", DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Chris Barrett, Rs. "That's my fundamental approach to the game: control the ball on offense, go get it on defense and make things happen on special teams," said Carroll. The 2004 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma during the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season, the 110th season of Sooner football.The team was led by two-time Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award winner, Bob Stoops, in his sixth season as head coach.They played their home games at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. 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. Both are battled-tested seniors and are All-American nominees after winning All-Pac-10 first team honors last fall. 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. Three of the nation's top recruits could make an immediate impact as freshmen (all were prep All-Americans). 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 Do you have a sports website? 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). But all is not lost, as 2 starters returnand they're among the nation's best. football@usc.edu. 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). [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. 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). "Darnell Bing is headed for greatness and Jason Leach does such a solid job back there," said Carroll. 1 recruiting class in the nation. The talk will be inevitable, and understandably so. 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. Reggie Bush will be a key in the Trojans' running game this season. He gave an early indication of his talent when his first career pass went for a touchdown at Auburn in last fall's opener. [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. Of course, Carroll-who doubles as the defensive coordinator-isn't the only one responsible for the success of these players. ", OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Sam Baker, Rs. [9], Colorado State visited USC in the first meeting between the two programs. [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 2004 Trojans football team won the 2004 BCS National Championship by winning the 2005 Orange Bowl, that year's BCS National Championship Game. 2 at USC after Booty got hurt last year, as well as senior Matt Cassel (6-of-13, 46.2%, 63 yds in 2003), who has also spent time in his career at tight end and is a pitcher on the Trojan baseball team, junior Billy Hart, an infielder/outfielder on USC's baseball team (he has yet to throw a pass at USC and has seen only brief action in 2002), and walk-on redshirt freshman Michael McDonald, the son of ex-USC All-American Paul McDonald. [28] Although the fog was thick enough at times to interfere with pass plays, USC tight end Dominique Byrd caught two touchdowns. Alex Grinch. Others back with starting experience include cornerbacks Ronald Nunn and Kevin Arbet, linebacker Dallas Sartz, end Frostee Rucker and linebacker Collin Ashton. 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. "We know we can expect a high level of play out of our experienced returning players. [6] The game marked the return of USC Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow to the program where he spent 27 years as an assistant under former Coach LaVell Edwards. [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. He received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA because he was out of action for most of the past 2 seasons with a foot injury (he'll miss 2004 spring drills while recuperating). 2 tackler last season. A school-record 6 Trojans were awarded All-American first team honors in 2004: Matt Leinart, RB Reggie Bush, DE Shaun Cody, LB Matt Grootegoed, DT Mike Patterson and LB Lofa Tatupu. [3] Irish quarterback Brady Quinn completed 15-of-29 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. Fr. [7] This was the first time the two teams had competed in football;[7] and with the game held only three hours away from Virginia Tech, the crowd was dominated by Hokies fans. 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). In March, he took over as interim inside wide receivers coach while Dave Nichol was away from the program for a personal matter . Fr., CB Brandon Ting, So., S Ryan Ting, So., S-CB Justin Tolliver, Jr., CB John Walker, Jr., CB Scott Ware, In. USC has intercepted a pass in 22 of the last 23 games, held 20 of its past 26 opponents to less than 100 rushing yards (and allowed only 1 player to crack the 100-yard rushing barrier in the last 25 contests) and had a stretch of 22 consecutive quarters without allowing a rushing touchdown. It was the third consecutive year that Troy led the league in scoring defense. [32] Trailing 103, USC scored the final 38 points. Dale Thompson, In. 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. Jr., S Eric Wright, Rs. "I am very excited to formally announce our coaching staff," said Riley. It's no wonder, then, that the Trojans likely will enter the 2004 campaign as a pre-season favorite to repeat as national champs. [5] The university filed an appeal of the sanctions which was later denied by the NCAA. Additionally, Bush is the only Heisman winner to have forfeited his trophy. Wil Smith, So. 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. [46][47] However, USC lifted the restrictions related to Reggie Bush in 2020, welcoming him back to the program.