The vacated games included the Trojans' Orange Bowl win. QB Mark Sanchez. football@usc.edu. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. It was also banned from bowl games in 2010 and 2011 and lost 30 scholarships over three years. [6] It was Willingham's third consecutive 31-point loss to USC in three seasons at Notre Dame; the Irish fired him the following Tuesday. Fr., CB Justin Wyatt, Jr., CB. USC has its new head coach after a two-and-a-half-month search, delivering a resounding kaboom to a process that had been impressively quiet with no leaks coming from the school before the news broke Sunday that the Trojans had hired Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley. Fr., FB Reggie Bush, So., TB Hershel Dennis, Jr., TB John Griffin, Rs. Email. "I truly believe we have put together an elite group of coaches that will help build this football program back to national prominence. [25] The game marked the first career start for Husky quarterback Isaiah Stanback. Offensively, Troy has scored at least 20 points in the past 26 outings, with stretches of 11 consecutive 30-point games and 7 straight 40-point performances, and last year scored a Pac-10 record 534 points. Fr., DT Alex Morrow, Rs. "Our goal always will be to win the Pac-10 championship and the Rose Bowl. Sophomore Fred Matua started most of last season at right guard and brings a defensive lineman's mentality to the offensive front. The 2004 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. He was last a . But we have a great group of quarterbacks behind him and they all want to take over the No. "With Ronald Nunn, Kevin Arbet and Justin Wyatt, it's really like we have four returning starters in the secondary," said Carroll. The challenge starts right away, as the Trojans open on Aug. 28 against perennial power Virginia Tech in the Black Coaches Association Football Classic in Landover, Md. Rd. Here's a rundown of Shane Beamer's 10 on-field coaches. Reggie Bush will be a key in the Trojans' running game this season. Walk-on redshirt freshman Sean Kelly, another former tailback, also is available. Fr. "The key for us this year will be whether we can return to the work ethic that made it possible to have the success we've had the past few years," said Carroll, who is 29-9 at USC (including 10-0 in November). . "It starts with a big-time opener against a premier program and never lets up. . 1 Usc (100) 8:00 pm EST, Junior QB passes for career-high 400 yards, https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200412040064, Sugar Bowl leaves Auburn with bitter taste, College Football: USC ends doubts as to who's No. Gable; WR Steve Smith; WR Dwayne . LOS ANGELES New USC football head coach . [22] The decisive victory helped USC dispel concerns over its ability to dominate opponents. "While we've been effective rotating these young players, it will be interesting to see if any of them can take over a leadership role this season. USC's punter (All-American Tom Malone, whose 49.0 average in 2003 was a school record) and placekicker (Ryan Killeen, whose 65 PATs last year set a Pac-10 record and 19 field goals tied the USC mark) are back, as well as USC's top kick returner (Bush) and punt returner (wide receiver Greig Carlson) from 2003. Both are weapons for us. [8] The game marked the emergence of running back Reggie Bush, who often lined up at wide receiver, catching five passes for 127 yards and scored three touchdowns in a tight game. But he was not selected because of a judicial stay on that ruling, which was then overturned. Providing that safety depth will be twin redshirt freshmen Brandon Ting (3 tac in 2003) and Ryan Ting (1 tac in 2003), and senior walk-ons Greg Farr (6 tac in 2003) and Chris Bocage (1 tac in 2003), who missed 2004 spring practice while recovering from a knee injury. Obviously there are emotional swings with sports and so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the emotional expectations from a team. Fr. 2004 Pacific-10 Conference football standings, "The 10 Best College Football Teams of All Time", 2004 Virginia Tech Hokies Football Schedule, Southern passion propels SEC to top of conference ladder, "USC Now Will Recognize Its 1939 Football Team As A National Champion", Notre Dame (64) at No. Email. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. [10] The Trojans dominated the Rams en route to a 490 shut out, led by running back LenDale White who ran for 123 yards on 14 carries, scoring three touchdowns. He gave an early indication of his talent when his first career pass went for a touchdown at Auburn in last fall's opener. [10] After all, his Trojans have won 20 of their last 21 games (and their past 15 home contests) and have been dominant on both sides of the ball. So senior Lee Webb (9 tac, 1 FF in 2003, plus 4 tcb, 0 yds)-he started 5 times at fullback last year after seeing action at linebacker (where he played in 2001 and the first half of 2002)-will take over the starting job. "The key for us this year will be whether we can return to the work ethic that made it possible to have the success we've had the past few years. USC coaching candidates: Luke Fickell, Bob Stoops, Chris Petersen among names to replace Clay Helton There is an obvious top candidate, but the Trojans may have their pick of quality coaches [14], ESPN's College GameDay program visited the Los Angeles Coliseum for the first time[3] in anticipation of a game between highly ranked and undefeated teams: 7th-ranked California had given USC its only loss in the 2003 season, resulting in the Trojans sharing the 2003 National Championship. But Carroll speaks from experience when he says he is confident that his 2004 Trojans will respond well. We were efficient and took care of the football. Backing him will be junior David Kirtman (5 tcb, 23 yds, 4.6 avg in 2003, plus 5 rec., 28 yds, 5.6 avg), a rugged blocker who has starting experience and is a key special teamer, and redshirt freshman Jody Adewale, a converted tailback. Zach Hanson, tight ends coach. Is Coach Philip Montgomery on the Hot Seat? Henson, 46, spent the past 3 seasons (2019-21 . Fr. 1 recruiting class in the nation. [6] White threw for 24-of-36 for 244 yards with three interceptions and two touchdowns; Peterson ran for 82 yards on 25 carries. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. "But we need to establish some depth at both safety positions, so some players will have to step forward.". Jr., S Eric Wright, Rs. Since the vacated games included the Trojans' Orange Bowl win, the Trojans were later stripped of the 2004 BCS title in June 2011. "Obviously, it would be great to get Mike Williams back," said Carroll. . A new center must emerge, with the candidates coming from sophomore Ryan Kalil, incoming freshman prep All-American Jeff Byers (Loveland High in Loveland, Colo.), who was the national high school player of the year in 2003, and junior walk-on Ross Burruel. [36] The game also featured four out of five of the 2004 Heisman finalists with Leinart, White, Reggie Bush and Sooner running back Adrian Peterson, the Heisman runner-up. The Trojans then return home to host Arizona and Notre Dame before concluding their season on "Championship Saturday" (Dec. 4) at UCLA. Ryan Ting also can play cornerback. So we must take our game to the next level and be ready for everyone's best shot.". [23], The struggling Washington Huskies visited the Trojans for the 75th meeting in the series, with the Trojans dominating 380. QB John David Booty. 2 tackler last season. We'll have a very competitive environment each day to determine playing time and starting roles. The leading candidates for both roles are redshirt freshman Will Collins, a one-time walk-on who earned a scholarship this spring, and junior walk-on linebacker Collin Ashton. [43], Coach Pete Carroll was named the National Quarterback Club College Coach of the Year, as well as a finalist for the Bear Bryant and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Awards semifinalist, and was named the ESPN.com Pac-10 Coach of the Year. Defensively, Troy should be strong at linebacker and up the middle from front to back, while the ends and corners must be replaced. Opponents averaged just 1.8 yards per carry against the Trojans last fall, a school record and 2003 national low. PUNTERS All-American junior Tom