Gable; WR Steve Smith; WR Dwayne . 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. 2004 USC Coaching Staff Head Coach: Pete Carroll (13-0) Offensive Coordinator: Norm Chow Defensive Coordinator: Other Assistant Coaches: Lane Kiffin (WR Coach) Ed Oregeron (AHC/DL/RC) Best Players on the 2004 USC Football Team QB Matt Leinart QB Matt Cassel RB Lendale White RB Reggie Bush WR Dwayne Jarrett WR Steve Smith LB Matt Grootegoed It was also banned from bowl games in 2010 and 2011 and lost 30 scholarships over three years. 2004 USC Trojans Stats Previous Year Next Year Record: 13-0 (1st of 120) ( Schedule & Results ) Rank: 1st in the Final AP poll Conference: Pac-10 Conference Record: 8-0 Coach: Pete Carroll (13-0) Points For: 496 Points/G: 38.2 (6th of 120) Points Against: 169 More Team Info USC School History 2004 USC Statistics Schedule & Results Roster Game Logs 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). Mike Williams, Jr. John Zilka, Rs. Inside Wide Receivers Coach. But we have a great group of quarterbacks behind him and they all want to take over the No. Last year, USC allowed just 1.2 sacks a game (its lowest average since 1987). Quarterback Matt Leinart was awarded the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding collegiate football player in the United States, with teammate Reggie Bush coming in 5th place. [3] Irish quarterback Brady Quinn completed 15-of-29 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. The AP released a statement saying that USC will keep its 2004 AP title. It was the Trojans' first undisputed national championship since 1972, and the second time a team had gone wire-to-wire, with the Trojans holding the number 1 spot in the polls all season. [12] Running backs Reggie Bush and LenDale White both broke 100 yards each en route to victory. [6] Matt Leinart passed for a career-high 400 yards and a school record-tying five touchdowns Saturday, leading the top-ranked Trojans to a 4110 victory and adding a highlight performance to his ultimately successful Heisman campaign. DEFENSIVE BACKS The good news in the secondary is that both starting safeties return. 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). Troy scored 68 touchdowns and 534 points last year, both Pac-10 records, and its 6.5 yards per play average was a school record. And the Trojan defense-whose +1.33 turnover margin and +111 takeaways in Carroll's first 3 seasons are best in the nation-topped the country in 2003 in rushing defense. [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. Then there's senior Brandon Hance (4-of-9, 44.4%, 44 yds in 2003), who started 9 games at Purdue in 2001 and was No. TIGHT ENDS Dominique Byrd, Jr. GREGG GUENTHER JR., Sr. Owen Hanson, Sr. Alex Holmes, Sr. Kurt Katnik, So. "We use our fullbacks in a variety of roles, not only as blockers and runners but as pass catchers," said Carroll. The kicking game returns intact, except for the snapper. The vacated games included the Trojans' Orange Bowl win. "This group can do all of those things well. Head Coach: Pete Carroll(13-0)Offensive Coordinator: Norm ChowDefensive Coordinator: Other Assistant Coaches: Lane Kiffin (WR Coach) Ed Oregeron (AHC/DL/RC). Behind Leinart is a stable of very capable backups. He has an excellent staff of assistant coaches, including 8 from last year-offensive coordinator Norm Chow (the 2002 Broyles Award winner as the nation's top assistant), defensive line coach/recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron (named the nation's top recruiter in 2004), Tim Davis (offensive line), Greg Burns (secondary), Lane Kiffin (wide receivers/passing game coordinator), Rocky Seto (he moved from safeties to linebackers this year), Brennan Carroll (tight ends) and Dennis Slutak (special teams)-and 3 newcomers in quarterbacks coach Carl Smith (he has 32 years of experience, including 11 years as an NFL offensive coordinator) and ex-NFL stars Todd McNair (running backs) and Ken Norton Jr. (linebackers). [6] With the victory, USC sealed a bid for the BCS National Championship Game in the Orange Bowl.