Matt Rhule takes subtle dig at Lincoln Riley during Nebraska media day
"Although USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is not scheduled to speak until Thursday, a number of USC's opponents, like Nebraska coach Matt Rhule (did speak). USC on SI's Bri Amaranthus asked Rhule about Nebraska's matchup with USC on Nov. 1, and the Cornhuskers coach talked about hosting Riley and the Trojans.
"No matter what, Lincoln's gonna find the way to utilize his talent, score points on offense. Obviously they made up big jump last year on defense. It will be a great game. They'll be a top-25 team, and we play later in the year, I hope it's really cold. I hope it's at night and I hope it's really cold," Rhule told Amaranthus.
"He's a great coach, and he's a good friend. I mean he's just a great coach," Rhule continued.
There is nothing wrong with competition and making things even more interesting before the season starts, but it appears Rhule does not have confidence in Riley's Trojans to perform well in cold weather.
This is a notion that Lincoln Riley has been battling since his days at Oklahoma, due to his teams not playing very many games in weather with low temperatures. Riley has always addressed that question with the fact that his Oklahoma teams consistently played well in November, and that he has embraced playing in cold weather.
Last season the Trojans lucked out, avoiding playing any games in November in the Midwest. This season they have a matchup at Nebraska on November 1. It will be the Trojans' first true test in the Big Ten with cold weather being a potential factor. We will then see how prepared this team and Lincoln Riley are.
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