Alaa Al Dali and 2007 USC Trojans football team: Difference between pages
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{{short description|
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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox NCAA team season
| year = 2007
| team = USC Trojans
| image = USC Trojans logo.svg
|
| conference = Pac-10 Conference
|
| short_conf = Pac-10
|
| conf_record = 7–2
|
| CoachRank = 2
|
| head_coach = [[Pete Carroll]]
|
|
|
|
| def_coach = [[Nick Holt]]
| dc_year = 2nd
| def_scheme = [[4–3 defense|4–3]]
|captain = [[Sam Baker (offensive tackle)|Sam Baker]]<br />[[John David Booty]]<br />Lawrence Jackson<br />[[Keith Rivers]]
| stadium = [[Los Angeles Coliseum]] (c. 92,000, grass)
| champion = Pac-10 co-champion<br />Rose Bowl champion
| bowl = [[2008 Rose Bowl|Rose Bowl]]
| bowl_result = W 49–17 vs. [[2007 Illinois Fighting Illini football team|Illinois]]
}}
{{2007 Pacific-10 football standings}}
The '''2007 USC Trojans football team''' (variously "Trojans" or "USC") represented the [[University of Southern California]] during the [[2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season]], winning a share of the [[Pacific-10 Conference]] (Pac-10) championship and winning the [[2008 Rose Bowl|2008 Rose Bowl]].<ref name="AP010108">Eddie Pells, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200801010062 USC gets all the bounces and the points in 49–17 win over Illinois] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103042130/http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200801010062 |date=2008-01-03 }}, Associated Press, January 1, 2008, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> The team was coached by [[Pete Carroll]] and played its home games at the [[Los Angeles Coliseum]].
The team entered the season with high expectations. It was ranked No. 1 in all national pre-season polls, picked unanimously to win the Pac-10 Conference and expected to contend for a national championship.<ref name="Stewart">Stewart Mandel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20070118115038/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/01/16/early07.rankings/index.html Early look at '07], CNNSI.com, January 16, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref name="Mark">Mark Schlabach, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2738142 Trojans, Wolverines top revised look at 2007], ESPN.com, January 22, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref name=ESPN081407>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/preview07/news/story?id=2971673 USC consensus favorite to win BCS championship], ESPN.com, August 14, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref name=SI082908>Stewart Mandel, Luke Winn, Cory McCartney and Austin Murphy, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080527215552/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/specials/preview/2007/08/29/crystal.ball/index.html The Crystal Ball], SI.com, August 29, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT072607>Eric Sondheimer, Gary Klein, Chris Foster, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jul-27-sp-pacmedia27-story.html Pac-10 coaches come not to bury the Trojans but praise them], ''Los Angeles Times'', July 27, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Those hopes were dealt a major blow when the Trojans lost to 41-point underdog [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford]] in a mid-season game that was named one of the greatest [[Upset (competition)|upset]]s in [[2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season#Key matchups, upsets, and "The Curse of #2"|a season that became defined by them]].<ref name=si121307>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071215212343/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0712/cfb.upsets/content.9.html Biggest Upsets of 2007: #2 Stanford 24, No. 2 USC 23], SI.com, December 13, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=ESPN101007>Ted Miller, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3057109 Looks good on paper, but Pac-10 midseason arrives with thud], ESPN.com, October 10, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref name=ESPN120407x>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/bowls07/news/story?id=3141008 In the Year of the Upset, memorable moments were plentiful], ESPN.com, December 4, 2007, Accessed August 19, 2008.</ref> After their second loss, there were questions as to whether the team would be able to even win their own conference, let alone compete nationally.<ref name=TSN102707>Matt Hayes, [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21507051/ The Trojan dynasty is dead and buried] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230123020/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21507051/ |date=December 30, 2007 }}, MSNBC/Sporting News, October 27, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT102807cd>Chris Dufresne, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-28-sp-dufresne28-story.html Loss exposes Trojans as team in transition], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 28, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> However, USC defied mid-season expectations and rallied, finishing the season ranked No. 2 in the [[Coaches' Poll]] and No. 3 in the [[AP Poll|Associated Press (AP) Poll]].<ref name=AP-weekfinal>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=1&seasonType=3&pollId=1 AP Top 25 – Final (Dec. 16)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=Coaches-weekfinal>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=1&seasonType=3&pollId=2 USA Today Coaches Poll – Final (Dec. 16)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> By the end of the season various [[sports journalist]]s said the Trojans were playing the best football of anyone in the country.