Malone (49.0 avg in 2003), the nation's best punter, has proven to be a weapon whenever he boots the ball. [16] It was the first time since 1968 that the teams met when both were ranked and it also was the highest-ranked Cal squad USC had faced since 1952,[6] also the last time the two programs were ranked in the top ten. Carolina earned 2016 NSCAA South Regional Coaching Staff of the Year laurels, and McCaskill and Kurtz were selected as NSCAA First-Team All-Americans. The USC football coaching staff has been rounded out by Lincoln Riley with the hire of Josh Henson as offensive line coach late Sunday night. But nobody else has seen significant action at this level yet. A lot of the key players from that offense return this year. Despite all of its returning talent, skeptics surely will question USC's ability to replace such impact players as Udeze, Colbert, Rogers and Poole. [17], The game was highly touted by the media, with both teams earning praise for their performances. The electrifying Bush earned Freshman All-American first team honors as he set the USC freshman all-purpose yardage record (1,331 yards) and, as a hold-your-breath-when-he-gets-the-ball runner, had 24 plays of 20-plus yards in 2003. We have some talented players among our other ends, but we need some to emerge. "The tailback position is a strong one for us," said Carroll. How much are Football Coaches Really Worth? "The challenge is whether we can keep it up. LINEBACKERS Collin Ashton, Jr. Mike Brittingham, So. The tight end corps is deep, with Gregg Guenther Jr. (17 catches and 2 TDs in 2003)-also a star on the Trojan basketball team-back after starting the last half of 2003, along with Dominique Byrd (14 catches and 6 early starts in 2003) and Alex Holmes (58 career catches), USC's starter in 2002 but injured last season. [22] It was the second time the Trojans played before consecutive sellout crowds in the Coliseum, the first was in 1947 when the UCLA and Notre Dame rivalry games sold out, and the first against non-rival opponents. Record: 13-0 (1st of 120) (Schedule & Results), Bowl Game: Won Orange Bowl 55-19 versus Oklahoma, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 6:41AM. Junior Hershel Dennis (137 tcb, 661 yds, 4.8 avg, 4 TD in 2003, plus 10 rec, 62 yds, 6.2 avg, 1 TD), the veteran of the group, started each game last year and was effective. He'll long be remembered for his spectacular one-handed, Frisbee-like TD grab against Oregon State last fall. [28] Although the fog was thick enough at times to interfere with pass plays, USC tight end Dominique Byrd caught two touchdowns. The season before that, USC fired offensive coordinator Tee Martin and three other assistants, while quarterbacks coach Bryan Ellis took the offensive coordinator job at Western Kentucky. 1 and No. The 2004 AP title, however, remains in place. All the running backs return, also: starting tailback Hershel Dennis (661 rushing yards in 2003) and top backups LenDale White (his 754 yards last season made him the first true freshman to lead USC in rushing, while his 13 rushing TDs was a Trojan frosh record) and Reggie Bush (a Freshman All-American who set the USC freshman all-purpose yardage mark with 1,331 yards last fall), plus fullback Brandon Hancock (but he'll miss 2004 with a knee injury). Troy captured its second consecutive Pac-10 title (going 7-1) and beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl to secure its 10th national crown (its first in 25 years). SNAPPERS It might not sound like a big deal, but USC must replace both of its long-time snappers: 4-year short snapper Joe Boskovich and 3-year long snapper Matt Hayward. Senior Gregg Guenther Jr. (17 rec, 167 yds, 9.8 avg, 2 TD in 2003, plus 1 blk FG) became the starter by mid-2003 and performed well. The 41-year . RETURNERS USC has back from last year its top kickoff returner in sophomore tailback Reggie Bush (18 KOR, 492 yds, 27.3 avg, 1 TD in 2003), who was 10th nationally in kickoff returns (27.3, first in Pac-10) and was the first Trojan to lead the league in kickoff returns since Anthony Davis in 1974, and its top punt returner in junior wide receiver Greig Carlson (21 PR, 188 yds, 9.0 avg in 2003). Coming aboard this fall as freshmen are 3 prep All-Americans: former high school teammates Jimmy Miller and Michael Stuart (Westlake High in Westlake Village, Calif.), plus Dale Thompson (Santiago High in Corona, Calif.), "We have a lot of personnel options at tight end, which is good because we emphasize the position in our offense," said Carroll. I really like what our returning defensive players bring. TIGHT ENDS Another deep unit for USC in 2004-9 deep, in fact-is the tight ends corps. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. ", Head Coach Pete Carroll, 2023 University of Southern California Athletics, United Airlines Field at L.A. Memorial Coliseum, Allyson Felix Field at Loker Track Stadium & Colich Center. Fr. Fr., DE Lawrence Miles, In. Senior tight end Matt Cassel could be his backup. [5] The university filed an appeal of the sanctions which was later denied by the NCAA. But he was ineligible for this past spring's practice and will not participate in the 2004 season because of a student conduct violation. Colbert was selected in the NFL's second round. He assumed control of the job immediately and soon was playing like a veteran. Is Coach Ken Niumatalolo on the Hot Seat? Tackle Winston Justice and guard Fred Matua return as starters on the line (John Drake, who started 7 times last year at guard and tackle, is back as well). "We lost one of the greatest receivers in USC history and it will be a challenge to replace him. OFFENSIVE LINEMEN A key to USC's success in 2004 will be the play of the partially-rebuilt offensive line, which could be the biggest in Trojan history (there are 8 linemen who weigh at least 300 pounds). The junior finished sixth in last year's Heisman Trophy and was only the second sophomore (along with Stanford's John Elway) to win Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year honors. (Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press) Lincoln Riley isn't the. His 164.5 passing efficiency rating ranked third nationally and was a USC record (he's the nation's top-rated returning passer). "[4] Ironically, the changes made to the BCS due to the 2003 season did not resolve issues with multiple undefeated teams, as Auburn and Utah finished undefeated, yet they did not get to play USC or any other team for the title. "He's an impact player because of his size, speed and ability. Most of USC's specialists from 2003 return, including perhaps the nation's premier punter (Tom Malone) and placekicker (Ryan Killeen), plus an exciting kickoff returner (Reggie Bush), a dependable punt returner (Greig Carlson) and a steady holder (Malone). The kicking game returns intact, except for the snapper. Last year, 2 Trojans finished in the Top 10 in the Heisman Trophy balloting, 5 were All-American first team selections and 9 were All-Pac-10 first teamers. But things can still be shored up a bit in 2004, as opponents blocked 4 Trojan kicks (2 punts and 2 PATs) and returned a kickoff for a touchdown last year. Jr., OT Alatini Malu, So., OG Fred Matua, So., OG Chilo Rachal, In. The Trojans have done a superb job of getting turnovers under Carroll, as their +1.33 turnover margin and +111 takeaways the past 3 seasons are the best marks in the nation. [27] USC took the upper hand early on, taking a 140 lead before WSU's offense got on the field; by halftime, it was 350, as the Trojans had 289 yards and 16 first downs to the Cougars 54 and 4. [28], USC clinched its third consecutive conference championship with a victory over the visiting Arizona Wildcats. The game against the Bruins was later vacated as a result of NCAA sanctions. On paper, USC appears to have the ingredients to deal with those shots. WR Fred Davis. "The past 2 years, we were really good on defense and we played just how we drew it up," said Carroll, the team's defensive coordinator. But we have a lot of players fighting for playing time, including some exciting young guys who will be fun to watch.". In addition to winning the Heisman Trophy, Matt Leinart also won the Walter Camp Award and was named the AP Player of the Year. 2006 USC Coaching Staff. The Trojan special teams in 2003 were much-improved from previous years. 