[34]. WR Fred Davis. The True Hiring Score or THS is compiled by a complex formula bringing together many different factors. For a while, it appeared that Williams--who has 176 receptions for 2,579 yards and a USC record 30 touchdowns in his 2-year career--would not return in 2004 after taking advantage of a court ruling to leave after his sophomore year for the NFL. Both are weapons for us. Defensively, Troy should be strong at linebacker and up the middle from front to back, while the ends and corners must be replaced. It would be USC last win at Oregon State until 2013. The talk will be inevitable, and understandably so. "Darnell Bing is headed for greatness and Jason Leach does such a solid job back there," said Carroll. "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's a work ethic we must have in workouts, in practices and in games. (213) 740-4204. On June 6, 2011, the BCS officially vacated USC's 2004 National Championship. "That's how we're looking at it. He's good enough to merit All-American consideration (he was a Butkus Award and Lombardi Award semifinalist last season). Jr. Keith Rivers, In. Also in the mix are sophomore ex-center Kurt Katnik (1 rec, 13 yds, 13.0 avg in 2003), plus walk-ons Nick Vanderboom, a sophomore, and senior Owen Hanson. Walk-ons Wil Smith, a sophomore, and redshirt freshman John Zilka are also available. That. Behind him is walk-on redshirt freshman Mario Danelo, the son of ex-NFL kicker Joe Danelo. The 2004 Trojans football team won the 2004 BCS National Championship by winning the 2005 Orange Bowl, that year's BCS National Championship Game. [37], There was some controversy in the final team selections as the Auburn Tigers had also finished the regular season undefeated and won their bowl game, the Sugar Bowl, against the same Virginia Tech team USC defeated in the season opener; Auburn began the season ranked outside the top 15 and perhaps because of this they were unable to secure a spot in the national championship game,[38] although they did tie Oklahoma at No. [22], At halftime USC recognized the 1939 Trojans as National Champions based on their #1 ranking in the contemporary Dickinson System, with surviving members of the team in attendance. 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). But fourth-year USC head coach Pete Carroll is having none of it. "The challenge is whether we can keep it up. 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. In his first two years at . Dale Thompson, In. And USC blocked 7 kicks (6 field goals and a punt). Both of 2003's starting cornerbacks are gone: Will Poole, an All-Pac-10 first teamer and NFL fourth rounder whose 7 interceptions (the most at USC since 1994) and 19 deflections last year ranked him in the top 10 nationally in those categories (he also had 80 tackles, 4 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries), and Marcell Allmond, who helped Troy to an 18-1 record when he started in the secondary (he had 3 picks and 48 stops in 2003). "We know we can expect a high level of play out of our experienced returning players. There's a lot of leadership in this group. Walk-on redshirt freshman Sean Kelly, another former tailback, also is available. [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. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. [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. Fr., SNP Mario Danelo, Rs. Ronald Nunn (40 tac, 4 for loss, 3 sack, 1 int for a TD, 4 dfl, 1 FF, 3 FR with 1 for a TD in 2003), known for his big plays, started 3 times in 2002 and played often in extra defensive back formations last year. Fr., CB Brandon Ting, So., S Ryan Ting, So., S-CB Justin Tolliver, Jr., CB John Walker, Jr., CB Scott Ware, In. He's more than capable, as he started there the last 6 games of 2003 when Grootegoed was bothered by an ankle sprain. USC's defense last season posted a national-best 55 sacks, forced 42 turnovers and scored 8 touchdowns (and had 2 safeties). 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. [6] The shutout was Washington's first since 1981, ending a national-best active streak of consecutive games without being shut out at 271. Do you have a sports website? [43] All three players made the All-Pac-10 first team, with Bush making the team as both a running back and punt returner; they were joined by Mike Patterson, Matt Grootegoed, Lofa Tatupu and P Tom Malone. The undefeated, top-ranked Trojans met the also undefeated, second-ranked Sooners in the 2005 BCS National Championship Game held at the FedEx Orange Bowl at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. Fr., FB Reggie Bush, So., TB Hershel Dennis, Jr., TB John Griffin, Rs. Henson, 46, spent the past 3 seasons (2019-21 . Fr., FB David Kirtman, Jr., FB Desmond Reed, Rs. 