<ref name=Yahoo010107>Gerry Ahern, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AkFX2mDbS.VOYNwfycvPJugcvrYF?slug=ga-rose010108&prov=yhoo&type=lgns USC back in title hunt?], Yahoo! Sports, January 1, 2008, Accessed June 10, 2018. {{Cite web |url=http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ga-rose010108&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |title = USC back in title hunt? - NCAA Football - Yahoo! Sports |date = January 2, 2008 |access-date=June 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105065812/http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ga-rose010108&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |archive-date=January 5, 2008 |url-status=bot: unknown |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=ESPN010208ms>Mark Schlabach, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/bowls07/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3176724 Trojans look like nation's best with no one left to play], ESPN.com, January 2, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=CBS010108>Art Spander, [http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10553727/rss USC makes its claim as best team in land] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105112417/http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10553727/rss |date=January 5, 2008 }}, CBSSports.com, January 1, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=NYT010208>Larry Dorman, [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/02/sports/ncaafootball/02rose.html U.S.C. Cuts the Profile of a Title Contender], ''The New York Times'', January 2, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=SI101508>Stewart Mandel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20081017123749/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/10/15/cfb.mailbag/index.html Readers' irritating poll obsession, Florida's question mark and more], SI.com, October 15, 2008, Accessed October 15, 2008.</ref>
The Trojans were named national champion by [[Dunkel System|Dunkel]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dunkel|first1=Bob|title=Final 2007: Trojans Finish Ranked No. 1|url=http://www.dunkelindex.com/rankings/football/ncaa/|website=NCAA Football Division I-A Rankings|publisher=The Dunkel Index|access-date=October 4, 2018}}</ref> became the first team to win (or share) six straight Pacific-10 titles, and were the first team in major college football to achieve six straight 11-win seasons.<ref name="AP010108" /><ref name=LAT120207b>Bill Dwyre, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-02-sp-dwyre2-story.html Carroll gives no signals for a fade pattern], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 2, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> After the season, ten USC players were selected in the [[2008 NFL draft]], with a school-record seven players selected in the first two rounds.<ref name=LAT042708>Sam Farmer, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-apr-27-sp-nfl27-story.html USC is big as the day is Long], ''Los Angeles Times'', April 27, 2008, ''Accessed April 28, 2008.''</ref> Over the next four years, 25 more players from the 2007 USC Trojans football team were drafted into the NFL.
==Before the season==
===Pre-season outlook===
{{see also|2007 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings#Preseason polls}}
The Trojans ended the [[2006 USC Trojans football team|2006 season]] with a victory in the [[2007 Rose Bowl Game]] and a No. 4 ranking in both AP and Coaches polls, their fifth straight year winning the Pac-10 Championship and finishing in the top 4. During that 5-year period, the team won two national championships ([[2003 USC Trojans football team|2003]], [[2004 USC Trojans football team|2004]]).<ref name="AP010108" /><ref name=AP-weekfinal06>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2006&weekNumber=1&seasonType=3&pollId=1 AP Top 25 – Final (Jan. 9)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=Coaches-weekfinal06>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2006&weekNumber=1&seasonType=3&pollId=2 USA Today Coaches Poll – Final (Jan. 9)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> Prior to the 2007 season, the Trojans were ranked No. 1 in all national [[pre-season]] polls and were expected to challenge for the national championship.<ref name="Stewart" /><ref name="Mark" /><ref>Mark Schlabach, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2776460 Look for USC, West Virginia to play in '07 title game], ESPN.com, February 23, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref>Stewart Mandel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20070427221902/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/04/24/spring.power.rankings/index.html Rights of spring], CNNSI.com, April 24, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> The team received a boost in the offseason when many draft-eligible juniors decided to return to school for their senior seasons; the holdover of talented veterans was a major factor in the Trojans being considered preeminent favorites for a national championship. As expected, USC was at the top of the first Coaches Poll of the season, released on August 3, 2007, with 45 of a possible 60 first-place votes; other teams receiving first-place votes were No. 2 [[LSU Tigers football|Louisiana State University]] (LSU) with 4 votes, No. 3 [[Florida Gators football|Florida]] with 6 votes, and No. 5 [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]] with 2 votes.<ref name=ESPN080307poll>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2959891 USC is No. 1, trailed by SEC foes LSU and Florida], ESPN.com, August 3, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> USC was also at the top of the first AP Poll, released on August 18, with 62 of 65 first-place votes, with No. 2 LSU receiving 2 votes and No. 3 [[West Virginia Mountaineers football|West Virginia]] receiving one.<ref name="AP081807">{{Cite web |date=2007-08-18 |title=Southern Cal is AP's runaway preseason No. 1 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2980349 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> In mid-August, all twelve experts polled by [[ESPN]] picked USC to win the season's [[BCS Championship Game]].<ref name=ESPN081407/> On August 29, 2007, the day before the season began, three of four experts at [[SI.com]] predicted USC would win the BCS Championship Game, attributing the decision to the Trojans defense.<ref name=SI082908/>
[[File:091507-USCNeb-CushingWilliams.jpg|thumb|Brian Cushing (#10) and Thomas Williams (#41) returned to a highly ranked linebacking corps.]]
