USC's football game against an unspecified opponent had an announced attendance of 53,014 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which is still below its 77,500-seat capacity despite an increase from their previous opener. The game was played at 6:00 PM PT on a Friday evening during Labor Day weekend, contributing to empty seats early in the game. However, by nightfall, the atmosphere had improved and appeared more lively compared to USC's previous game against San Jose State. This is seen as a reminder that Lincoln Riley's program still has work to do beyond winning football games to attract larger crowds.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-05,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event.
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No political leaning scored for article 4571 · logged 2026-09-05
“Better” isn’t supposed to be the standard.
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Better → suppose → ?
Scheduling a 6:00PM PT kickoff on a Friday in Los Angeles, at the start of Labor Day weekend, is practically an invitation to spend the opening drive staring at brake lights on the 10 and 110 Freeway.
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Scheduling → schedule → Freeway
As expected, fans continued to filter into the Coliseum gates throughout the first and second quarters, slowly filling sections that looked alarmingly sparse at kickoff.
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that → expect → kickoff
By nightfall, the atmosphere was noticeably livelier than the triple-digit afternoon furnace USC played in against San Jose State six days earlier.
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USC → play → State
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Sign → sign → inbox
The announced attendance was 53,014 an increase from USC’s opener by several thousand people, but still well below the 77,500-seat capacity at the Coliseum.
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attendance → announce → Coliseum
It’s yet another reminder that Lincoln Riley’s program has some work to do beyond winning football games.
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program → ’ → games
Recruits noticed.
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Recruits → notice → ?
Television cameras noticed and opponents were intimidated.
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opponents → notice → ?
Two games into the 2026 season and the cameras are noticing empty seats.
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cameras → notice → seats
If USC keeps winning, then hopefully they’ll give fans a reason to show up and fill the Coliseum once again.
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