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. [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. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Coach: Henry Bibby (2-2), Jim Saia (10-15) PS/G: 74.4 (55th of 330) PA/G: 76.8 (315th of 330) "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. 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. 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. [21] USC quickly put the game out of reach, scoring 42 points in the first half behind 4 touchdown passes Matt Leinart and school single game record-tying 3 scoring grabs by Dwayne Jarrett. Fr. Others back with starting experience include cornerbacks Ronald Nunn and Kevin Arbet, linebacker Dallas Sartz, end Frostee Rucker and linebacker Collin Ashton. Fr., TB Chauncey Washington, So., TB Lee Webb, Sr., FB LenDale White, So., TB Andre Woodert, Jr., TB. USC later vacated 2 wins (1 in conference), as well as the BCS and Pac-10 Championships, due to NCAA sanctions. But Justice will not participate in 2004 because of a student conduct violation. 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. Fr., DE Lawrence Miles, In. football@usc.edu. 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. Last season, he had 95 catches for 1,314 yards and a USC record 16 TDs. 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. Is Coach Rick Stockstill on the Hot Seat? 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. 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 Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Shaun Cody (26 tac, 10.5 for loss, 6 sack, 1 FF, 1 dfl, 3 blk FG in 2003) will be starting for his fourth year, this year sliding out to end after spending his career at tackle. "The reconstruction of our offensive line will be critical," said Carroll. [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. However, the Associated Press still recognizes USC as 2004 AP title winner. 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. Defensively, Troy should be strong at linebacker and up the middle from front to back, while the ends and corners must be replaced. All of that came on the heels of USC's nearly-as-successful 2002 campaign that ended with an 11-2 mark, a victory in the Orange Bowl and a No. 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). [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. (213) 740-4204. The tight end corps is deep, with Gregg Guenther Jr. (17 catches and 2 TDs in 2003)-also a star on the Trojan basketball team-back after starting the last half of 2003, along with Dominique Byrd (14 catches and 6 early starts in 2003) and Alex Holmes (58 career catches), USC's starter in 2002 but injured last season. We'll have a very competitive environment each day to determine playing time and starting roles. Fr., CB Brandon Ting, So., S Ryan Ting, So., S-CB Justin Tolliver, Jr., CB John Walker, Jr., CB Scott Ware, In. In March, he took over as interim inside wide receivers coach while Dave Nichol was away from the program for a personal matter . [8] Although Virginia Tech was not ranked going into the game, they ended the season ranked 9th, going 103 (71 in the ACC), becoming ACC Champions in their first year in the conference and were invited to the 2005 Nokia Sugar Bowl. "[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. Fr. "I am very excited to formally announce our coaching staff," said Riley. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Then, enrolling in the fall is J.C. All-American Scott Ware (Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, Calif.), who is a junior, and prep All-American Josh Pinkard (Hueneme High in Oxnard, Calif.), who is a freshman. 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). "But we need to establish some depth at both safety positions, so some players will have to step forward.". See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. Marques Tuiasosopo, Tight Ends. 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. We'll attempt to continue to play defense fast and aggressively, looking to take away the football.". But Carroll speaks from experience when he says he is confident that his 2004 Trojans will respond well. "But we must overcome several obstacles on the offensive side of the ball. Behind him is walk-on redshirt freshman Mario Danelo, the son of ex-NFL kicker Joe Danelo. (Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press) Lincoln Riley isn't the. Fr., DE Mike Patterson, Sr., DT LaJuan Ramsey, Jr., DT-DE Frostee Rucker, Jr., DE Jeff Schweiger, In. In the hunt for the tackle jobs are sophomore Kyle Williams, redshirt freshmen Sam Baker, Drew Radovich and Matt Spanos, plus incoming 370-pound junior Taitusi Lutui (Snow Junior College in Ephraim, Utah), a J.C. All-American. 