In terms of overall talent, Carroll stated that the 2007 squad is the "most competitive team we've had" during his six-year tenure as coach.<ref name=LAT052507>Bill Plaschke, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-may-25-sp-plaschke25-story.html Talent pool has never been deeper for Trojans], ''Los Angeles Times'', May 25, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Senior starting quarterback [[John David Booty]] entered the season as a front-runner for the [[Heisman Trophy]].<ref name=CNNSI-Menez-042407>Gene Menez, [https://web.archive.org/web/20070529090706/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/gene_menez/04/24/spring.heisman.watch/index.html Heisman Watch: Early fix], CNNSI.com, April 24, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> Booty, along with returning senior tackle [[Sam Baker (offensive tackle)|Sam Baker]], were ranked as two of the "Top 20 Players Heading Into 2007" by ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070427183440/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0704/gallery.cfb.top20.players.for.07/content.16.html Top 20 Players Heading Into 2007], CNNSI.com, April 24, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
The Trojans entered pre-season fall camp well stocked at the [[running back]] position, with 10 former high school Super Prep All-Americans, nine of whom were Prep Star all-Americans and seven were Parade all-Americans.<ref name=NYT082607>Lee Jenkins, [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/sports/ncaafootball/26usc.html In U.S.C.'s Full Backfield, Student Body Right Has a New Meaning], ''The New York Times'', August 26, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> The exceptional running back situation at USC was a major factor in ''Sports Illustrated'' forecasting the 2007 season as "The Year of the Running Back."<ref name=SI081407rb>Austin Murphy, [https://web.archive.org/web/20110629110800/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/specials/preview/2007/08/14/running.backs0820/ The Year of the Running Back], ''Sports Illustrated'', August 14, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> In judging USC as a pre-season favorite, particular emphasis was made on the defense. Considered to be one of the best defenses during the 2006 season, the Trojans entered 2007 with 10 returning starters and key backups. After a one-season experiment with the [[3–4 defense|3–4 defense formation]], the defense returned to using the [[4-3 defense|4–3]]. The highlight of the defense was the [[linebacker|linebacking]] corp, led by [[Brian Cushing]], [[Keith Rivers]] and [[Rey Maualuga]].<ref name=SI081407>Arash Markazi, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080109031013/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/08/14/usc.postcard/index.html Postcard from camp: USC], SI.com, August 14, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref>Barker Davis, [http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070828/SPORTS/108280077/1005 The best defense ever assembled?], ''Washington Times'', August 28, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
At the Pacific-10 Conference media day, the Trojans were the unanimous pre-season pick to win the conference; this was USC's fifth year in a row as the favorite to win the conference title, and only the third time in conference history that a team had been picked unanimously (the other two were USC in 2004 and 2005).<ref name=LAT072607/><ref name="AP072607">[https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2950724 Trojans top preseason poll for fifth straight year], Associated Press, July 26, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
===Recruiting class===
{{see also|American football positions|Glossary of American football|Recruiting (college athletics)}}
[[File:2008-0808-USC09-JoeMcKnight.jpg|thumb|Running back Joe McKnight was part of a highly ranked recruiting class.]]
