LenDale White Criticizes Trojans’ Alamo Bowl Loss in Explicit Rant
The University of Southern California (USC) faced a disappointing 30-27 overtime loss to Texas Christian University (TCU) in the Alamo Bowl. This defeat sparked criticism from former players, including LenDale White, a prominent running back during the era of national championships.
LenDale White’s Critique of USC’s Alamo Bowl Loss
White expressed his frustration on social media, highlighting the lack of effective tackling on Jeremy Payne’s game-winning touchdown. He noted that a victory could have marked USC’s second double-digit win season since 2017.
Contrast with the Past
During White’s tenure from 2003 to 2005, USC was a powerhouse, securing national titles in 2003 (Associated Press) and 2004 (BCS and AP). The team achieved double-digit wins for seven consecutive seasons between 2002 and 2008. In contrast, their current performance under head coach Lincoln Riley has seen them participate in the Alamo Bowl, Las Vegas Bowl, and Holiday Bowl over the last three years.
- USC’s Double-Digit Wins:
- 2002-2008: Seven consecutive seasons
- Only two seasons with double-digit wins since 2017
- LenDale White’s Era Achievements:
- National champion in 2003
- National champion in 2004
- Runner-up in 2005 BCS national championship game
Current Challenges for USC
USC’s struggle to defend has been a recurring issue. In the Alamo Bowl, TCU managed to overcome a 10-point deficit in the final five minutes of regulation, demonstrating the Trojans’ defensive vulnerabilities. White’s sentiments reflect a growing concern among former players about the direction of the program.
Since the College Football Playoff’s inception in 2014, USC has yet to qualify. Their addition to a competitive Big Ten, featuring teams like Ohio State and Michigan, only intensifies the pressure. Former players are left questioning the future stability and success of USC football amid these recent setbacks.