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]. Alex Grinch, defensive coordinator. [22] The decisive victory helped USC dispel concerns over its ability to dominate opponents. "I truly believe we have put together an elite group of coaches that will help build this football program back to national prominence. [34] Reggie Bush scored on a pair of touchdown runs and totaled a career-best 335 all-purpose yards and placekicker Ryan Killeen kicked a USC and Pac-10 Conference game record 5 field goals. I think cornerback will be a strong position for us. USC later vacated 2 wins (1 in conference), as well as the BCS and Pac-10 Championships, due to NCAA sanctions. 3 wideout last fall, Whitney Lewis (3 rec, 27 yds, 9.0 avg in 2003, plus 3 tcb, 11 yds, 3.7 avg) and Chris McFoy (2 rec, 23 yds, 12.5 avg in 2003), senior Jason Mitchell (2 rec, 27 yds, 13.5 avg in 2003), and juniors Greig Carlson, who was USC's top punt returner last season (21 PR, 188 yds, 9.0 avg in 2003), and one-time cornerback William Buchanon (3 tac, 1 dfl, 1 int in 2003). Senior Matt Grootegoed (41 tac, 4.5 for loss, 1.5 sack, 1 dfl, 1 FR, 2 FF), who has started the past 3 years at strongside linebacker (he'll be on the weakside in 2004), has a knack for always being around the ball. "The reconstruction of our offensive line will be critical," said Carroll. So he sought to have his collegiate eligibility restored (as of mid-July, he was awaiting word from the NCAA). Since the vacated games included the Trojans' Orange Bowl win, the Trojans were later stripped of the 2004 BCS title in June 2011. In all, 79 squadmen return from last year's national championship team, including 56 who saw playing time in 2003 (50 were lettermen and 31 were on the season-ending 2-deep). Fr. "He's an impact player because of his size, speed and ability. Fr. 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). Dwayne Jarrett, In. He proved to be a load at 350 pounds before breaking his ankle late in the year (he missed 2004 spring drills while recuperating). "Linebacker is the great strength of our defense," said Carroll. I'm really looking forward to watching the competition there and seeing how it shakes out. 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. "Our kicking game, under the expert guidance of coach Dennis Slutak once again, should be very strong. [6], The Trojans prevailed over the Beavers in a tight game in heavy fog at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. Fr., OG-OT Drew Radovich, Rs. 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. [32] USC set both a school home attendance (511,373) as well as the Pac-10 home per game average attendance (85,229) records. 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. "We did a great job offensively last season," said Carroll. [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. 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. [8] [9] Bush, who had one year left of eligibility, announced his plans to skip his senior season a week after the team's loss in the Rose Bowl. But I was pleased with the line's progress in this past spring's practice. 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. Cody, Patterson and Grootegoed are All-American candidates. [6], The Trojans made their first visit to LaVell Edwards Stadium, on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. [6] White threw for 24-of-36 for 244 yards with three interceptions and two touchdowns; Peterson ran for 82 yards on 25 carries. 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. We had tremendous fan support last year and we'll need all of them again in our quest to be the best in 2004.". Both were named co-winners of the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year. 2 (wire-to-wire), respectively, in the AP and Coaches polls. If we can have that kind of work ethic, we'll be on the right track.". 