USC's stellar [[Recruiting (college athletics)|recruiting class]] was highlighted by the three highest ranked players from the "[[ESPN]] 150": No. 1 [[Joe McKnight]] (RB); No. 2 [[Chris Galippo]] (LB); and No. 3 [[Marc Tyler]] (RB).<ref>[http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/playerrankings/_/class/2007/order/true 2007 ESPN 150], ESPN.com, Accessed June 4, 2018.</ref> The Trojans also landed Scout.com's National Player of the Year and top overall prospect for 2007, [[Everson Griffen]].<ref>[http://recruiting.scout.com/2/616442.html Griffen Headlines All-Americans] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503162921/http://recruiting.scout.com/2/616442.html |date=2007-05-03 }}, Scout.com, February 6, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> Other notable signees included Rivals.com's No. 1 WR [[Ronald Johnson (American football)|Ronald Johnson]] and 5-star OL [[Kristofer O'Dowd]]. Despite recruiting substantially fewer players than other programs, USC signed the No. 1 or No. 2 recruiting class in various rankings, along with the Florida Gators, the winners of the 2006 National Championship.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/news/story?id=2757802 McKnight pushes USC to the top], Scout.com/ESPN.com, March 7, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://rivals100.rivals.com/TeamRank.asp?postype=0&sort=0&year=2007 2007 Team Ranking] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128090035/http://rivals100.rivals.com/TeamRank.asp?postype=0&sort=0&year=2007 |date=November 28, 2007 }}, Rivals.com, February 12, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> In the pre-season, McKnight and Johnson were named two of the top-10 impact freshman for 2007.<ref name=Schlabach062207>Mark Schlabach, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2912876 Illinois' Benn, ND's Clausen impact newcomers for 2007], ESPN.com, June 22, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
The football program received 18 [[Letter of intent|letters of intent]] on [[National Signing Day]], February 7, 2007, listed below:
{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2007}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Joe McKnight
| position = RB
| hometown = River Ridge, Louisiana
| highschool = [[John Curtis Christian High School|John Curtis Christian HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 0
| weight = 195
| 40 = 4.35
| commitdate = February 7, 2007
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 5
| espn grade = 92
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Everson Griffen
| position = DE
| hometown = Avondale, Arizona
| highschool = [[Agua Fria Union High School|Agua Fria Union HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 4
| weight = 270
| 40 = 4.46
| commitdate = December 20, 2006
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 5
| espn grade = 83
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Ronald Johnson
| position = WR
| hometown = Muskegon, Michigan
| highschool = [[Muskegon High School|Muskegon HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 0
| weight = 185
| 40 = 4.40
| commitdate = February 4, 2007
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 5
| espn grade = 82
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Chris Galippo
| position = LB
| hometown = Anaheim, California
| highschool = [[Servite High School|Servite HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 3
| weight = 240
| 40 = 4.60
| commitdate = February 1, 2006
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 5
| espn grade = 90
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Marc Tyler
| position = RB
| hometown = Westlake Village, California
| highschool = [[Oaks Christian High School|Oaks Christian HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 0
| weight = 215
| 40 = 4.50
| commitdate = June 14, 2006
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 5
| espn grade = 90
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Kristofer O'Dowd
| position = C
| hometown = Tucson, Arizona
| highschool = [[Salpointe Catholic High School|Salpointe Catholic HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 5
| weight = 315
| 40 = 5.00
| commitdate = December 14, 2006
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 5
| espn grade = 79
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Aaron Corp
| position = QB
| hometown = Villa Park, California
| highschool = [[Lutheran High School of Orange County|Orange Lutheran HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 4
| weight = 195
| 40 = 4.60
| commitdate = May 3, 2006
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 82
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Marshall Jones
| position = FS
| hometown = Westlake Village, California
| highschool = Oaks Christian HS
| feet = 6
| inches = 1
| weight = 190
| 40 = 4.50
| commitdate = June 19, 2006
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 84
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Da'John Harris
| position = DT
| hometown = Gardena, California
| highschool = [[Junípero Serra High School (Gardena, California)|Junipero Serra HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 4
| weight = 280
| 40 = 4.85
| commitdate = January 4, 2007
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 79
