2008 Southern California Trojans Additional Information

Buckeyeskickbuttocks · Sep 10, 2008

2008 Southern California Trojans Additional Information

Coaching Staff

Head Coach:

Official School Bio - Pete Carrol

Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches

Steve Sarkisian, Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks (BYU, 1997)
Nick Holt, Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line (Pacific, 1986)
Todd McNair, Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator (Temple)
John Morton, Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers (Western Michigan, 1997)
Ken Norton Jr., Linebackers (UCLA, 1998)
Brennan Carroll, Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator (Pittsburgh, 2001)
Pat Ruel, Offensive Line (Miami, 1972)
Rocky Seto, Secondary (USC, 1999)
David Watson, Defensive Line (Western Illinois, 2001)
Kris Richard, Secondary Graduate Assistant (USC, 2002)
Yogi Roth, Quarterbacks Graduate Assistant (Pittsburgh, 2004)
Chris Carlisle, Strength & Conditioning (Chadron State, 1985)
Dennis Slutak, Director of Football Operations (Florida State, 1995)

Recruiting

Starters Returning: 13 (Offense 4, Defense 7, Special Teams 2)

Notable Returners:
WR Patrick Turner, LG Jeff Byers, FL Vidal Hazelton, FB Stanley Havili, DT Fili Moala, DE Kyle Moore, SLB Brian Cushing, MLB Rey Maualuga, CB Cary Harris, FS Taylor Mays, SS Kevin Ellison, PK David Buehler, P Greg Woidneck

Starters Lost: 11 (Offense 7, Defense 4, Special Teams 0)
Notable Losses:
LT Sam Baker, C Matt Spanos, RG Chilo Rachel, RT Drew Radovich, TE Fred Davis, QB John David Booty, TB Chauncey Washington, DE Lawrence Jackson, NT Sedrick Ellis, WLB Keith Rivers, CB Terrell Thomas

Incoming Recruits:

2008 Class

Armond Armstead DT 6-4 287 Elk Grove, CA
Blake Ayles TE 6-4 245 Orange, CA
Brian Baucham RB 5-11 170 Torrance, CA
T.J. Bryant DB 6-1 175 Tallahassee, FL
Brice Butler WR 6-2 178 Norcross, GA
Daniel Campbell OL 6-5 320 Aldine, TX
Jurrell Casey DT 6-1 280 Long Beach, CA
Khaled Holmes OL 6-4 301 Santa Ana, CA
Wes Horton DE 6-6 240 Sherman Oaks, CA
Malik Jackson DE 6-5 212 Lake Balboa, CA
Matt Kalil OL 6-7 281 Anaheim, CA
Uona Kavienga LB 6-0 226 Los Angeles, CA
Drew McAllister DB 6-2 195 Danville, CA
Curtis McNeal RB 5-6 180 Los Angeles, CA
Matt Meyer OL 6-7 290 Stockton, CA
Nick Perry DE 6-4 235 Detroit, MI
D.J. Shoemate ATH 6-0 219 Anaheim, CA
Maurice Simmons LB 6-2 203 Compton, CA
Tyron Smith OL 6-5 260 Moreno Valley, CA

2007 Class

Jordan Campbell LB 5-11 226 Corona, CA
Brandon Carswell WR 6-1 172 Milpitas, CA
Martin Coleman OL 6-5 290 Huntington Beach, CA
Aaron Corp QB 6-4 195 Villa Park, CA
Rhett Ellison TE 6-5 230 Mountain View, CA
Chris Galippo LB 6-3 235 Anaheim, CA
Broderick Green RB 6-1 230 Little Rock, AR
Everson Griffen DE 6-4 266 Avondale, AZ
Da'John Harris DT 6-4 266 Gardena, CA
Trey Henderson DE 6-3 264 Vancouver, B.C.
Ronald Johnson WR 6-0 177 Muskegon, MI
Marshall Jones DB 6-0 185 Westlake Village, CA
Joe McKnight RB 6-1 193 River Ridge, LA
Kristofer O'Dowd OL 6-5 315 Tucson, AZ
Michael Reardon DE 6-6 260 Villa Park, CA
Malcolm Smith ATH 6-2 200 Woodland Hills, CA
Christian Tupou DE 6-3 260 Sacramento, CA
Marc Tyler RB 6-0 215 Westlake Village, CA