2 (wire-to-wire), respectively, in the AP and Coaches polls. Each of them had very productive seasons last year and we're hoping for more of the same this year. Phone. Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, offensive tackle Sam Baker and defensive end Lawrence Jackson were named to the Freshman All-American first team. Junior Dominique Byrd (14 rec, 268 yds, 19.1 avg, 1 TD in 2003) started the first half of 2003 and was impressive before suffering a season-ending knee injury (he missed 2004 spring drills while recuperating). We present them here for purely educational purposes. Do you have a blog? Last year, USC allowed just 1.2 sacks a game (its lowest average since 1987). It's always difficult to lose a player the caliber of 4-year starter Keary Colbert, USC's career receptions leader (207) who had 1,000-yard receiving seasons the past 2 years (including 1,013 yards and 9 TDs on 69 catches in 2003). [11] Matt Leinart went 20-of-31 for 231 yards in three quarters before being retired from the game, Dwayne Jarrett caught a touchdown on what was his 18th birthday, and the Trojans handed the Rams their worse loss in eight years and first shut out in 85 games. Alex Grinch, defensive coordinator. RB Stafon Johnson. On offense in 2004, USC's entire backfield, its star wide receiver and the tight ends are back, but a new wide receiver must be developed and most of the line must be rebuilt. Dale Thompson, In. He'd then give way to LenDale White (141 tcb, team-high 754 yds, 5.3 avg, 13 TD in 2003, plus 6 rec, 15 yds, 2.3 avg, 1 TD) and Reggie Bush (90 tcb, 521 yds, 5.8 avg, 3 TD in 2003, plus 15 rec, 314 yds, 20.9 avg, 4 TD and team-best 18 KOR, 492 yds, 27.3 avg, 1 TD), now both sophomores. Matt Grootegoed, Sr. Oscar Lua, So. Just look what happened last year when Troy had to replace a number of top performers, including the 2002 Heisman winner (Carson Palmer), the nation's best safety (Troy Polamalu) and 3 NFL-caliber tailbacks (Justin Fargas, Sultan McCullough and Malaefou MacKenzie). Jason Mitchell, Sr. Steve Smith, So. And USC's rushing offense (155.9), though not nationally ranked, was its best since 1991. of Playoffs), Offensive Coordinator Los Angeles Wildcats, Still Laying the Foundation of the Program, Coach Pete Carroll Coaching Tree & Rating. He has had a great career here already and we would expect more of the same in 2004.". On the inside, there is senior walk-on Marco Chavez (he sat out 2003 after transferring from Hawaii), plus sophomore Oscar Lua, who was sidelined most of last season because of a knee injury (he missed some of 2004 spring drills while recuperating). [24] The victory put USC's winning streak at the Coliseum at 19, tying the school record set from 193133. The Lou Groza Award candidate was 12th nationally in scoring (9.4, second in Pac-10) and tied for 18th in field goals (1.5, third in Pac-10) in 2003. Alex Grinch. [3] Irish quarterback Brady Quinn completed 15-of-29 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. The Bruins, having come off a three-week break of consecutive bye weeks, came into the game as serious underdogs in the Victory Bell. "I am very excited to formally announce our coaching staff," said Riley. football@usc.edu. "They're both really hard to block and are relentless in how they play the game. So the competition for playing time will be intense. We had tremendous fan support last year and we'll need all of them again in our quest to be the best in 2004.". In the hunt for the tackle jobs are sophomore Kyle Williams, redshirt freshmen Sam Baker, Drew Radovich and Matt Spanos, plus incoming 370-pound junior Taitusi Lutui (Snow Junior College in Ephraim, Utah), a J.C. All-American. Fr., TB Chauncey Washington, So., TB Lee Webb, Sr., FB LenDale White, So., TB Andre Woodert, Jr., TB. USC later vacated 2 wins (1 in conference), as well as the BCS and Pac-10 Championships, due to NCAA sanctions. USC's top 4 rushers (and 14 of its 17 ballcarriers), its top 4 passers and 16 of the 17 players who caught passes last year return in 2004. Fr., DE Shaun Cody, Sr., DE-DT Sedrick Ellis, Rs. 7 Clemson, the Gamecocks' first win over a ranked