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Martin Coleman
| position = OT
| hometown = Huntington Beach, California
| highschool = [[Edison High School, Huntington Beach|Edison HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 6
| weight = 290
| 40 = 4.80
| commitdate = April 25, 2006
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 81
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Michael Reardon
| position = DE
| hometown = Villa Park, California
| highschool = Orange Lutheran HS
| feet = 6
| inches = 6
| weight = 260
| 40 = 4.70
| commitdate = June 14, 2006
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 78
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Malcolm Smith
| position = ATH
| hometown = Woodland Hills, California
| highschool = [[Taft High School (Los Angeles)|Taft HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 2
| weight = 215
| 40 = 4.45
| commitdate = January 26, 2007
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 78
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Broderick Green
| position = RB
| hometown = Little Rock, Arkansas
| highschool = [[Pulaski Academy]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 2
| weight = 230
| 40 = 4.57
| commitdate = February 7, 2007
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 76
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Brandon Carswell
| position = WR
| hometown = Milpitas, California
| highschool = [[Milpitas High School|Milpitas HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 1
| weight = 180
| 40 = 4.50
| commitdate = December 16, 2006
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 76
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Jordan Campbell
| position = LB
| hometown = Norco, California
| highschool = [[Norco High School|Norco HS]]
| feet = 5
| inches = 11
| weight = 230
| 40 = 4.60
| commitdate = October 17, 2006
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 73
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Christian Tupou
| position = DT
| hometown = Sacramento, California
| highschool = [[Grant Joint Union High School District|Grant Union HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 3
| weight = 275
| 40 = 4.80
| commitdate = February 5, 2007
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 73
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Rhett Ellison
| position = TE
| hometown = Mountain View, California
| highschool = [[Saint Francis High School (Mountain View)|Saint Francis HS]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 5
| weight = 235
| 40 = 4.65
| commitdate = February 6, 2007
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 76
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Trey Henderson
| position = DE
| hometown = Vancouver, BC
| highschool = [[Vancouver College|Vancouver College Prep]]
| feet = 6
| inches = 3
| weight = 270
| 40 = 4.90
| commitdate = February 4, 2007
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 40
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit End
| 40 = yes
| year = 2007
| rivals ref title = Southern Cal Commit List for 2007
| scout ref title = Scout.com Football Recruiting: USC
| espn ref title = RecruitTracker 2007: USC
| rivals school = usc
| scout s = 15
| espn schoolid = 30
| scout overall = #2
| rivals overall = #2
| collapse = no
| access-date = 2007-02-07
}}
===Transfers===
[[File:MitchMustain-HS.jpg|thumb|100px|Mitch Mustain]]
In May, the Trojans were joined by former [[2006 Arkansas Razorbacks football team|Arkansas]] quarterback [[Mitch Mustain]], who had an 8–0 win–loss record as a starter during his freshman (and only) year with the team.<ref name=AP052107>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2878185 Mustain will be eligible to play for USC in '08], Associated Press, May 21, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> Mustain joined fellow Arkansas teammate and [[wide receiver]] [[Damian Williams (wide receiver)|Damian Williams]], who transferred from Arkansas before the 2006 bowl season. Due to [[NCAA]] transfer rules all would be unable to compete until 2008, although they would be allowed on the [[scout team]].<ref name=AP052107/>
In early summer, [[Jordan Cameron]], a former freshman [[basketball]] player from [[Brigham Young University]], also transferred to USC to play football as a wide receiver.<ref name=USCMediaGuide07sec3>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110524211244/http://www.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/usc/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/07-newcomers 2007 USC Trojans Football Media Guide (Section 3)], USC Athletic Department, July 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> However, when USC refused to accept some of Cameron's credits from Brigham Young, he was forced to withdraw and attend [[Ventura College]]. He missed the football season but was given the option to try to rejoin the team in 2008. Even if he had stayed at USC, due to NCAA transfer rules he would have been ineligible to play in 2007.<ref name=SBS072607>Scott Wolf, [http://www.sbsun.com/sports/ci_6474499 Trojans busy counting scholarships] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070804231055/http://www.sbsun.com/sports/ci_6474499 |date=2007-08-04 }}, ''San Bernardino Sun'', July 26, 2007, Accessed July 26, 2007.</ref> Cameron ended up enrolling at USC a year later.