2006 Class

Kenny Ashley RB 5-8 210 Venice, CA
Walker Ashley DT 6-4 295 Eden Prairie, MN
David Ausberry WR 6-4 213 Lemoore, CA
Allen Bradford LB 5-11 219 Colton, CA
David Buehler DB 6-2 217 Santa Ana, CA
C.J. Gable ATH 5-11 180 Sylmar, CA
Garrett Green QB 6-2 190 Sherman Oaks, CA
Stanley Havili RB 6-0 208 Salt Lake, UT
Vidal Hazelton WR 6-3 193 Chatham, VA
Zack Heberer OL 6-4 269 San Pedro, CA
Jamere Holland ATH 6-1 175 Woodland Hills, CA
Stafon Johnson RB 5-11 200 Los Angeles, CA
Vincent Joseph DB 5-8 165 Long Beach, CA
Butch Lewis DT 6-6 280 Aurora, CO
Taylor Mays ATH 6-3 218 Seattle, WA
Anthony McCoy TE 6-4 240 Fresno, CA
Emmanuel Moody RB 6-1 195 Coppell, TX
Michael Morgan LB 6-2 200 Dallas, TX
Alex Parsons DT 6-4 260 Irvine, CA
Travon Patterson WR 5-8 160 Long Beach, CA
Antwine Perez DB 6-1 199 Camden, NJ
[strike]Alfred Rowe DB 6-0 187 Long Beach, CA[/strikes]
Derek Simmons DE 6-4 268 Fairfield, CA
Joshua Tatum LB 6-0 219 Oakland, CA
Gerald Washington TE 6-6 253 Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Shareece Wright DB 5-11 180 Colton, CA

2005 Class

Charles Brown OL 6-6 249 Pomona, CA
Luthur Brown LB 6-3 227 Lakewood, CA
Michael Coleman ATH 6-2 225 San Bernardino, CA
Brian Cushing LB 6-4 216 Oradell, NJ
Kevin Ellison LB 6-0 214 Inglewood, CA
Cary Harris DB 6-1 180 Sherman Oaks, CA
Will Harris DB 6-3 195 Covina, CA
Thomas Herring OL 6-6 320 Los Angeles, CA
Nick Howell OL 6-5 253 Fresno, CA
Kaluka Maiava LB 5-11 212 Wailuku, HI
Rey Maualuga LB 6-2 253 Eureka, CA
Mozique McCurtis DB 6-1 220 San Diego, CA
Kyle Moore DE 6-6 247 Warner Robins, GA
Mark Sanchez QB 6-4 211 Mission Viejo, CA
Averell Spicer DE 6-2 260 Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Kevin Thomas DB 6-0 166 Oxnard, CA
Patrick Turner WR 6-5 210 Nashville, TN
Troy Van Blarcom K 6-3 200 Orange, CA

Behind the Numbers

Streaks that must end for Ohio State to win on Saturday

4: Straight losses vs. #1 ranked opponents on the road (0-4 all-time)
- 1940 - Cornell
- 1947 - Michigan
- 1994 - Penn State
- 1997 - Michigan
5: Straight losses vs. USC
7: Straight losses for the Big Ten vs. USC
10: Straight home-opener wins for the Trojans
11: Straight non-conference home wins for the Trojans
14: Straight wins in September for the Trojans
4: Straight regular season games in which the Buckeyes' passing efficiency is less than what the opponent typically allows
- Yes, that was even true for the Youngstown State Game. While Todd Boeckman's PE was higher than what South Dakota State produced vs. the Penguins, the aggregate team PE was lower.
- Wyoming's PE vs. Ohio was better than Ohio State's and better than Boeckman's.

Streaks that must continue for Ohio State to win on Saturday

13: Straight road wins for the Buckeyes
13: Straight wins in September for the Buckeyes
11: Straight road wins when ranked in the Top-10

Streaks that will probably continue regardless of Saturday's outcome

6: Straight Top-4 finishes, Pac-10 Championships and 11 win seasons for USC

The Lighter Side

Frustration.

This seems like the perfect week to discuss the idea of perception as it relates to college football and the frustration that comes of it. Represented in this week's match-up between the #1 ranked USC Trojans and the #5 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes is really both ends of a spectrum. On one end, you have the Trojans who can simply do no wrong. On the other, the Buckeyes who can do no right. This game represents every possible frustration you, as a Buckeye fan, must feel. A must win? Unquestionably. But, it's more than that. USC represents the complete caricature of what you can't stand about college football (mostly just ESPN, really, but you get the point). Because of that, and while I'll take a one point win, I need the Buckeyes to put a beating on the Trojans.... and you do too.