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 [6], The Trojans prevailed over the Beavers in a tight game in heavy fog at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. "The challenge is whether we can keep it up. 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. Headlining the offense will be quarterback Matt Leinart and wide receiver Mike Williams, All-Americans who should figure prominently in this year's Heisman race (they were sixth and eighth, respectively, in last season's voting). Fred Davis graduated a semester early from Rogers High in Toledo, Ohio, and enrolled at USC this past spring. He proved to be a load at 350 pounds before breaking his ankle late in the year (he missed 2004 spring drills while recuperating). "This group can do all of those things well. [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. 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). [6] Days before the game, the NCAA declared star Trojans wide receiver Mike Williams ineligible to play after a failed attempt to join the NFL early, creating concern over whether the defending 2003 National Champions were prepared to try for another title. Jason Mitchell, Sr. Steve Smith, So. Mike Williams, Jr. John Zilka, Rs. Both performed flawlessly during their careers. [35] The game was the first time two Heisman Trophy winners had faced each other in a college football game with Sooners quarterback and 2003 winner Jason White facing 2004 winner Matt Leinart. He also had stops as wide receivers coach at Richmond (2004) and Western . [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. Opponents averaged just 1.8 yards per carry against the Trojans last fall, a school record and 2003 national low. He set a Pac-10 season mark with 212 consecutive passes without an interception (just 4 throws short of the league's career record). Ryan Ting also can play cornerback. A lot of the key players from that offense return this year. [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. Is Coach Philip Montgomery on the Hot Seat? HOLDERS Junior punter Tom Malone will be the holder for his third season. "The past 2 years, we were really good on defense and we played just how we drew it up," said Carroll, the team's defensive coordinator. "With Ronald Nunn, Kevin Arbet and Justin Wyatt, it's really like we have four returning starters in the secondary," said Carroll. 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. Since the vacated games included the Trojans' Orange Bowl win, the Trojans were later stripped of the 2004 BCS title in June 2011. Also a key special teams player, he led the Trojans in punt returns in 2001 with 25 for 225 yards (9.0 average) and earned All-Pac-10 first team honors as a special teamer that season. Behind Leinart is a stable of very capable backups. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley is the new football coach at USC, and he's bringing several of his assistants with him to Los Angeles. [13], USC had what would be its closest game of the season against the unheralded Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium in their Pacific-10 Conference opener. The USC football coaching staff has been rounded out by Lincoln Riley with the hire of Josh Henson as offensive line coach late Sunday night. 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). Fr. USC fielded record-setting punt and placekicking squads. Competing for time at guard are senior Travis Watkins, sophomore walk-on John Lanza, sophomore junior college transfer Alatini Malu (Long Beach City College in Long Beach, Calif.), who enrolled at USC this spring, freshman Travis Draper (originally a 2003 signee, he didn't enroll at USC until this spring), and prep All-American Chilo Rachal (Dominguez High in Compton, Calif.), an incoming freshman who also can play tackle. Dwayne Jarrett (New Brunswick High in New Brunswick, N.J.) and Derrick Jones (Long Beach Poly High in Long Beach, Calif.) come in this fall. But, in my. 2008 Rose Bowl #13 Illinois (9-3) vs #6 USC (10-2) 1st half. First, a starting wide receiver must emerge and we must reconstruct the line. [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. In 2003, 24 of his 42 punts traveled at least 50 yards and 28 pinned opponents within the 20-yard line. 2 in the AP poll at one point late in the season. (213) 740-4204. [36] The game also featured four out of five of the 2004 Heisman finalists with Leinart, White, Reggie Bush and Sooner running back Adrian Peterson, the Heisman runner-up. And the Trojan defense-whose +1.33 turnover margin and +111 takeaways in Carroll's first 3 seasons are best in the nation-topped the country in 2003 in rushing defense. Fr., DT Thomas Herring, In. "I'm excited about this coaching staff," said Carroll. "We've made so much progress on special teams," said Carroll. 