USC HC Lincoln Riley addresses viral barbeque post from 2021 - “I need to improve my photograph skills”

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley has addressed his viral barbeque meme. On Easter in 2021, Riley posted a photo of a barbequed brisket on Twitter (now called X), which many fans had criticized. The coach also posted a chef emoji with the post, leading many to think he was the one who prepared the dish.

The brisket looks dry, and many fans flamed the Trojans coach about it as they felt like he wasn't a good cook. It was also a humbling experience for Riley, who thought he did a good job barbecuing the brisket and was proud to share the photo.

Now, years later, at the Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, Riley was asked about that viral photo, which he received plenty of flak for, and he gave a joking response.

"I need to improve my photograph skills, not my barbecue skills," Riley said, per Action Network's Brett McMurphy.

However, fans think it wasn't his photography skills but instead his barbecuing, as they believe Riley overcooked the brisket while also not adding enough sauce.

Lincoln Riley calls USC the right place for him

Lincoln Riley is entering his third season at USC as the Trojans are joining the Big Ten.

USC is coming off a disappointing 8-5 season with Caleb Williams as the team's starting quarterback. Entering 2024, the expectations are low for the Trojans, but Riley has confidence in his team.

“I was very much a believer and even more so now that the firepower in this program has not gone anywhere,” Riley said at Big Ten media day (via LA Times). “It’s a process to get [back] there. Has my patience been tested by it? Hell yeah. No doubt. Like, every day.

“But my resolve hasn’t been tested, my commitment to being here hasn’t been tested. I know this is the right place. I know what this is going to be.”

USC has the fifth-best odds of winning the Big Ten at +2200 at DraftKings, which implies a 4.3% chance of it happening. However, Lincoln Riley believes the Trojans can be atop the Big Ten despite the odds.

“We are at the top of the Big Ten,” Riley said. “We’re at the top of any conference. I don’t ever look at ourselves as below anybody. And never will. Listen, two years ago, look where Ohio State and Oregon were. Look what they took over. Look what we took over. It takes time.

“I’m not a magician. I can’t wave a magic wand and everything be perfect right away. But find one area where we haven’t made progress. It’s coming. Nothing is going to stop it.”

Lincoln Riley and the Trojans will open their 2024 season against LSU on Sept. 1. USC also has notable games against Michigan, Penn State, Washington and Notre Dame.