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‘There’s Not Going to Be Any Excuse’ — Texas Tech HC Joey McGuire Takes Subtle Shot at USC’s Pathetic Turnout for Home Opener - Yahoo Sports
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire called out the contrast between Lubbock's sold-out Jones AT&T Stadium crowds and USC's sparse home opener at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, telling reporters "there's not going to be any excuse" for empty seats when the Red Raiders take the field. McGuire made the comparison two days after USC opened its season in front of a visibly thin crowd in Los Angeles.
McGuire made the comparison two days after USC opened its season in front of a visibly thin crowd in Los Angeles. He was careful to frame it diplomatically, saying he had respect for USC and head coach Lincoln Riley, but the point landed clearly. "It's really awesome to be playing in Lubbock, Texas, knowing we're going to be playing in front of 60,000," McGuire said.
He went further, acknowledging the heat that comes with playing in West Texas and treating it as a feature, not a problem. The weather is not an excuse to stay home, and McGuire expects the stadium full regardless.
For people who have tailgated on Flint Avenue or packed into Jones on a 95-degree September afternoon, none of this is surprising. Lubbock turns out for Red Raider football in a way that bigger media markets sometimes do not, and McGuire clearly knows it and wants to use it.
USC averaged over 77,000 fans per game as recently as 2022, making the sparse opener a sharp drop for one of college football's most storied programs.
Common questions
What did Joey McGuire say about USC's low attendance?
- McGuire pointed out the contrast between Lubbock's sold-out crowds and USC's thin home opener turnout, saying 'there's not going to be any excuse' for empty seats when the Red Raiders play. He framed it diplomatically, noting respect for USC and Lincoln Riley, but the message was clear.
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