College football is better when the USC Trojans truly matter. Whether or not you are a USC fan, the Men of Troy epitomize the grand tradition of the game with their deep history that includes 11 national championship teams and seven Heisman trophy winners.
Beyond accomplishments, USC football stands apart with their classic cardinal and gold uniforms, Tommy Trojan riding the majestic horse Traveler around the venerable Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and one of the greatest bands and fight songs on planet earth.
It’s been a long time coming for Trojan Nation since their last national championship in 2004. Pete Carroll left the powerful program that he built, after squandering the NFL level talent that he routinely hauled in, with teams that came close but were unable to finish. Carroll’s shelf life had expired and with NCAA sanctions beckoning in 2010. He took refuge in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks where he won a Super Bowl before blowing another. The unfortunate Lane Kiffin took Carroll’s place and seemed to have the Men of Troy on the cusp of glory after a 10-2 season in 2011. But Kiffin ended up overseeing the implosion of the program because of a lack of depth due to NCAA scholarship sanctions. Kiffin left as the butt of many jokes after being fired on tarmac of LA International Airport after a blowout loss at Arizona State in 2013.
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Sark Converting the Faithful
Steve Sarkisian seemed to be an underwhelming choice to take over one of college football’s most historic programs when he took the reins at USC in 2014. Sarkisian was known as “Seven-Win Sark” while at UW, which may not have been fair, but also did allude to his inability to get the Huskies over the top in the Pac 12 North. A former USC assistant, Sarkisian had the advantage of familiarity with the program and its recruiting pipelines.
The Trojans finished a pedestrian 9-4 in 2014 but ended the season with a 45-42 Holiday Bowl win over Nebraska. The bowl victory left a good taste in everyone’s mouth and also served to build momentum for the future. It now appears that Sarkisian is taking full advantage of his past USC connections. In fact, it now appears that Sark has the USC program on the cusp of returning to its past and rightful role as a legitimate national power in college football.
Recruiting Haul
The Trojans had what many services rated as the top recruiting class in the country on National Signing Day. Not only was the class the top rated nationally, but it is also the Trojans first full recruiting class since 2011. It may take a couple more years to fully stock the roster with 85 scholarship players but it does appear to be the beginning of the end as far as USC mediocrity.
USC has emerged as a trendy pick to start the 2015 season ranked in the top five and as a top tier contender for the College Football Playoff. Senior quarterback Cody Kessler tweeted for joy in reaction to USC’s haul on signing day but also stated that work must trump words.
Loaded Lineup
Sarkisian’s Trojans are pumped to begin spring football practice in three weeks in preparation for a serious title run. Returnees such as running back Tre Madden, offensive tackle Chad Wheeler, linebacker Jabari Ruffin, and defensive lineman Kenny Bigelow add to the eager anticipation of the season for Trojan Nation after they suffered through 2014 as injury plagued potential stars.
Kessler was much maligned under Kiffin, but emerged as a key asset with Sarkisian by throwing 39 touchdown passes to emerge as a bona fide Heisman Trophy candidate.
You can also expect a steady diet of the famed Student Body Right power rushes as the Trojans are loaded in the offensive backfield. Freshman Ronald Jones is among the many newcomers who will be offered opportunities for immediate playing time. Just as important, the offensive line returns in its entirety along with tight end Tyler Petite, who is an integral part of the offense.
Spring Football Goals
Sarkisian will have to try and temper the wild enthusiasm and high expectations for a playoff run. He has acknowledged that the Trojans were often on the short end of defensive physicality and that they need to toughen up if they are to have a serious run at a championship.
Substantive Hope
There have been far too many false alarms and promises about a return to glory for Troy. This time feels different. There is substance to the current hope.
A big part of what makes college football a far superior experience to the NFL is its tradition and pageantry. USC epitomizes that as well as any program in history. That last Rose Bowl for the Trojans was in 2009. The next one beckons.