[1]. [22] The decisive victory helped USC dispel concerns over its ability to dominate opponents. [2] The team captains were Shaun Cody, Matt Grootegoed and Matt Leinart.[3]. 2008 Rose Bowl #13 Illinois (9-3) vs #6 USC (10-2) 1st half. Here's a rundown of Shane Beamer's 10 on-field coaches. We understand that we'll always see our opponents at their best. Zach Hanson, tight ends coach. Enrolling this fall is J.C. All-American Ryan Powdrell (Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, Calif.), who is a junior, and prep All-Americans Keith Rivers (Lake Mary High in Lake Mary, Fla.) and Eugene Germany (Pomona High in Pomona, Calif.), who both are freshmen. 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. 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. Ryan Ting also can play cornerback. [33], The top-ranked Trojans visited the Bruins for their annual crosstown rivalry game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on the 75th anniversary of the first USC-UCLA game in 1929. "Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson are the best defensive linemen in college football," said Carroll. 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. 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. Phone. Marques Tuiasosopo, Tight Ends. We also have some talented young players who can make a mark.". The 41-year . Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? "The tailback position is a strong one for us," said Carroll. He'll long be remembered for his spectacular one-handed, Frisbee-like TD grab against Oregon State last fall. [20], The 15th-ranked Sun Devils, under Coach Dirk Koetter, were out to prove that they were a part of the national title picture and USC was out to prove it deserved its top-ranking after a series of close games to the Bay Area schools. Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, offensive tackle Sam Baker and defensive end Lawrence Jackson were named to the Freshman All-American first team. 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. Joining them will be 20 new scholarship players, including 3 who enrolled at USC this past spring and participated in spring practice. Fr., TB Brandon Hancock, Jr., FB Sean Kelly, Rs. 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. The NCAA also forced USC to permanently disassociate itself from Bush. The Irish had been inconsistent during the season, coming into the game at 64 having defeated strong teams and lost to weak teams. But we have a lot of players fighting for playing time, including some exciting young guys who will be fun to watch.". Nick Vanderboom, So. Whitney Lewis, So. 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. 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. Some 24 Trojans have at least 1 career start. [6] With the victory, USC sealed a bid for the BCS National Championship Game in the Orange Bowl.[34]. Fr., OG-OT Drew Radovich, Rs. [25] The game marked the first career start for Husky quarterback Isaiah Stanback. 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. "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. [9] Obviously there are emotional swings with sports and so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the emotional expectations from a team. 1 spot, so Matt will have to continue to work hard if he wants to hold them off.". [6], The game was tightly fought: Cal dominated the statistics, more than doubling USC's first downs (2812) and total yards (424205) while getting more plays (7950) and possession time (37:1122:49); Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a career performance, tying an NCAA single game record by completing his first 23 passes and guiding the Golden Bears to a first-and-goal at the Trojan 9-yard line with 1:47 to play. We'll have a very competitive environment each day to determine playing time and starting roles. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley is the new football coach at USC, and he's bringing several of his assistants with him to Los Angeles. Fr. Each of them had very productive seasons last year and we're hoping for more of the same this year. Jason Mitchell, Sr. Steve Smith, So. The big disappointment is Donte Williams is not only coaching the cornerbacks, he got a fake title: Defensive passing game coordinator. ", 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. Fr., DT Thomas Herring, In. Fr. 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. [6] White threw for 24-of-36 for 244 yards with three interceptions and two touchdowns; Peterson ran for 82 yards on 25 carries. Fr., OT Matt Spanos, Rs. RB Stafon Johnson. [36] Both USC and Oklahoma started and ended the season ranked No. [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. 2 in the AP poll at one point late in the season. It is widely considered one of the greatest college football teams of all time. RB Chauncey Washington. He's a smart quarterback who understands our offense. 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). Marco Chavez, Sr. Eugene Germany, In. He averages a touchdown every 6.1 times he touches the ball. "I'm excited about this coaching staff," said Carroll. But Justice will not participate in 2004 because of a student conduct violation. 