Inside Wide Receivers Coach. [2] Despite low expectations, the Bruins were able to shut down Leinart and give the Trojans a close game that was not decided until the final minutes. "The reconstruction of our offensive line will be critical," said Carroll. "He far exceeded our hopes. [5], USC and Virginia Tech opened the 2004 college football season with the Black Coaches Association Football Classic at a sold out FedExField in Landover, Maryland. But this year's offense has a high standard to live up to: in 2003, the Trojans were fifth nationally in passing efficiency (159.1, first in Pac-10) and scoring offense (a school-record 41.4, first in Pac-10), 13th in passing offense (291.6, second in Pac-10) and 14th in total offense (447.5, second in Pac-10). @Coach_Henson. But he was not selected because of a judicial stay on that ruling, which was then overturned. football@usc.edu. Cody's move to end means promising sophomore Manuel Wright (8 tac, 2 for loss, 1 sack, 3 dfl in 2003) will assume his tackle spot. Only 2-year starting weakside linebacker Melvin Simmons is gone (he had 55 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries last season). [6] White threw for 24-of-36 for 244 yards with three interceptions and two touchdowns; Peterson ran for 82 yards on 25 carries. Obviously there are emotional swings with sports and so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the emotional expectations from a team. [35] USC scored next 28 points en route to a 3810 halftime lead. 1 spot, so Matt will have to continue to work hard if he wants to hold them off.". Junior Dallas Sartz (60 tac, 6 for loss, 2 sack, 4 dfl, 1 blk P in 2003) assumes the starting strongside job. [6] After an energetic and emotional halftime in the locker room, the Trojan defense shut down the Cardinal while the offense put together the drives that gave the Trojans the lead and the victory. 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. football@usc.edu. 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). He was last a . [40] The turning point in the game came early in the first quarter, with the game tied 77, Sooner Mark Bradley made a critical special teams error that resulted in USC gaining possession on the Oklahoma 6-yard-line; after that the game turned into a USC rout. "It starts with a big-time opener against a premier program and never lets up. The Trojans return 15 starters (7 on offense, 6 on defense, plus both kickers) from last year's record-setting team that won its last 9 games en route to a 12-1 overall mark. PLACEKICKERS Senior Ryan Killeen (19-of-24 FG, 65-of-57 PAT in 2003) ranks among the nation's top placekickers. He led the nation in punting for 5 consecutive weeks in the middle of the 2003 campaign and would have finished as the leader (by 1.0 yards), but the efficiency of USC's offense left him 5 punts shy of having the NCAA-required minimum 3.6 punts per game. But both snappers (short snapper Joe Boskovich and long snapper Matt Hayward) must be replaced. Nick Vanderboom, So. As an indication of just how prolific USC's offense has become under coordinator Norm Chow, consider that the Trojans have scored at least 20 points in their last 26 games (a school record), including a stretch of 11 consecutive 30-points games (also a USC mark) and 7 straight 40-point contests (a Pac-10 record). Head Coach: Pete Carroll(13-0)Offensive Coordinator: Norm ChowDefensive Coordinator: Other Assistant Coaches: Lane Kiffin (WR Coach) Ed Oregeron (AHC/DL/RC). 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. 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. And, if that happens, Carroll could have USC primed to relive the glory days of the program, when Troy ruled the college football world in the '30s, '60s and '70s. But he was ineligible for this past spring's practice and will not participate in the 2004 season because of a student conduct violation. Only the second sophomore (along with Stanford's John Elway) to be named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, Leinart threw for 3,556 yards and a Pac-10 record 38 touchdowns (with only 9 interceptions) last fall while finishing third nationally in passing efficiency (a USC record 164.5 rating). If we can have that kind of work ethic, we'll be on the right track.". 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. "That talk is beyond our control," said Carroll, the National Coach of the Year in 2003 after his team was named the national champion by Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, New York Times, ESPN.com, SI.com, CBS.SportsLine.com, Collegefootballnews.com and several other organizations. The talk will be inevitable, and understandably so. But there's a host of talented players hoping to fill the void: promising sophomores Steve Smith (17 rec, 319 yds, 18.8 avg, 2 TD in 2003), who was USC's No. TIGHT ENDS Another deep unit for USC in 2004-9 deep, in fact-is the tight ends corps. "Linebacker is the great strength of our defense," said Carroll. 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). 1 recruiting class in the nation. The 2004 AP title, however, remains in place. Fr., C John Drake, Sr., OG Travis Draper, Fr., OG Winston Justice, Jr., OT Ryan Kalil, So, C John Lanza, So, OG Taitusi Lutui, In. 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. 