Kirk Herbstreit criticizes low attendance at USC Trojans home opener

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit publicly criticized USC fans for poor attendance during the team's August 29 home opener against San Jose State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Despite the Trojans securing a 42-point performance in the victory, approximately 51,000 fans attended the game. Herbstreit characterized the half-empty stadium as embarrassing, noting the team is expected to contend in the Big Ten this season. Paul Finebaum also addressed the situation on ESPN, questioning the school's response to the attendance figures. The USC program faces pressure to increase turnout for upcoming home games against Fresno State and Louisiana. Failing to improve attendance could lead to continued criticism regarding the support for the 14th-ranked team as the season progresses.

• 6:43 PMYahoo Sports — Kirk Herbstreit calls out USC fans not filling stadium for home opener