2004 Cotton Bowl and 2004 . [12] Running backs Reggie Bush and LenDale White both broke 100 yards each en route to victory. "The tailback position is a strong one for us," said Carroll. Each player must bring his best every day. Both are weapons for us. 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). "That's how we're looking at it. 1 and No. It's always difficult to lose a player the caliber of 4-year starter Keary Colbert, USC's career receptions leader (207) who had 1,000-yard receiving seasons the past 2 years (including 1,013 yards and 9 TDs on 69 catches in 2003). 1, "Hammer falls: USC to vacate football, basketball wins", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2004_USC_Trojans_football_team&oldid=1116882498, 110, 2 wins vacated (70 Pac-10, 1 win vacated), Defensive line coach/ Recruiting Coordinator, Wide receivers coach/Pass game coordinator. And of Troy's 77 offensive scoring drives in 2003, 59 took less than 3 minutes. . Jr. Keith Rivers, In. (213) 740-4204. 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). Reggie Bush will be a key in the Trojans' running game this season. [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. Additionally, Bush is the only Heisman winner to have forfeited his trophy. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. He assumed control of the job immediately and soon was playing like a veteran. Matt Leinart, Jr. Michael McDonald, Rs. Some 24 Trojans have at least 1 career start. We have some talented players among our other ends, but we need some to emerge. of Playoffs), Offensive Coordinator Los Angeles Wildcats, Still Laying the Foundation of the Program, Coach Pete Carroll Coaching Tree & Rating. 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 Fr., DE Lawrence Jackson, Rs. [17], The game was highly touted by the media, with both teams earning praise for their performances. The Trojans return 15 starters (7 on offense, 6 on defense, plus both kickers) from last year's record-setting team that won its last 9 games en route to a 12-1 overall mark. USC Finally Announces Coaching Staff The USC coaching staff is official. In all, 79 squadmen return from last year's national championship team, including 56 who saw playing time in 2003 (50 were lettermen and 31 were on the season-ending 2-deep). Finally, senior leadership must surface even though we might not have more than two or three seniors starting on offense.". Each of them had very productive seasons last year and we're hoping for more of the same this year. 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. TIGHT ENDS Dominique Byrd, Jr. GREGG GUENTHER JR., Sr. Owen Hanson, Sr. Alex Holmes, Sr. Kurt Katnik, So. The NCAA also forced USC to permanently disassociate itself from Bush. [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. 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). 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. Fr., FB Reggie Bush, So., TB Hershel Dennis, Jr., TB John Griffin, Rs. "I truly believe we have put together an elite group of coaches that will help build this football program back to national prominence. 4 final ranking. Making the second team where RB LenDale White, OT Sam Baker and S Darnell Bing, and honorable mentions to TE Dominique Byrd, TE Alex Holmes, WR Dwayne Jarrett, S Jason Leach, LB Dallas Sartz, DT Manuel Wright and CB Justin Wyatt. Find out more. Phone. But he was not selected because of a judicial stay on that ruling, which was then overturned. The AP released a statement saying that USC will keep its 2004 AP title. Fr., OT Ross Burruel, Jr., C Jeff Byers, In. "Our team is well-prepared for this because it presents a great opportunity for others to step to the front. Bush might also return punts. 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 Trojan special teams in 2003 were much-improved from previous years. The 2004 USC Trojans finished the season 13-0 (8-0 in the Pac-10), | Pete Carrolls Record with Seattle Seahawks. So we must take our game to the next level and be ready for everyone's best shot.". Senior placekicker Ryan Killeen backs up Malone. LB Rey Maualuga. RB Chauncey Washington. "He far exceeded our hopes. Record: 13-0 (1st of 120) (Schedule & Results), Bowl Game: Won Orange Bowl 55-19 versus Oklahoma, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 6:41AM. It is widely considered one of the greatest college football teams of all time. Providing that safety depth will be twin redshirt freshmen Brandon Ting (3 tac in 2003) and Ryan Ting (1 tac in 2003), and senior walk-ons Greg Farr (6 tac in 2003) and Chris Bocage (1 tac in 2003), who missed 2004 spring practice while recovering from a knee injury. Fr., OT Travis Watkins, Sr., OG Kyle Williams, So., OT. 