10 historic NCAA football programs set for a turn around

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans players Gerald Bowman (27) and Anthony Sarap (56) hoist the championship trophy after the 2014 Holiday Bowl against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Qualcomm Stadium. USC won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 11

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans running back Javorius Allen (37) dives into the endzone as Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Byerson Cockrell (28) defends during the third quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

USC Trojans

The University of Southern California has been through some tough times the last few years. Ever since the NCAA hammered USC because Reggie Bush accepted gifts from an agent, and Pete Carroll bailed for Seattle, this team has struggled and struggled hard.

For many years though, USC was one of the best programs in college football. Eleven National Titles, 38 conference titles, seven Heisman Trophy winners, 80 consensus All-Americans, an 805-327-54 overall program record and a 34-17 post-season record all show you how, statistically, USC has been successful.

The NCAA stripped USC of its 2004 title, though the AP still recognizes the program as the 2004 champion. USC was named “Team of the Decade” by CBSSports.com in 2009, as well as the “Program of the Decade” by SI.com, plus and was ranked No. 2 in ESPN.com’s “Prestige Rankings” among all schools since 1936 (behind Oklahoma) according to USC’s Sports Information office in 2011.

Then came the sanctions and Lane Kiffin. While the Trojans won the South division in the Pac-12 conference in 2011 (10-2, 7-2 Pac 12), USC was not much of a threat in the conference, compiling a 17-12 overall win-loss record, meaning Kiffin’s teams went 10-10 the other two and a half seasons he coached.

Last season saw the hiring of Steve Sarkisian and a fourth place finish in the South, with a 6-3 conference record (9-4 overall). The team was ranked at one point though, finishing the season at No. 24 and edging No. 25 Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl.

Cody Kessler is a Heisman candidate, the offensive line is nasty and the entire roster is filled with elite talent. If Sarkisian can keep them together, he could finally get USC back into the conversation for the national title over the next few years.

Of course, Arizona, Arizona State and UCLA stand in the Trojan’s way in the Southern division, while Oregon continues to dominate the Pac-12 as a whole.

Still, USC appears to have finally rebounded from the NCAA sanctions appears to have gotten back on track. Expect them to play well and challenge for the conference championship from here on out.

Next: Auburn Tigers

Home/College Football