Troy led the nation in net punting (43.7 avg.) The 2004 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. There's a lot of leadership in this group. And USC's rushing offense (155.9), though not nationally ranked, was its best since 1991. 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. However, the Associated Press still recognizes USC as 2004 AP title winner. But, in my. But Carroll speaks from experience when he says he is confident that his 2004 Trojans will respond well. 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). Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. 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 SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Also, junior tackle Winston Justice, who from his right side spot protects Leinart's blind side, was slated to start for his third year and be an All-American candidate. In addition to winning the Heisman Trophy, Matt Leinart also won the Walter Camp Award and was named the AP Player of the Year. Last year, USC allowed just 1.2 sacks a game (its lowest average since 1987). We were efficient and took care of the football. Mike Williams, Jr. John Zilka, Rs. Michael Stuart, In. [17], The game was highly touted by the media, with both teams earning praise for their performances. Fr., TB Brandon Hancock, Jr., FB Sean Kelly, Rs. USC fielded record-setting punt and placekicking squads. Luke Huard, who comes from a family of outstanding quarterbacks, joined the USC staff in February of 2022 as an offensive analyst. Others back with starting experience include guard John Drake, tight end Dominique Byrd, fullbacks Lee Webb and David Kirtman, and wide receivers Chris McFoy and William Buchanon. But we have a lot of players fighting for playing time, including some exciting young guys who will be fun to watch.". In 2003, 24 of his 42 punts traveled at least 50 yards and 28 pinned opponents within the 20-yard line. 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 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. 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). The Trojan special teams in 2003 were much-improved from previous years. He changes the dynamic of the game when he's on the field. Fr. [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. He gave an early indication of his talent when his first career pass went for a touchdown at Auburn in last fall's opener. All-American first teamer Udeze-a 3-year starter and Hendricks Award finalist who tied for the national lead in sacks in 2003 while posting 56 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss and 5 forced fumbles-opted to skip his senior year and head to the NFL, where he was a first round pick. LOS ANGELES New USC football head coach . Fred Davis graduated a semester early from Rogers High in Toledo, Ohio, and enrolled at USC this past spring. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Is Coach Ken Niumatalolo on the Hot Seat? That. "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. LB Rey Maualuga. 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. "I'm excited about this coaching staff," said Carroll. [9] Dale Thompson, In. "I truly believe we have put together an elite group of coaches that will help build this football program back to national prominence. The threesome combined for 1,906 rushing yards (146.6 yards a game) with 20 TDs in 2003; each rushed for at least 500 yards (the first time that had happened at USC since 1988) and averaged at least 4.8 yards per carry. Walk-on redshirt freshman Sean Kelly, another former tailback, also is available. His career average of 44.9 is nearly a yard above the school standard. Whitney Lewis, So. USC has accomplished this with a multi-pronged offensive attack that stresses efficiency and ball control, an aggressive defensive approach that thrives on getting turnovers and an effective, mistake-free kicking game. 7 Clemson, the Gamecocks' first win over a ranked opponent since 1998, as well as a 6-3 mark in non-conference action. [6] ASU quarterback Andrew Walter was rendered ineffective by the USC defense which achieved eight sacks, the same total ASU allowed in its previous five games. Coach: Henry Bibby (2-2), Jim Saia (10-15) PS/G: 74.4 (55th of 330) PA/G: 76.8 (315th of 330) The team was coached by Pete Carroll in his fourth year with the Trojans, and played their home games in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. [6] White threw for 24-of-36 for 244 yards with three interceptions and two touchdowns; Peterson ran for 82 yards on 25 carries. [31] ESPN's College GameDay made its second-ever visit to the Coliseum. [25] The game marked the first career start for Husky quarterback Isaiah Stanback. We'll have a very competitive environment each day to determine playing time and starting roles. He's good enough to merit All-American consideration (he was a Butkus Award and Lombardi Award semifinalist last season). Some 24 Trojans have at least 1 career start. Senior Alex Holmes, who has 58 career catches, is back after sitting out last fall with a back injury. [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. LINEBACKERS Collin Ashton, Jr. Mike Brittingham, So. 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). "[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. ", DEFENSIVE BACKS Kevin Arbet, Sr., CB Darnell Bing, So., S Chris Bocage, Sr., S Greg Farr, Sr., S Alex Gomez, Jr., CB Jason Leach, Sr., S Ronald Nunn, Sr., CB Josh Pinkard, In. Looking to break into the tailback rotation are sophomore Chauncey Washington (19 tcb, 65 yds, 3.4 avg, plus 1 rec, 6 yds, 6.0 avg), another power runner who might have figured more prominently in 2003 had an early ankle injury not hampered him, and quick redshirt freshman Desmond Reed, who worked at wide receiver and in the secondary last fall, along with a pair of walk-ons in junior Andre Woodert (3 tcb, 19 yds, 6.3 avg in 2003) and redshirt freshman John Griffin. "Can the USC football team defend its national championship in 2004?". Senior placekicker Ryan Killeen backs up Malone. "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. [26] The Trojans had lost in their previous visit to WSU, a 3027 overtime game in 2002; since then the Trojans had gone 281. [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. Others back with starting experience include cornerbacks Ronald Nunn and Kevin Arbet, linebacker Dallas Sartz, end Frostee Rucker and linebacker Collin Ashton. 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). Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley is the new football coach at USC, and he's bringing several of his assistants with him to Los Angeles. Gable; WR Steve Smith; WR Dwayne . Head Coach: Pete Carroll(13-0)Offensive Coordinator: Norm ChowDefensive Coordinator: Other Assistant Coaches: Lane Kiffin (WR Coach) Ed Oregeron (AHC/DL/RC). 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. The AP released a statement saying that USC will keep its 2004 AP title. Other possibilities on the outside among the returnees are junior walk-on Collin Ashton (28 tac, 0.5 for loss, 1 FF, 1 dfl in 2003), who performed admirably while starting twice late last year when Simmons was injured, and redshirt freshman Thomas Williams, plus walk-on sophomore Mike Brittingham, who also can play fullback. "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). Frank Suffel and Henry H. Goddard were playing coaches for the first team which was put together by quarterback Arthur Carroll, who in turn volunteered to make the pants for the team and later became a tailor. Each of them had very productive seasons last year and we're hoping for more of the same this year. USC's tallest player at 6-8, once football season concludes he changes into a basketball jersey and stars for the Trojan hoopsters. 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. 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. . He was named to the fulltime staff in January of 2018. "Obviously, it would be great to get Mike Williams back," said Carroll. Nick Vanderboom, So. In his first two years at . Running backs coach Todd McNair was banned from off-campus recruiting for one year after the NCAA determined he'd known about Bush's dealings with the agents. Kevin Arbet (5 tac, 1 for loss, 1 dfl, 1 FF in 2003, plus 4 PR, 19 yds, 4.8 avg) has 6 career starts. Bush might also return punts. Williams came out of 2004 spring drills as the frontrunner on the right side and Baker was the starter on the left. 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). Fr., DE Lawrence Miles, In. He also had stops as wide receivers coach at Richmond (2004) and Western . Playing its first game on November 14 of that year against the Alliance Athletic Club, USC achieved a 16-0 victory. [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. Fr. This is not one of them. 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. 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). He proved to be a load at 350 pounds before breaking his ankle late in the year (he missed 2004 spring drills while recuperating). [36] Both USC and Oklahoma started and ended the season ranked No. 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