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. He'll long be remembered for his spectacular one-handed, Frisbee-like TD grab against Oregon State last fall. Nick Vanderboom, So. [36] Both USC and Oklahoma started and ended the season ranked No. His career average of 44.9 is nearly a yard above the school standard. Is Coach Ken Niumatalolo on the Hot Seat? Dwayne Jarrett, In. We are constantly tweaking our formula so that we can find the sweet spot of when a coach is technically on the hot seat. The challenge starts right away, as the Trojans open on Aug. 28 against perennial power Virginia Tech in the Black Coaches Association Football Classic in Landover, Md. But a new snapper (for both short and long snaps) must be developed. WR Fred Davis. [25] The game marked the first career start for Husky quarterback Isaiah Stanback. "I truly believe we have put together an elite group of coaches that will help build this football program back to national prominence. Matt Grootegoed, Sr. Oscar Lua, So. "Matt Leinart is coming off a great year," said Carroll. USC wound up being stripped of all wins in 2004 and 2005 and its BCS national championship in 2004. [16] It was the first time since 1968 that the teams met when both were ranked and it also was the highest-ranked Cal squad USC had faced since 1952,[6] also the last time the two programs were ranked in the top ten. Fr., DE Shaun Cody, Sr., DE-DT Sedrick Ellis, Rs. Head Coach: Pete Carroll(13-0)Offensive Coordinator: Norm ChowDefensive Coordinator: Other Assistant Coaches: Lane Kiffin (WR Coach) Ed Oregeron (AHC/DL/RC). Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Six defensive starters return from 2003: end-tackle Shaun Cody, tackle Mike Patterson, linebackers Matt Grootegoed and Lofa Tatupu and safeties Darnell Bing and Jason Leach. 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. [3] Irish quarterback Brady Quinn completed 15-of-29 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. 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. After trailing 130 in second quarter, USC scored the next 28 points with a pivotal 65-yard scoring return by Reggie Bush in the 4th quarter with the game close at 1413. 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. [16] The crowd was USC's largest crowd for a non-UCLA/Notre Dame rivalry game since the 1952 Cal game. We also have some talented young players who can make a mark.". But he was not selected because of a judicial stay on that ruling, which was then overturned. ", USC will defend its national championship against a schedule that features 6 opponents who played in bowls last season. Luke Huard, who comes from a family of outstanding quarterbacks, joined the USC staff in February of 2022 as an offensive analyst. [23], The struggling Washington Huskies visited the Trojans for the 75th meeting in the series, with the Trojans dominating 380. Alex Grinch, defensive coordinator. [39], The Sooners scored first, having stopped an opening USC drive. Nazel, the defense's vocal leader, was a 2-year starter who last year notched 27 tackles, including 6.5 for loss (with 4 sacks), 2 fumble recoveries and an interception. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? [22] It was the second time the Trojans played before consecutive sellout crowds in the Coliseum, the first was in 1947 when the UCLA and Notre Dame rivalry games sold out, and the first against non-rival opponents. [8] [9] Bush, who had one year left of eligibility, announced his plans to skip his senior season a week after the team's loss in the Rose Bowl. Other potential returners are junior tailback Hershel Dennis, who led USC in kickoff returns in 2002 (9 KOR, 151 yds, 16.8 avg), senior cornerback Kevin Arbet (4 PR, 19 yds, 4.8 avg in 2003), who led USC in punt returns in 2001 (25 PR, 225, yd, 9.0 avg), and junior cornerback Justin Wyatt (3 KOR, 41 yds, 13.7 avg in 2003). Walk-ons Wil Smith, a sophomore, and redshirt freshman John Zilka are also available. 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. for the first time ever. 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. The True Hiring Score or THS is compiled by a complex formula bringing together many different factors. 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).