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. [32] USC set both a school home attendance (511,373) as well as the Pac-10 home per game average attendance (85,229) records. [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. Finally, senior leadership must surface even though we might not have more than two or three seniors starting on offense.". The Trojans returned a kickoff for a TD for the first time since 1998. USC fielded record-setting punt and placekicking squads. 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). Bush might also return punts. "I truly believe we have put together an elite group of coaches that will help build this football program back to national prominence. The vacated games included the Trojans' Orange Bowl win. 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). Head Coach: Pete Carroll (11-2) Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (QB Coach) & Lane Kiffin (PGC) Defensive Coordinator: Nick Holt Other Assistant Coaches: Best Players on the 2006 USC Trojans Football Team. But Carroll speaks from experience when he says he is confident that his 2004 Trojans will respond well. A lot of the key players from that offense return this year. [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. HOLDERS Junior punter Tom Malone will be the holder for his third season. He proved to be a load at 350 pounds before breaking his ankle late in the year (he missed 2004 spring drills while recuperating). Hard-hitting senior free safety Jason Leach (88 tac, 5.5 for loss, 1 sack, 6 dfl, 1 FR, 1 FF, 2 int with 1 for a TD in 2003) was USC's No. 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). 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). There will be an entirely new left side and middle, as 10 years of starting experience must be replaced now that 2003 All-American first team left tackle Jacob Rogers (3-year starter), who was a second round NFL pick, plus All-Pac-10 first team center Norm Katnik (3-year starter) and left guard Lenny Vandermade (4-year starter) are gone. You won't find anyone better than Tom Malone or Ryan Killeen. QB John David Booty; QB Mark Sanchez; RB Chauncey Washington; RB C.J. KICKERS/PUNTERS/SNAPPERS Will Collins, Rs. The AP released a statement saying that USC will keep its 2004 AP title. Jr., OT Alatini Malu, So., OG Fred Matua, So., OG Chilo Rachal, In. "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). 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. 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. 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 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. "It starts with a big-time opener against a premier program and never lets up. "We understand how to handle personnel losses and move on," said Carroll. (Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press) Lincoln Riley isn't the. 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. Colbert was selected in the NFL's second round. The game against the Bruins was later vacated as a result of NCAA sanctions. Playing its first game on November 14 of that year against the Alliance Athletic Club, USC achieved a 16-0 victory. The Bruins, having come off a three-week break of consecutive bye weeks, came into the game as serious underdogs in the Victory Bell. QUARTERBACKS John David Booty, So. But both snappers (short snapper Joe Boskovich and long snapper Matt Hayward) must be replaced. [6] However, in the key final series, under heavy crowd noise, the USC defense caused an incomplete pass, a sack by defensive tackle Manuel Wright, and two more incomplete passes to cause a loss of possession and effectively end the game. USC later vacated 2 wins (1 in conference), as well as the BCS and Pac-10 Championships, due to NCAA sanctions. 2020 Seattle Seahawks Season 12 4 Lost in Wild Card to LAR, (Win Expectations: Make Div. QB Mark Sanchez. 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. "This group can do all of those things well. 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. [44], In June 2010, the NCAA imposed sanctions on USC as a result of an investigation into the football program. 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. Check out the detailed 2004-05 USC Trojans Roster and Stats for College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com. But we have a great group of quarterbacks behind him and they all want to take over the No. Losing that duo might not be as much of a concern as it appears, however, because their possible replacements are experienced seniors with plenty of starts under their belts. WR Fred Davis. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. 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). Fr., S Terrell Thomas, Rs. The team also won the AP title for the second year in a row. Hanson, who served as a graduate assistant on Riley's Oklahoma staff in 2019, comes to USC after two years of coaching Tulsa's offensive line. "That's how we're looking at it. He changes the dynamic of the game when he's on the field. Senior placekicker Ryan Killeen backs up Malone. "I truly believe we have put together an elite group of coaches that will help build this football program back to national prominence. His 164.5 passing efficiency rating ranked third nationally and was a USC record (he's the nation's top-rated returning passer). Coach: Henry Bibby (2-2), Jim Saia (10-15) PS/G: 74.4 (55th of 330) PA/G: 76.8 (315th of 330)