Let us begin with the aforementioned rankings. In throttling Youngstown State in week 1, the Buckeyes established that they were only good enough to be knocked backwards a peg, falling from 2 to 3 in the AP. USC, on the other hand, beat up an awful Virginia team to much fanfare and oohs and ahhs. The destruction was enough that they jumped from 3 to 1, gaining a whole 9 votes for number 1 from the previous week (Pre-season poll). So, the Buckeyes enter last weekend's tilt with Ohio rated 3rd in the nation. But, as we all know, Ohio State didn't look like the pretty prom girl in gaining the W and thus the voters dropped them 2 spots to 5th, behind USC, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Florida. Oklahoma, after all, while giving up 26 to Cincinnati, scored 52. Plus, even though they're a bad NFL team, they are in the NFL. Of course they're gonna score some points on a college defense. Florida, meanwhile, dominated Miami of Florida for one whole quarter (after the replay officials decided to make give the Gators a jump start overturning a non-catch setting up 1st and Goal.) Miami of Florida, in case you didn't know, won a lot of championships a long time ago. So, even though every five seconds of the broadcast you heard Brent of Kirk say the word "True Freshman" regarding a Miami player, the win was simply enormous for the Gators.

In any case, two things are clear in the mindset of the voters. One, despite the absurd contention to the contrary, there has always been a Margin of Victory factor in "calculating" the best in the land. So much for the idea that taking MOV out would decrease the likelihood of a team running it up. Two, what you do week to week matters... but, only so far as the score is concerned. So, only beating Ohio by 12 points is enough to warrant knocking the Buckeyes down. Beating an out-manned Directional Michigan school 52 - 17 is what we need to see for you to maintain your ranking. Just winning isn't enough any more. And.. if there's one thing you must do to earn votes its... enjoy a bye week.

Yes, you read that right. USC's bye week performance was enough to convince eleven more voters from the previous week that the Trojans are the top team in the nation, whereas only 9 voters felt that beating the snot out of the hapless Cavaliers was enough to garner a number 1. I don't have the All Access pass to Trojans football, so I can only imagine what kind of bye week USC had. It must have been incredible.

You want more "East Coast bias?" Try this one. In 2007, USC lost at home to a team, Stanford, which was a 41 point underdog. It wasn't just the 41 points. Stanford was 1-3 and was playing with a back-up QB. SC, rated number 1 in the Coaches poll, and 2nd in the AP fell to.... drum roll please.... 7th and 10th. Lets contrast this epic loss with one from Michigan. Remember them? They used to be pretty good. So good, in fact, that they were rated number 5 to begin last season. But, then, they lost to Appalachian State, a 26.5 point dog. Michigan was dropped from the ratings entirely. Lets review. USC drops a game to a team which hasn't had a winning record since 2001 and was supposed to lose by nearly 6 touchdowns playing with a second string QB and falls from 1 to as low as 10. Michigan drops a game to the D-IAA defending champion, a 26.5 point dog and falls completely out of the rankings.

Wait... what does that have to do with Ohio State, you ask? Well, Southern Cal didn't just lose to dreadful Stanford last year. They also lost to Oregon. Now, while the coaches dropped the Trojans all the way to 19th, the AP - get this - dropped the 2 loss Trojans to 13th. A whopping 4 spots. Ohio State later lost it's first game of the year to Illinois and fell 6 spots to 7th from first. USC, had moved up to number 11 by then. And, of course, by the time it was up to selecting who'd play for all the marbles in New Orleans, who was it that was the "hot team" that deserved a chance? None other than USC (and Georgia, for some reason), of course, who had moved up to 6th. Ohio State went on to lose to LSU in the National Title game as you might recall. USC beat up an overrated Illinois club (overrated, ironically because it had beaten No. 1 Ohio State) and the media came strong as ever with the SC Slobberfest. "See, we told you SC was the complete package and the Stanford loss was just 'one of those things!'" "USC beat the team that beat Ohio State going away, they should be playing LSU not the Buckeyes!" "Isn't USC great? I'd give Pete Carroll a slobbering hummer right here and right now if he'd be willing to pee on my back." Etc..

And... then, after it is all said and done.... who are we told we should be "sick" of? Ohio State, of course. The audacity to lose two championship games in a row. What complete jerks. I mean, USC wouldn't have lost if it had gone to two in a row. Well, except that they did lose to Texas in 2005. But, still, it's not like Ohio State is close to the 77-14 record Pete Carroll has amassed out there is LA since 2001. Well... actually, I guess it is exactly like that with Ohio State being 75-16 in that time. But, still, it's not like Ohio State has made it to 2 BCS Championship games like USC has... well.. I guess it actually is like that too since the Buckeyes have been to 3. What about the fact that Ohio State plays in the pathetic Big Ten? SC, as we all know, plays in the ... OK... the PAC 10. Bad example. But still, USC has never had a player take a 500 dollar hand shake and go on to win a Heisman. Oh... that's right, USC had a player take tens of thousands and go on to win a Heisman. But, still, USC won a Championship without even playing for it. Let's see Ohio State match that! See... they can't. Told you SC was better.