opponent since 1998, as well as a 6-3 mark in non-conference action. Dwayne Jarrett, In. The defense features 6 starters from a year ago: a pair of returning All-Pac-10ers in end-tackle Shaun Cody and tackle Mike Patterson (both are 2-year starters who combined for 81 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and 3 blocked field goals in 2003), always-around-the-ball linebacker Matt Grootegoed (a 3-year starter), 2003 Freshman All-American Darnell Bing and fellow safety Jason Leach (his 88 tackles were second on USC in 2003), and 2003 USC tackle leader Lofa Tatupu (98 stops) at middle linebacker. ", DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Chris Barrett, Rs. Gone from the defense are All-American end Kenechi Udeze, a 3-year starter who left after his junior season to enter the NFL draft (he was the nation's sack co-leader in 2003 when he had 16.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss and 5 forced fumbles), and fellow end Omar Nazel (a 2-year starter), plus both starting cornerbacks (All-Pac-10er Will Poole, who had 7 interceptions and 80 tackles in 2003, and Marcell Allmond, who led USC to an 18-1 mark when he started in the secondary) and 2-year starting outside linebacker Melvin Simmons. The bull-like White, who had a trio of 100-yard games last season, was the first true freshman to lead USC in rushing (his 754 yards were the second most by a Trojan frosh behind Charles White's 858 in 1976) and his 13 rushing TDs were a USC freshman mark (his 14 total TDs tied the USC frosh record). [16] The crowd was USC's largest crowd for a non-UCLA/Notre Dame rivalry game since the 1952 Cal game. The team also won the AP title for the second year in a row. Both are battled-tested seniors and are All-American nominees after winning All-Pac-10 first team honors last fall. He's good enough to merit All-American consideration (he was a Butkus Award and Lombardi Award semifinalist last season). Making the second team where RB LenDale White, OT Sam Baker and S Darnell Bing, and honorable mentions to TE Dominique Byrd, TE Alex Holmes, WR Dwayne Jarrett, S Jason Leach, LB Dallas Sartz, DT Manuel Wright and CB Justin Wyatt. We are constantly tweaking our formula so that we can find the sweet spot of when a coach is technically on the hot seat. Fr., TB Brandon Hancock, Jr., FB Sean Kelly, Rs. Key losses from the offense are wide receiver Keary Colbert, a 4-year starter who set the USC career receptions record (207), and a trio of experienced linemen: All-American tackle Jacob Rogers (a 3-year starter), All-Pac-10 center Norm Katnik (a 3-year starter) and guard Lenny Vandermade (a 4-year starter). Fr., OT Ross Burruel, Jr., C Jeff Byers, In. And we have the potential to be explosive in the return game.". Jr. Keith Rivers, In. USC's 2014 coaching staff is rare in that it features two coaches who won bowl games in 2013neither of whom are the head coach. Shaun Cody (26 tac, 10.5 for loss, 6 sack, 1 FF, 1 dfl, 3 blk FG in 2003) will be starting for his fourth year, this year sliding out to end after spending his career at tackle. But both snappers (short snapper Joe Boskovich and long snapper Matt Hayward) must be replaced. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. [32] USC set both a school home attendance (511,373) as well as the Pac-10 home per game average attendance (85,229) records. 2004 Cotton Bowl and 2004 . The talk will be inevitable, and understandably so. Sophomore strong safety Darnell Bing (69 tac, 2 for loss, 1 FR, 2 int, 5 dfl in 2003) was a Freshman All-American first team selection last year and he has an unlimited future. But Justice will not participate in 2004 because of a student conduct violation. We also have some talented young players who can make a mark.". In the process, Leinart has thrust himself to the front of this year's Heisman race and is also a leading candidate for the Davey O'Brien Award. [6], The Trojans prevailed over the Beavers in a tight game in heavy fog at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. As a 2002 freshman, he set NCAA frosh records for receiving yards (1,265) and TD catches (14) and the Pac-10 frosh mark for receptions (81).