Lincoln Riley, head coach of the USC Trojans, has pointed fingers at Notre Dame for the recent halt in their nearly century-long rivalry. Speaking in San Antonio on Monday, as the No. 16 Trojans gear up to face TCU in the Valero Alamo Bowl, Riley expressed his frustrations regarding the discontinuation of the series.
This joint press conference with Sonny Dykes, the head coach of the Horned Frogs, marked Riley”s first public comments on the matter. He asserted, “We took Notre Dame at their word that they would play us anytime, anywhere.” However, Riley noted that this proposal was turned down. He added, “Not only was it rejected, but five minutes after we got the call, it was announced they scheduled another opponent, which I”ll give them credit, that might be the fastest scheduling act in college football history.”
Instead of facing USC, Notre Dame revealed on December 21 that they will engage in a home-and-home series with BYU in the years 2026 and 2027. The rivalry between the Trojans and the Irish is one of the most intense in college football, with the two teams meeting 96 times since their first encounter in 1926. They have competed annually, with the exception of a break during World War II from 1943 to 1945, and another interruption in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In other news from South Bend, Indiana, Notre Dame confirmed on Monday that they have revamped Marcus Freeman“s contract, ensuring he remains at the helm for the upcoming season. SI.com was the first to report on Freeman”s new deal, noting that he has informed two NFL teams that inquired about his services that he will continue with the Fighting Irish.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama witnessed Georgia Southern triumph over Appalachian State with a score of 29-10 in the Birmingham Bowl. OJ Arnold was a standout performer, rushing for 152 yards on 11 carries. This victory marks Georgia Southern”s fourth consecutive bowl appearance, a first in the program”s history.
In Atlanta, Bijan Robinson rushed for 195 yards, highlighted by a remarkable 93-yard touchdown run. The Atlanta Falcons managed to overcome the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams, winning 27-24 after recovering from two 21-point leads.
In the world of baseball, pitcher Andrew Heaney announced his retirement after a 12-year career in the major leagues. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles have re-signed right-hander Zach Eflin to a one-year contract worth $10 million.
On the ice, James Hagens of Boston College scored twice in rapid succession, leading the United States to a thrilling 6-5 victory over Slovakia in the world junior hockey championship.
In a tragic turn of events, the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin passed away, while his mother sustained serious injuries due to a fire that severely damaged their North Carolina home.
In boxing news, former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is currently hospitalized following a car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two close friends and team members. His promoter confirmed that Joshua is in stable condition and will remain hospitalized for observation.