If I sound bitter this week it's because I am. I get to listen to Carson friggin Palmer complain about how Buckeye fans love their Buckeyes when every other idiot with a microphone can't stop talking about how great USC is. I get to read about how Pete Carroll can't possibly keep tabs on his players all the time even when these same morons were calling for Jim Tressel's head only a few years prior. I get to watch as Ohio State drops in the polls in successive weeks for winning ball games, while USC picks up votes for beating a glorified High School team and successfully navigating a bye week.

Making it worse, here's the thing of it. This is really a no win. If Ohio State wins the game, all the voters and talking heads and so on will talk about how USC was breaking in a new line and how Mark Sanchez still needs more reps and was playing on a bad knee and so on. They'll discount the win for the Buckeyes and make excuses for USC. Bank on it. SC will probably fall to .... what... 5? After all, it's not like Ohio State is 40 point dogs. If they win, Ohio State might move ahead of .... well... never mind. They won't move ahead of anyone. Unless one of the teams in front of them lose. Don't count on that though. Florida's got a bye week and we already know how Voters love a bye week. I'd expect Florida to jump to 1 in the event of a SC loss and Ohio State win. Georgia's playing South Carolina. Don't let a loss to Vandy fool you, South Carolina's outstanding. Just ask Lou Holtz. The only thing keeping Georgia from regaining the number one ranking is Florida's bye week. Look for a tie at the top spot. Oklahoma's playing the Washington Huskies and while the Huskies aren't really any good, the nation feel really bad for them since they got hosed on a crap penalty. Thus, when Oklahoma beats Washington, it'll seem like they've once again done the impossible. (Incidentally, where's the cries of weak schedule for the boys in Norman? Chattanooga? Cincinnati? Washington's their big OOC game? TCU? That sure sounds familiar.... I wonder if they've managed to get smoked in their last two bowl games...) So, they'll no doubt move up to number 1 as well. Leaving your victorious Buckeyes moving up 1 spot to 4th, a full spot behind where they started the year.

And.. if the Buckeyes lose? Well... it's, "I told you so" and "Can't match the speed" and "Ohio State is a joke" and all that same old crap. It's a no win, and I blame USC for it. I don't care if doing so is fair. All I know is - if Ohio State has one beat down in them.... and I'm talking old school, triple digit, everything goes right for them beat down, I hope it comes this week. I'll take a 1 point win, but I must confess, I want USC to feel a wrath which is enough to make a dent in my frustration with all the friggin idiots out there associated with College football. Is all that USC's fault? No. Truth is, it's not. But, I don't care. I want this beating to be so severe... so vicious... that even Mark May has to admit, "These Buckeyes might actually be pretty good."

So, here's to it Buckeyes. This is a whole season in 60 minutes. It's not just another game. It's your reputation, rightly or wrongly, for the past and the future on the line. It's not right, but it's how it is. Take it out on the Trojans. Beat them, and show no mercy. They deserve it. Right or wrong, they deserve it. They get all the respect you should have. They get it. Now is your one and only chance to get what is rightfully yours. Go Bucks! Beat USC. If you beat them as badly as I want you to, there may even be a number 2 ranking in it for you. But, even I must face the reality that you can't ever top a bye week.... especially not an SEC bye week.

Traditions & Opponent Perspective

Tommy Trojan - Situated in the center of campus, the bronze statue of Tommy Trojan sits. Made in 1930, the statue is among the most famous of all collegiate landmarks and is a symbol of the school's spirit. A frequent target of cross-town rival UCLA, Tommy is wrapped in tarps and duct tape during the week of the USC UCLA contest. Likewise, Tommy is monitored by a group calling themselves the "Trojan Knights" all night during game week in attempts to protect the statue.

Heritage Hall - Housing such items as replica Heisman's from Mike Garrett, O.J. Simpson, Charles White, Marcus Allen, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, you can take a long walk down "Memory lane" of all things Trojan football. There are photos galore as well as any number of USC's several trophies won over the years.

Conquest - Composed by Alfred Newman, "Conquest" is USC's regal processional march. A winner of 9 Academy Awards, Newman wrote the music as part a suite for a 1947 movie of the same name, Captain From Castile. He later bequeathed the song to USC in 1950.

