USC's Holiday Bowl victory has set the tone for 2024

USC earned more than another notch in the win column when the Trojans defeated the No. 15 Louisville Cardinals in the Holiday Bowl back in December. The team was forced to evolve with dismissal of its defensive coordinator during the season and veteran stars opting out to avoid risking injury. The talented underclassmen and a patient, veteran quarterback received valuable playing time and more importantly they forged an identity.

“It’s almost like we got two spring practices in a way,” Riley explained. “And not just the work on the field. I just think the vibe and the feel of this team started then. There was just something special about the way that group came together for that game.”

The Trojans had been through a disappointing season, a season many felt would be another trip back to the Pac-12 Conference Championship Game and possibly a College Football Playoff berth. The reality was a 7-5 regular season, losing five of the last six games, with losses to both rivals and the dismissal of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. The young team had many of its star veteran leaders opt out of the Holiday Bowl against the Louisville Cardinals. Things could have really spiralled, but the young guys stepped up.

As the Trojans move into the Big Ten and prepare for a new challenge, they really think they found the pivot-point moment which has galvanized them for the difficult road ahead.

“We kinda just latched on to something there and it just feels like everything since then has been and extension of that,” Riley reflected.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

Check out more NFL draft coverage with the USA TODAY Sports NFL Draft Hub.