2001 USC Coaching Staff Head Coach: Pete Carroll (6-6) Offensive Coordinator: Norm Chow Defensive Coordinator: Other Assistant Coaches: Steve Sarkisian (QB Coach) Lane Kiffin (TE Coach) Ed Orgeron (AHC/DL/RC) Best Players on the 2001 USC Trojans Football Team QB Carson Palmer QB Matt Cassel RB Sunny Byrd RB Sultan McCullough WR Kareem Kelly Former standout USC and NFL wide receiver Keary Colbert has spent 3 years on USC's fulltime staff. "We've made so much progress on special teams," said Carroll. "We understand how to handle personnel losses and move on," said Carroll. Additionally, Bush is the only Heisman winner to have forfeited his trophy. Fr., DE Lawrence Miles, In. On June 10, 2010, USC was forced to vacate its two final wins from the 2004 season (December 2004 against UCLA and the BCS championship game), as well as all wins from the 2005 season, following an NCAA investigation into possible violations by the Trojans' football and men's basketball programs. Fr., OT Ross Burruel, Jr., C Jeff Byers, In. Last season, he had 95 catches for 1,314 yards and a USC record 16 TDs. WIDE RECEIVERS This past February when a court ruled that players didn't have to wait until after their third year out of high school to enter the NFL draft, All-American first teamer Mike Williams quickly decided to give up his final 2 seasons at Troy and go pro. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley is the new football coach at USC, and he's bringing several of his assistants with him to Los Angeles. Matt Grootegoed, Sr. Oscar Lua, So. The backup tackles will be junior LaJuan Ramsey (6 tac, 2.5 for loss, 1.5 sack, 1 FF in 2003), who also might work at end, sophomore Travis Tofi (3 tac, 1 for loss, 2 dfl, 1 sack for a safety in 2003), and redshirt freshmen Sedrick Ellis and Ryan Watson. And USC's rushing offense (155.9), though not nationally ranked, was its best since 1991. [18] Beyond the 2004 season, the game marked a turning point in terms of crowd participation at the Coliseum, which thereafter garnered a reputation as a loud and difficult place to play for opposing teams. As a result, USC was placed on four years' probation and forced to vacate its last two wins of the 2004 season as well as all of its wins in the 2005 season. Orgeron had two stints with the Trojans. However, the Associated Press still recognizes USC as 2004 AP title winner. I really like what our returning defensive players bring. USC belongs at the top of college football, and this coaching staff is going to be instrumental in making that happen. His underrated, yet steady, ability-remember his highlight reel touchdown grabs against Michigan in last season's Rose Bowl-made it unwise for teams to double-cover Williams. 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). . But we'll throw open the competition for those two corner spots and see how it unfolds. "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. 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. Chris McFoy, So. USC wound up being stripped of all wins in 2004 and 2005 and its BCS national championship in 2004. 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. Joining the signalcalling corps this fall as a freshman is prep All-American Rocky Hinds (St. Bernard High in Playa del Rey, Calif.). He was last a . [44], In June 2010, the NCAA imposed sanctions on USC as a result of an investigation into the football program. A mix of players with experience and youth will contend for both vacant end jobs: junior Frostee Rucker (26 tac, 4 for loss, 1.5 sack, 1 int, 1 dfl, 1 FF, 2 FR in 2003), who started 5 games last year when Nazel was injured, and redshirt freshmen Chris Barrett, Lawrence Jackson and Alex Morrow. "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. [6] Days before the game, the NCAA declared star Trojans wide receiver Mike Williams ineligible to play after a failed attempt to join the NFL early, creating concern over whether the defending 2003 National Champions were prepared to try for another title. [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. The Trojans returned a kickoff for a TD for the first time since 1998. 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). He changes the dynamic of the game when he's on the field. "Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson are the best defensive linemen in college football," said Carroll. [24] The victory put USC's winning streak at the Coliseum at 19, tying the school record set from 193133. [17] The Cal Golden Bears, led by Coach Jeff Tedford, were already ranked their highest since 1991 and looking to earn one of the biggest victories in program history. Bush might also return punts. "I am very excited to formally announce our coaching staff," said Riley. Last fall, the Trojans used a rotation of 3 young tailbacks that worked so well, look for more of the same in 2004. "I'm excited about this coaching staff," said Carroll. football@usc.edu. [21] USC quickly put the game out of reach, scoring 42 points in the first half behind 4 touchdown passes Matt Leinart and school single game record-tying 3 scoring grabs by Dwayne Jarrett.