Marching Band - Also known as "The Spirit of Troy" the band has a streak of having played at every USC football game, home or away, since 1987. It has not missed a trip to Southbend Indiana since 1971. Founded the same year as the University, 1880, the Marching Band has done more than simply provide inspiration for the Trojans at sporting events. Among many of campus appearances, some of the more well known include; performing "Tusk" with Fleetwood Mac on the 1979 Album "Tusk," Performing in several Hollywood movies, and even once as the Alabama Marching Band in the Movie "Forrest Gump," and the 1976 and 2000 Grammy Awards. Currently directed by Dr. Arthur C. Bartner (1970 - present) you will hear the band all game long. Among their materials:

Fight On! - Composed in 1922 by Milo Sweet as part of a Spirit contest, it is said the song was even used as Americans stormed an island in the pacific being held by the Japanese in WWII.

Fight On for ol' SC

Our men Fight On to victory
Our Alma Mater dear,
looks up to you
Fight On and win
For ol' SC
Fight On to victory
Fight On!

All Hail - USC's Alma Mater was composed by Al Wesson in the early 1920s. The school's sports information director from 1928-42, Wesson wrote the song when he was a member of the Band to serve as the finale of a 1923 campus show, "CONQUEST"

All hail to Alma Mater,

To thy glory we sing;
All hail to Southern California,
Loud let thy praises ring;
Where Western sky
meets Western seas
Our college stands in majesty
Sing our love to Alma Mater,
Hail, all hail to thee.

Traveler - The official mascot of the Trojans is the familiar white Andalusian horse. While it is not required that Traveler be of this breed, and previous iterations have been other breeds, Traveler is quickly recognized by his white coat and armor clad rider. Many people incorrectly assume the actual USC mascot is his rider, and also that his rider is Tommy Trojan. In fact, however, Traveler is the real mascot and his rider simply meant to symbolize the "ideal" Trojan warrior. Beginning in 1961, Traveler (now Traveler VII) has been ridden by Richard Saukko, Cass Dabbs, Rick Oas, Tom Nolan, Ardeshir Radpour, Brent Dahlgren, and current riders Chuck O'Donnell, and Hector Aguilar.

George Tirebiter - Prior to Traveler, the school's unofficial mascot was a stray dog was discovered by a group of USC students at a local ice cream parlor. "George" received the last name "Tirebiter" because he would bite at the tires of cars he chased down Trousdale Parkway, which bisects the campus. (Today Trousdale is only open to foot traffic.) The dangerous pastime lead to his death when George was run over in 1950. He was replaced by several other "Tirebiters" after then. George can smell a rival, as he once bit UCLA's mascot Joe Bruin on the nose to great fanfare. In 2006 the school unveiled a life-size statue of George with a small piece of chewed tire. Located at the south end of campus on Trousdale Parkway between the Mudd Hall of Philosophy and the Leventhal School of Accounting, there is a plaque which reads:

George Tirebiter was a shaggy mutt who - for a few glorious years in the '40s and '50s - became a beloved Trojan mascot. No one is quite sure when George wandered onto campus, but his feisty personality made him a student favorite as he chased cars and bit tires along University Avenue, not far from where you stand. He was taken to football games in a limousine where he led the Trojan marching band onto the field, often wearing sweaters and odd little hats. He once drew the cheers of thousands when he bit the mask of UCLA mascot, Joe Bruin, on the nose. Rumor has it there is a transcript on file showing George with a GPA of 3.2 in such courses as Chasing Cats 101 and Biting Tires 270. Of all the great USC mascots, none had the bite of George Tirebiter.

Song Girls - The first group of Song Girls appeared in 1967. Beginning as seven women, some forty years later, after numerous National Championships for both the Football Team and the Song Girl squad itself, they now number twelve. Known for their trademark white uniforms trimmed in Cardinal and Gold, the Song Girls perform over three dozen new dance routines each year, at all football games as well as basketball and volleyball games. The girls turn up at rallies, university and alumni functions, and even conducts its own Junior Song Girl camp. The group has traveled to Italy, Austria, France, Hungary, Czech Republic, Japan, China and Australia. The Song Girls, together with the Band, are among the most visible public faces of the University, functioning as the ambassadors of spirit and good will for the Trojan Family. Now wonder they're all smokin hot.