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. [19], The quality of play met expectations and had major ramifications for both programs that season: It would be the only game the Bears would lose in the regular season, costing them a shot at the national title and their first BCS bowl appearance, including what could've been their first appearance at the Rose Bowl since 1959; and it was the Trojans' toughest game of the season on their way to winning the national championship in the Orange Bowl. [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. [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. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. 2004 Cotton Bowl and 2004 . Fr. Phone. "Matt Leinart is coming off a great year," said Carroll. Fr. Ryan Powdrell, In. USC then hosts Colorado State and travels to BYU and Stanford before having a trio of home games (California, Arizona and Washington) followed by a pair of road contests (Washington State and Oregon State). 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. LINEBACKERS USC's strength on defense will be its linebacking corps. Sophomore Fred Matua started most of last season at right guard and brings a defensive lineman's mentality to the offensive front. Is Coach Philip Montgomery on the Hot Seat? Jimmy Miller, In. First, a starting wide receiver must emerge and we must reconstruct the line. [6][14] Both USC and Stanford had just previously beat BYU in convincing fashion; however, Stanford had the added benefit of a bye week to rest and reorganize between games. "The tailback position is a strong one for us," said Carroll. On paper, USC appears to have the ingredients to deal with those shots. But a new snapper (for both short and long snaps) must be developed. We'll attempt to continue to play defense fast and aggressively, looking to take away the football.". [10] 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. [2] The team captains were Shaun Cody, Matt Grootegoed and Matt Leinart.[3]. But I was pleased with the line's progress in this past spring's practice. "This group can do all of those things well. After the regular season, the University of Mississippi hired USC Assistant Head Coach Ed Orgeron, who also served as Defensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, to be the new head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels football team; although hired on December 16, 2004, he remained with USC through the Orange Bowl.[42]. 2004 USC >> 2003 USC Coaching Staff Head Coach: Pete Carroll (12-1) Offensive Coordinator: Norm Chow Defensive Coordinator: Other Assistant Coaches: Steve Sarkisian (QB Coach) Lane Kiffin (WR Coach) Ed Orgeron (AHC/RC/DL Coach) Best Players on the 2003 USC Trojans Football Team QB Matt Leinart QB John David Booty RB Lendale White RB Reggie Bush He was 10th nationally in kickoff returns (27.3, first in Pac-10) and had a scoring runback. Other key defenders returning with starting experience include linebacker Dallas Sartz (6 starts), end Frostee Rucker (5 starts), and cornerbacks Ronald Nunn and Kevin Arbet (he missed 2002 and most of 2003 with a foot injury). It was also banned from bowl games in 2010 and 2011 and lost 30 scholarships over three years. LOS ANGELES New USC football head coach . 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. KICKERS/PUNTERS/SNAPPERS Will Collins, Rs. QUARTERBACKS John David Booty, So. How much are Football Coaches Really Worth? Fr., OT Matt Spanos, Rs. [29] LenDale White ran for 118 yards and three touchdowns while Matt Leinart passed for 280 yards and three more scores; the game guaranteed USC a spot in, at worst, the Rose Bowl[30], After two weeks off, the Trojans were visited by the rival Fighting Irish, led by Coach Tyrone Willingham, in the inter-sectional rivalry for the Jeweled Shillelagh. [28] Although the fog was thick enough at times to interfere with pass plays, USC tight end Dominique Byrd caught two touchdowns. USC belongs at the top of college football, and this coaching staff is going to be instrumental in making that happen. 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. Fr., FB Reggie Bush, So., TB Hershel Dennis, Jr., TB John Griffin, Rs. But all is not lost, as 2 starters returnand they're among the nation's best. The NCAA also forced USC to permanently disassociate itself from Bush. [25] The game marked the first career start for Husky quarterback Isaiah Stanback. 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 "I'm confident that our players are getting the best coaching in the country. ", 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. This is not one of them. Former standout USC and NFL wide receiver Keary Colbert has spent 3 years on USC's fulltime staff. I think cornerback will be a strong position for us. 2 tackler last season. [43] Dating back to former Trojan QB Carson Palmer's 2002 season, it was the third year in a row that a Trojan was named the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year. Last year, USC allowed just 1.2 sacks a game (its lowest average since 1987). Zach Hanson, tight ends coach. (Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press) Lincoln Riley isn't the. [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. Reggie Bush will be a key in the Trojans' running game this season. "Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson are the best defensive linemen in college football," said Carroll. 