In this article, we will approach the topic of 1978 USC Trojans football team from different perspectives, with the aim of providing a complete and detailed view on this matter. We will explore its origins, its evolution over time, its relevance today and possible implications for the future. We will delve into its impact in various areas, from science to popular culture, including politics and economics. Additionally, we will analyze expert opinions and people's experiences related to 1978 USC Trojans football team , in order to shed light on its many facets and lesser-known aspects. Ultimately, this article will be a complete guide for those interested in thoroughly understanding 1978 USC Trojans football team and all its implications.
American college football season
The 1978 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season . Following the season, the Trojans were crowned national champions according to the Coaches Poll . While Alabama claimed the AP Poll title because it had defeated top-ranked Penn State in the Sugar Bowl , the Trojans felt they deserved the title since they had defeated Alabama and Notre Dame during the regular season, and then Michigan in the Rose Bowl . Both USC and Alabama ended their seasons with a single loss.
This would be the last national championship won by the Trojans until 2003 .
Schedule
Date Opponent Rank Site Result Attendance Source September 09 Texas Tech No. 9 W 17–950,321
September 16 at Oregon No. 8 W 37–1031,000
September 23 at No. 1 Alabama * No. 7 W 24–1477,313
September 29 Michigan State * No. 3 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA W 30–965,319
October 14 at Arizona State No. 2 L 7–2070,138
October 21 Oregon State No. 7 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA W 38–753,734
October 28 California No. 6 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA W 42–1756,954
November 4 at Stanford No. 6 W 13–784,084
November 11 No. 19 Washington No. 5 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA W 28–1054,071
November 18 at No. 14 UCLA No. 5 W 17–1090,387
November 25 No. 8 Notre Dame * No. 3 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA (rivalry ) W 27–2584,256
December 2 at Hawaii * No. 3 W 21–548,767
January 1, 1979 vs. No. 5 Michigan * No. 3 W 17–10105,629
*Non-conference game HomecomingRankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
Personnel
1978 USC Trojans football team roster
Players
Coaches
Offense
Defense
Special teams
Pos.
#
Name
Class
K
Frank Jordan
P
Marty King
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
Legend
(C) Team captain
(S) Suspended
(I) Ineligible
Injured
Redshirt
Game summaries
Notre Dame
1
2 3 4 Total
Notre Dame
3
0 3 19
25
• USC
6
11 7 3
27
Scoring summary 1 USC Williams 50-yard pass from McDonald (kick failed) USC 6–0
1 ND Unis 47-yard field goal USC 6–3
2 USC Garcia 35-yard pass from McDonald (McDonald to Hunter pass) USC 14–3
2 USC Jordan 39-yard field goal USC 17–3
3 ND Unis 26-yard field goal USC 17–6
3 7:38 USC White 1-yard run (Jordan kick) USC 24–6
4 12:26 ND Haines 57-yard pass from Montana (pass failed) USC 24–12
4 3:01 ND Buchanan 1-yard run (Unis kick) USC 24–19
4 0:46 ND Holohan 2-yard pass from Montana (pass failed) ND 25–24
4 0:02 USC Jordan 37-yard field goal USC 27–25
Rose Bowl
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
MICH – Gregg Willner 36-yard field goal. USC 7–3. Drive:
USC – Charles White 3-yard run (Frank Jordan kick). USC 14–3. Drive:
USC – Frank Jordan 35-yard field goal. USC 17–3. Drive:
Third quarter
MICH – R. Smith 44-yard pass from Rick Leach (Gregg Willner kick). USC 17–10. Drive:
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
MICH – Roosevelt Smith – 4 receptions, 58 yards, TD
USC – Dan Garcia – 1 reception, 12 yards
1978 Trojans in the NFL
All 22 starters played in the NFL.
Awards and honors
Charles White: Heisman trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, UPI Player of the Year
References
^ "USC Claims Title" . The Evening Sun . Baltimore, Maryland . January 2, 1979. p. C7. Retrieved May 13, 2019 – via newspapers.com.
^ "USC has No. 1 'Bama on the run, 24–14" . Los Angeles Times . September 24, 1978. Retrieved October 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Mal Florence (January 2, 1979). "USC Wins Rose Bowl but the Replay's a Tie: White Scores (or Did He?) as Trojans Beat Michigan, 17-10" . Los Angeles Times . pp. III-1, III-10 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Tom Henderson (January 2, 1979). "Phantom TD helps Southern Cal -- Michigan's Roses wilt again, 17-10" . Detroit Free Press . pp. 1D, 5D – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Trojans' Late Field Goal Stymies Irish Comeback." Palm Beach Post. 1978 Nov 26.
^ Sikahema, Vai (March 25, 2011). "Vai's View: What's in a name? Bobby Salazar knows" . Deseret News . Retrieved February 13, 2019 .
Venues Bowls & rivalries Culture & lore People Seasons National championship seasons in bold
1936–1949 1950s 1960s
1960 : Minnesota (AP, Coaches, NFF ) / Ole Miss (FWAA)
1961 : Alabama (AP, Coaches, NFF) / Ohio State (FWAA)
1962 : USC
1963 : Texas
1964 : Alabama (AP, Coaches) / Arkansas (FWAA) / Notre Dame (NFF)
1965 : Alabama (AP, FWAA) / Michigan State (Coaches, FWAA, NFF)
1966 : Notre Dame (AP, Coaches, FWAA, NFF) / Michigan State (NFF)
1967 : USC
1968 : Ohio State
1969 : Texas
1970s 1980–1991
Pacific Coast AAWU Pacific-8 Pacific-10 Pac-12 National championships in bold