Direct link, IMO.
It was obvious all day the mesh read was not a big part of the game plan. But the running game all year was dependent on the mesh play and, in particular, the threat that Williams would keep it. On every big play all year SC ran that play and Williams kept for the first down, TD, or whatever was needed.
Once he got hurt in the CCG, the threat of Williams running was non-existent. Utah recognized that and stuffed Jones whenever it was a running play. Same thing today; Tulane guessed, correctly, that any time SC ran the mesh the RB would get the ball.
That brings us to the safety. Whether you think SC should have passed from the end zone (I do), when they called the mesh play Tulane sold out on Jones, because Williams wasn't really a threat to run it.
this is why you need to be able to go under center and qb sneak or run power. ANother thing that I;m not enamored with Riley's offense.
Running a mesh play from your own end zone already sounds like a foolish decision. IMO.
Thats COACHING.