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 had 35 touchbacks among his 99 kickoffs in 2003 (and he kept foes within the 20-yard line 58 times). Dwayne Jarrett (New Brunswick High in New Brunswick, N.J.) and Derrick Jones (Long Beach Poly High in Long Beach, Calif.) come in this fall. Email. It's possible he'll concentrate solely on basketball in his senior season. Both have a knack for creating havoc. [32] The Trojans set a record for home wins (including pre-Coliseum), with their 21st victory; coincidentally, the previous team to defeat them at home were the Stanford Cardinal then-under Coach Willingham. His 164.5 passing efficiency rating ranked third nationally and was a USC record (he's the nation's top-rated returning passer). But nobody else has seen significant action at this level yet. Because of the controversy that ended the 2003 NCAA Division I-A football season with a split national title between LSU and USC, the motto for the Trojans' 2004 season became "Leave No Doubt. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. 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. USC's top 2 tacklers (and 4 of its top 5) return from a 2003 defense that was first nationally in rushing defense (a school-record 60.2), second in turnover margin (+1.5) and tied for 17th in scoring defense (18.4), all Pac-10 bests. They comprise what many are saying is the school's second consecutive No. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. His career average of 44.9 is nearly a yard above the school standard. Marco Chavez, Sr. Eugene Germany, In. 2008 Rose Bowl #13 Illinois (9-3) vs #6 USC (10-2) 1st half. The 2021 Gamecocks football coaching staff is complete. [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. [3] Irish quarterback Brady Quinn completed 15-of-29 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. The big disappointment is Donte Williams is not only coaching the cornerbacks, he got a fake title: Defensive passing game coordinator. Best Players on the 2007 USC Trojans Football Team. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. QUARTERBACKS USC has perhaps the nation's top quarterback in record-setting All-American first teamer Matt Leinart (255-of-402, 63.4%, 3,556 yds, 38 TD, 9 int in 2003), a leading Heisman Trophy candidate. ", "Once again, this is a tremendously challenging schedule," said Carroll. The accurate and efficient left-handed Leinart came out of relative obscurity to more-than-capably fill the shoes of 2002 Heisman winner Carson Palmer. 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). In 2003, 24 of his 42 punts traveled at least 50 yards and 28 pinned opponents within the 20-yard line. At fullback, fleet junior Brandon Hancock (1 tcb, -2 yds, -2.0 avg in 2003, plus 13 rec, 160 yds, 12.3 avg, 2 TD), a tough blocker and excellent receiver, was expected to return as the starter, but he'll miss 2004 while recuperating from knee surgery. 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. Both were named co-winners of the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. He gave an early indication of his talent when his first career pass went for a touchdown at Auburn in last fall's opener. Fr., SNP Mario Danelo, Rs. "We lost one of the greatest receivers in USC history and it will be a challenge to replace him. Fr., DT Manuel Wright, So., DT. DEFENSIVE BACKS The good news in the secondary is that both starting safeties return. The kicking game returns intact, except for the snapper. Nose tackle Mike Patterson (55 tac, 13.5 for loss, 7 sack, 3 FR with 1 for a TD in 2003), who last fall had the most tackles for a loss of any Trojan tackle since 1996, will be starting for his third season. [1], Quarterback Matt Leinart won the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding collegiate football player in the U.S. His teammate, running back Reggie Bush, finished fifth in Heisman voting, winning the following year. Dwayne Jarrett, In. But we have a lot of players fighting for playing time, including some exciting young guys who will be fun to watch.". "We understand how to handle personnel losses and move on," said Carroll. He was sixth nationally in receptions and 10th in receiving yards in 2003. Jr. Keith Rivers, In. He ended up as the Trojans' leading tackler in 2003. The 2004 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. Fr. 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 Ray Guy Award candidate broke the USC season punting average record by 3.4 yards last fall (his 49.0 mark was just 0.3 off of the Pac-10 standard). Oregon head coach Dan Lanning is still putting the finishing touches on his coaching staff with the Ducks while he prepares to coach Georgia's defense in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Michigan on Dec. 31. Fr. [6] With the victory, USC sealed a bid for the BCS National Championship Game in the Orange Bowl.[34]. Fr. And we have the potential to be explosive in the return game.". That. Sophomore John David Booty (7-of-14, 50.0%, 90 yds in 2003), believed to be the first football player to graduate a full year early from high school and enroll at a major Division I-A university when he did so last year, became Leinart's backup by the middle of the 2003 season before breaking his wrist late in the year. 2 in the AP poll at one point late in the season. [35] The game was the first time two Heisman Trophy winners had faced each other in a college football game with Sooners quarterback and 2003 winner Jason White facing 2004 winner Matt Leinart. [8] Although Virginia Tech was not ranked going into the game, they ended the season ranked 9th, going 103 (71 in the ACC), becoming ACC Champions in their first year in the conference and were invited to the 2005 Nokia Sugar Bowl.