many did not feel like being baked for 3+ hours to watch the team destroy an inferior opponent.