Paul Finebaum is right about one thing regarding his latest criticism of Lincoln Riley

An SEC football fan recently pulled Paul Finebaum's string on Lincoln Riley's future as USC head coach. The caller speculated on the outcomes of a losing season for the Trojans in 2024. As expected, Finebaum didn't hesitate to spew harsh takes.

The Paul Finebaum Show host considered the possibility of USC football finishing 2024 with a losing record. He then asserted that another bad season would spell the end of Riley's tenure in Los Angeles before stating that "it's over" for the Trojans head coach.

"I mean, I think it's over for Lincoln Riley anyway. To me, he's lost control, and once you've lost control, you're like in the middle of quicksand"

- Paul Finebaum, The Paul Finebaum Show

Finebaum is right about one thing.

Back-to-back disappointing seasons will crush Riley's tenure in Southern California. I doubt USC would move on from the Muleshoe, Texas, native, but failure to compete like a blueblood program in 2024 leaves the Trojans running in place. Moreover, failure to move into the top five in college football recruiting will also place a target on Riley's back.

Fans must put themselves in the athletic director's shoes. If the football program is a back-to-back 7- or 8-win team and recruiting remains outside the top ten…why pay the head coach $10 million? USC was getting such results with Clay Helton for less money.

Riley will get some slack from the administration as the Trojans transition to the Big Ten. The transition includes several unfamiliar opponents and an audacious travel schedule. Moreover, USC is slated to play on the most difficult schedules in college football. Fans must prepare for multiple losses.

The Trojans must remain in College Football Playoff contention this season.

A 12-team College Football Playoff field means teams with demanding schedules can lose multiple games and remain in the seeding hunt. Thus, an 8-3 USC football team can stay in competition for the Big Ten championship and a playoff spot.

Riley faces much pressure as he enters his third season as Trojans head coach. USC opened its checkbook to poach Riley from Oklahoma expecting immediate results. He added another Heisman Trophy to the case in Los Angeles, but following up a New Year's Six bowl loss to Tulane with a 7-5 season is less than ideal.

Ultimately, I think a third consecutive season without a CFP appearance will prompt the USC brain trust to consider a change in guard.

Last week was not the first time Finebaum expressed his doubt about Riley. The national radio host called Riley a "fraud" following USC's loss to UCLA.