Historical Data

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) Founded in 1880

Football 1st Season: 1888

Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Constructed: 1923
Seating Capacity: 92,516
Playing Surface: Natural Grass
Conference: 1888-1915 Independent, 1916-1958 Pacific Coast Conference, 1959 to present Pacific-10 Conference
Colors: Cardinal & Gold
Mascot: Traveler VII (pure white horse of varied breeds over the years)
College Classification: NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly D-IA) since 1937
Conference Championships: 12 Pacific Coast Conference Titles (3 of those shared), 24 PAC-10 Titles (7 of those shared)
Consensus First-Team All-Americans: 75, by 66 different players
College Hall-of-Famers: 30 - Howard Jones, Morley Drury, Harry Smith, Erny Pinckert, Aaron Rosenberg, Dan McMillan, Mort Kaer, John Ferraro, Cotton Warburton, Frank Gifford, Ernie Smith, Tay Brown, John Baker, O.J. Simpson, Mike Garrett, Mike McKeever, Ron Yary, John McKay, Paul Cleary, Lynn Swann, Marvin Powell, Charles Raymond White, Brad Budde, Ronnie Lott, Marcus Allen, Jon Arnett, Ricky Bell, Charles "Tree" Young, Anthony ?A.D.? Davis, Richard Wood
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 11 - Marcus Allen, Morris (Red) Badgro, Frank Gifford, Ronnie Lott, Bruce Matthews, Ron Mix, Anthony Munoz, O.J. Simpson, Lynn Swann, Willie Wood, Ron Yary

Award Winners:

Archie Griffin Award: Matt Leinart (2)

Chic Harley Award: Mike Garrett, O.J. Simpson, Charles White, Marcus Allen, Reggie Bush (2)
Coach of the Year (AFCA): John McKay (2), Pete Carroll
Coach of the Year (Eddie Robinson-FWAA): John McKay (2)
Coach of the Year (George Munger Award): Pete Carroll
Coach of the Year (Home Depot): Pete Carroll
Coach of the Year (Paul ?Bear? Bryant): John McKay (2)
Dick Butkus Award: Chris Claiborne
Doak Walker Award: Reggie Bush
Doak Walker Legends Award: Marcus Allen
ESPY - Best Male College Athlete: Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush
Frank Broyles Award (Assistant Coach): Norm Chow
Heisman Memorial Trophy Award: Mike Garrett, O.J. Simpson, Charles White, Marcus Allen, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush
Jim Thorpe Award: Mike Carrier
John Mackey Award: Fred Davis
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award: Rodney Peete, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart
Lombardi Award: Brad Budde
Manning Award: Matt Leinart
Maxwell Award: O.J. Simpson, Charles White, Marcus Allen
Outland Trophy: Ron Yary
Player of the Year (AP): Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush
Player of the Year (The Sporting News): O.J. Simpson, Charles White, Marcus Allen, Carson Palmer, Reggie Bush
Player of the Year (Walter Camp): O. J. Simpson (2), Charles White, Marcus Allen, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush

National Championships: 10 Recognized (CFDW) 1928, 1931, 1932, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1974, 1978, 2003, 2004
Number of final rankings: 42 AP, 38 Coaches

Records

All Time: 753-302-54 (.703)

Bowl Games: 30-16-0 (.652) Most recently a 49 to 17 win over Illinois in the 2007-08 Rose Bowl
All Time vs the BigTen: 65-27-2 (.702) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 11-9-1 (.548) Most recently a 35 to 26 win over Ohio State in Columbus 1990.
Coach's Record: Pete Carroll, 2001-current, 76-14-0 (.844)

2007 Season: 11-2-0 (.846)
Sep 1 - W vs. Idaho, 38-10
Sep 15 - W at Nebraska, 49-31
Sep 22 - W vs. Washington St, 47-14
Sep 29 - W at Washington, 27-24
Oct 6 - L vs. Stanford, 23-24
Oct 13 - W vs. Arizona, 20-13
Oct 20 - W at Notre Dame, 38-0
Oct 27 - L at Oregon, 17-24
Nov 3 - W vs. Oregon State, 24-3
Nov 10 - W at California, 24-17
Nov 22 - W at Arizona State, 44-24
Dec 1 - W vs. U-C-L-A, 24-7
Jan 1 - W vs. Illinois, 49-17

2008 Schedule
Aug 30 - W at Virginia, 52-7
Sep 6 - Open
Sep 13 - vs. Ohio State, 8:00 PM
Sep 20 - Open
Sep 25 - at Oregon State, 9:00 PM
Oct 4 - vs. Oregon, 8:00 PM
Oct 11 - vs. Arizona State, TBA
Oct 18 - at Washington St, 3:15 PM
Oct 25 - at Arizona, 10:15 PM
Nov 1 - vs. Washington, TBA
Nov 8 - vs. California, 8:00 PM
Nov 15 - at Stanford, 7:00 PM
Nov 22 - Open
Nov 29 - vs. Notre Dame, 8:00 PM
Dec 6 - at U-C-L-A, 4:30 PM

Links

Official Sites:

Official School Site - University of Southern California
Alumni Association Site - USC Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - Daily Trojan
Official Athletic Site - USC Trojans
Official Coach's Site - Pete Carroll.com
Official Conference Site - PAC-10

Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Board - We Are SC (ESPN)
Message Board - SC Playbook (Scout)
Message Board - USC Football (Rivals)
Message Board - Tribute to Troy (Independent)
Message Board - USC Trojans (Go Teams Go)

Blog - Tribute to Troy
Blog - USC Herd
Blog - Conquest Chronicles
Blog - Trojan Wire
Blog - Trojan Football News
Blog - Boi From Troy
Blog - Brendan Loy
Blog - Student Body Right
Blog - A Choad's Guide to USC Football
Blog - Crazy Trojan Musings
Blog - According to USC Trojan
Blog - Talking Trojan (Orange County Register)
Blog - USC Blog (Orange County Register)
Blog - LA Daily News (Scott Wolf)
Blog - Lex Icon
Blog - Attack Cat
Blog - The Ultimate USC Football Tailgate
Blog - USC Trojan Football
Blog - Fight On Forever
Blog - It's a Definite Maybe
Blog - Brandon Hancock (former USC fullback)
Blog - Trojan Ducks Football Futbol
Blog - The Displaced Trojan
Blog - We Are SC!! USC Trojan Football
Blog - I Can't Complain
Blog - USC FanHouse (AOL)
Blog - USC Football Fan
Blog - Play Tusk!
Blog - Adam Rose (LAist)
Blog - USC Herd
Blog - USC Trojan Football Analysis
Blog - Trojan NYC
Blog - 3Peat Trojans (Sporting News)
Blog - USC Sports Talk
Blog - Medskool Has Opinions On Sports
Blog - Talking L.A. Sports
Blog - Trojan Tracker (Ben Malcolmsen, USCRipsIt.com/Pete Carroll.com)
Blog - Trojan Update
Blog - USC Blitz
Other - TrojansPedia
Other - Former Trojans
Other - Tommy Cam
Other - USC Fan Site
Other - Trojan FB (Videos, wallpapers, Images, etc.)
Other - Trojan Direct (News Wire Feed)

Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CFN
Team Page - Yahoo
Team Page - Bleacher Report
Team Page - WIKI
Team Page - Vegas Insider
Team Page - Covers

Local News Sources:
Daily Trojan - Local News
Los Angeles Times - Local News
Orange County Register - Local News
Riverside Press Enterprise - Local News
Los Angeles Daily News - Local News
Daily Breeze - Local News
Press-Telegram - Local News
Ventura County Star - Local News
San Bernardino Sun - Local News
Sacramento Bee - Local News
Pasadena Star News - Local News
Stockton Record - Local News

Team Previews and Breakdowns:
2008 USC Preview - CFN
2008 USC Preview - Offense - CFN
2008 USC Preview - Defense - CFN
2008 USC Preview - Depth Chart - CFN
2007 USC Preview - CFN
2006 USC Preview - CFN
2008 USC Preview - Athlon
2008 USC Preview - Sports Network
2008 USC Preview - National Champs
2008 USC Preview - Football.com
2008 USC Preview - SoCal Sports Hub
2008 USC Preview - Deadspin
2008 USC Preview - About.com
2008 USC Preview - OC Register
2008 USC Preview - KVAL/CBS
2008 USC Preview - ESPN Blue Ribbon ($)
2008 USC Preview - Vegas Sports-Odds
2008 Game Preview - ESPN U
2008 Game Preview - SoCal Sports Hub
2008 Game Preview - Bleacher Report
2008 Game Preview - Fox/Sports Xchange (Inside Slant)
2008 Game Preview - Fox/Sports Xchange (Notes & Quotes)
2008 Game Preview - Fox/Sports Xchange (Strategy & Personnel)
2008 Game Preview - Fox/Scout (Crunching the Numbers)
2008 Game Preview - ESPN
2008 Game Preview - BigTen/AP

Prospectus, Rosters & Other Info.:
2008 OSU vs USC Game Notes (PDF) - Ohio State Buckeyes
2008 OSU vs USC Game Notes (PDF) - USC Trojans
2008 USC Media Guide (Links to PDF Files) - USC Trojans
2008 USC Schedule - USC Trojans
2008 USC Roster - USC Trojans
2008 USC News Archive - USC Trojans
2008 PAC-10 Conference Media Guide (Links to PDF Files) - PAC-10
2008 PAC-10 Conference Stats - PAC-10
2008 PAC-10 Spring Prospectus - PAC-10
2008 PAC-10 Spring Prospectus-Covers (PDF) - PAC-10
2008 PAC-10 Spring Prospectus-Team Previews (PDF) - PAC-10
2008 PAC-10 Spring Prospectus-2007 Review (PDF) - PAC-10

