USC football: 5 best seasons in Trojans history, ranked
By John Buhler
No. 1 Coaches*/No. 1 AP. 1. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. National Champions*/Pac-10 Champions*. 2004 (13-0). player. 808
Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush lead USC football to back-to-back titles in 2004.
The best team in USC football history is also the most controversial one. 2004 USC was the peak of the program under Carroll. The Trojans had more star talent on the football than they could know what to do with. It’s two stars of the program were Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart and future Heisman Trophy-winning running back Reggie Bush.
After losing to the California Golden Bears the season prior, the 2004 Trojans refused to lose. USC crushed its competition, going 13-0 overall and 8-0 in Pac-10 play. Though they only beat three ranked teams all year, the Trojans never relinquished the top spot in the rankings. USC knocked off No. 7 Cal at home and then crushed the No. 15 Arizona State Sun Devils the following week.
USC pretty much cakewalked through conference play but did a strong showing from the crosstown rival UCLA Bruins at their place. After a narrow four-point victory, USC would meet the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners in the BCS National Championship. USC blew out Oklahoma to the tune of 55-19 to win its 11th national championship in school history.
However, controversy always mires this part of the Trojans’ history. They were forced to vacate their final two wins this season over UCLA and Oklahoma due to the investigation of Bush receiving improper benefits. Bush was found to receive improper benefits beginning in December 2004, vacating the Trojans’ last two wins of the season and all their 2005 accomplishments.
Next. 50 greatest college football teams of all time. dark
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.