The Paul Finebaum Hate Of Lincoln Riley Is Weird…But Is It A Lucky Charm For USC Trojans?

It’s no secret that Lincoln Riley has become ESPN Analyst Paul Finebaum’s newest punching bag. After praising the hire and Riley’s decision to join the USC Trojans two years ago, he has been overly critical after a very disappointing 2023 campaign. Being critical is not just ok, but it is expected, that is the job. However, we are way past critical and are now wading in the waters of weird.

After reigniting the train of loathing just two weeks ago during an appearance on the McElroy and Cubelic in the Moring , he again turned his sights to Riley during an event where USC shouldn’t even be a topic for discussion…SEC Media Days.

Then again this morning, he got into a spat on a segment of First Take with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo …again at SEC Media Days.

We have gone from critical to some kind of vendetta. But could this vendetta actually be a good luck charm for USC and Riley?

Could Paul Finebaum Be A Luck Charm For Lincoln Riley And USC Trojans?

Before Finebaum set his sights on all things Lincoln Riley, his main squeeze of detest was none other than last year’s National Champion (and current Los Angeles Chargers coach) Jim Harbaugh.

Again, after praising the hire of Harbaugh by Michigan, he quickly changed his tune two years into the hire.

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Back in 2017 , Finebaum called Harbaugh an “evil genius” and the “Donald Trump of college football.”

Before last season, again at SEC media days, Finebaum was asked, again on ESPN’s First Take , who could potentially dethrone Georgia. Here was his response:

“There are a couple of teams that a possibility or a chance at it. I think, within the SEC, Alabama would be the best bet. That does not take a rocket scientist, which I’m not, to come up with,” Finebaum said. “Outside, I like Ohio State. There’s still an issue about how the quarterback situation will land. Other than that, they probably have as much talent, if not more, as anyone in the country. If you’re looking for a wildcard, certainly Southern Cal with the Heisman Trophy winner (in) Caleb Williams.”

Michigan, who had won back-to-back Big 10 titles, beaten Ohio State back-to-back years, and had reached the College Football Playoff in back-to-back years was left out in favor of Ohio State. And, as you can see, this was when he still thought Lincoln Riley was one of the top coaches in College Football.

So now he has moved his vitriol from Harbaugh to Riley. Perhaps it is a good luck charm, and the USC Trojans will hoist the National Championship trophy this year…if you believe in that sort of thing.

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