Travel:
Travel Information - USC Trojans

2008 U.S. Bank Pac-10 Football Players of the Week

Week #1 - Sept. 1, 2008

Offense - QB - Mark Sanchez - USC
Defense - CB - Wopamo Osaisai - Stanford
Special Teams - PK - Kai Forbath - UCLA

Week #2 - Sept. 8, 2008

Offense - RB - Jahvid Best - California
Defense - LB - Gerald Munns - Arizona State
Special Teams - KR - Keola Antolin - Arizona

Week #1 National Honors

Week #1: Rivals.com National Player of the Week - Mark Sanchez

Week #1: O'Brien National Quarterback of the Week - Mark Sanchez

Preseason Rankings

1 - Rivals
1 - NBC (Joey Johnston)
1 - Sure Fire Scouting
1 - College Sports TV (Adam Caparell)
1 - Gainsville Sun
2 - USA Today Coach's
2 - Lindy's
2 - Dallas Star Telegram
2 - ESPN Power Ranking
3 - AP
3 - The Sporting News
3 - ESPN Blue Ribbon
3 - Sports Illustrated
3 - Sports Illustrated (Stewart Mandel)
3 - Jim Feist
3 - National Champs
4 - Gold sheet
4 - Game Plan
4 - Athlon
4 - Phil Steele
4 - College Football Poll
4 - CBS Sportsline (Dennis Dodd)
4 - ESPN (June)
4 - Atlanta Journal Constitution (Tony Barnhart)
4 - ESPN (Mark Schlabach)
4 - Vegas Insider
5 - CFN
5 - Southern College Sports
5 - Playboy
5 - Southern Pigskin

Preseason Watch Lists

PK David Buehler - Lou Groza Award

OG-C Jeff Byers - Outland Trophy
LB Brian Cushing - Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Award, Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, Lott Trophy
S Kevin Ellison - Bronko Nagurski Award, Bednarik Award, Thorpe Award
TB Stafon Johnson - Maxwell Award
LB Rey Maualuga - Walter Camp Award, Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Award, Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award
S Taylor Mays - Bronko Nagurski Award, Bednarik Award, Thorpe Award, Lott Trophy
TB Joe McKnight - Maxwell Award
DT Fili Moala - Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Award, Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award
DE Kyle Moore - Hendricks Award
C Kristofer O?Dowd - Rimington Trophy
QB Mark Sanchez - Maxwell Award, Davey O?Brien Award
WR Patrick Turner - Maxwell Award

Preseason Accolades

2008 PAC-10 Preseason Media Poll
1. USC (38)
2. Arizona State
3. Oregon
4. California (1)
5. UCLA
6. Oregon State
7. Arizona
8. Washington
9. Stanford
10. Washington State

2008 PAC-10 Preseason Team

by ESPN (Ted Miller)

OFFENSE
QB: Rudy Carpenter, Sr., Arizona State
RB: Jahvid Best, So., California
RB: Jeremiah Johnson, Sr., Oregon
TE: Rob Gronkowski, So., Arizona
OL: Alex Mack, Sr., California
OL: Jeff Byers, Sr., USC
OL: Juan Garcia, Sr., Washington
OL: Max Unger, Sr., Oregon
OL: Andy Levitre, Sr., Oregon State
WR: Mike Thomas, Sr., Arizona
WR: Brandon Gibson, Sr., Washington State
K: Thomas Weber, So., Arizona State

DEFENSE
DE: Nick Reed, Sr., Oregon
DT: Fili Moala, Sr., USC
DT: Brian Price, So., UCLA
DE: Dexter Davis, Jr., Arizona State
LB: Rey Maualuga, Sr., USC
LB: Brian Cushing, Sr., USC
LB: Zach Follett, Sr., California
CB: Jairus Byrd, Jr., Oregon
CB: Alterraun Verner, Jr., UCLA
FS: Taylor Mays, Jr., USC
SS: Patrick Chung, Sr., Oregon
P: Keenyn Crier, So., Arizona

SPECIAL TEAMS
KR: Ronald Johnson, So., USC
PR: Sammie Stroughter, Sr., Oregon State

Pre-Season All-American First Team Honors

LB Rey Maualuga (Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Lindy?s, Athlon, Playboy, Phil Steele?s, Collegefootballnews.com)

S Taylor Mays (Sports Illustrated, ESPN.com, Athlon, Playboy, Phil Steele?s)
LB Brian Cushing (Playboy, ESPN.com, Phil Steele?s)
DT Fili Moala (The Sporting News, Phil Steele?s)
TB Joe McKnight (The Sporting News)

2008 University of Southern California Game Preview

Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data

2008 Southern California Trojans Additional Information

Buckeyeskickbuttocks

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