With the late 2006 dismissal of Troy Van Blarcom (academics) and the death of [[Mario Danelo]], USC was left with only one experienced [[Placekicker|kicker]]:<ref name=LAT110808>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-nov-08-sp-usc8-story.html David Buehler is giving USC a leg up], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 8, 2008, Accessed February 2, 2009.</ref><ref name=WSC072307>Garry Paskwietz, [http://wearesc.com/news/story.php?article=100 Trojans add JC kicker] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929223629/http://wearesc.com/news/story.php?article=100 |date=September 29, 2007 }}, WeAreSC.com, July 23, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> [[David Buehler]], a 2006 [[junior college]] transfer from [[Santa Ana College]] who competed mainly at [[Fullback (American football)|fullback]] and [[Safety (American football position)|safety]], but was used for one successful [[Field goal (football)|field goal]] attempt the previous season.<ref name=OCR082307>Mark Saxon, [http://www.ocregister.com/sports/buehler-kicker-danelo-1819399-football-year USC mid-day: More Buehler] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001031230/http://www.ocregister.com/sports/buehler-kicker-danelo-1819399-football-year |date=2007-10-01 }}, ''The Orange County Register'', August 23, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> In July 2007, Joe Houston, a junior college kicker from [[El Camino College]], joined the team as a "preferred [[Walk-on (sport term)|walk-on]]", guaranteed a non-scholarship spot on the team.<ref name=WSC072307/> As a junior college transfer, Houston would be able to play for the Trojans immediately. USC also recruited former [[University of Nebraska]] kicker, Jordan Congdon, who was not eligible for the 2007 season; and Brad Smith, formerly of [[Davidson College]]. Smith was able to play immediately under an NCAA rule that permits non-scholarship players who have already received a degree to transfer once with immediate eligibility.<ref name=LAT081207>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-aug-12-sp-uscrep12-story.html Sanchez is trying to remain positive], ''Los Angeles Times'', August 12, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
===Departures===
Following the 2006 season, several players graduated, including starting senior All-Americans [[Steve Smith (wide receiver, born 1985)|Steve Smith]] (wide receiver) and [[Ryan Kalil]] ([[Center (American football)|center]]), as well as all-conference linebackers [[Dallas Sartz]] and [[Oscar Lua]]. Junior All-American [[Dwayne Jarrett]], who was their leading receiver in 2005 and 2006, renounced his eligibility and joined the [[National Football League|NFL]].<ref name=LAT011107a>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jan-11-sp-jarrett11-story.html NFL challenge next for Jarrett], ''Los Angeles Times'', January 11, 2007, Accessed August 4, 2008.</ref>
The Trojans entered fall training camp with a high number of scholarship running backs (10), all of whom were highly touted recruits. In August, midway through camp, running back [[Emmanuel Moody]] announced he was leaving USC.<ref name=LAT081607a>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-aug-16-sp-uscrep16-story.html Tailback Moody to transfer], ''Los Angeles Times'', August 16, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Moody, who was the second-leading rusher in the 2006 season, had gained 458 yards on 79 carries in a rotating platoon of running backs in 2006 and had recently been one of three USC running backs appearing on the regional cover of ''Sports Illustrated'''s college football preview edition.<ref name=LAT081607a/><ref name=LAT081607b>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-aug-17-sp-usc17-story.html Off the Deep End], ''Los Angeles Times'', August 17, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Injuries had limited his playing and practice time: he suffered an ankle injury that caused him to miss the team's last four games of the 2006 season, then missed almost all of spring practice due to a hamstring injury. Halfway through the summer training camp, Moody bruised his knee and was forced to stop practicing. He wished to be a featured player and stated he had "felt forgotten" coming into training camp due to his recent lack of playing and practice time.<ref name=LAT081607b/> After looking at several schools, including [[Oklahoma State University|Oklahoma State]] and [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|North Carolina]], Moody transferred to the [[University of Florida]].<ref name=Schad081707>Joe Schad, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2992872 Moody says he will transfer to Gator country], ESPN.com, August 27, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
At about the same time, backup receiver and [[Redshirt (college sports)|redshirt]] freshman Jamere Holland was dismissed from the team, although not for any violation of team rules. He was allowed to stay on scholarship for the year. Holland redshirted the previous season after breaking his [[collarbone]], reinjured it during spring practice and had clashed with coaches during his return to fall camp.<ref name=LAT082007>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-aug-20-sp-uscrep20-story.html Holland kicked off team], ''Los Angeles Times'', August 20, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT082107>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-aug-21-sp-uscrep21-story.html Carroll dismisses 2006 recruit Holland], ''Los Angeles Times'', August 21, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> He would later transfer to the [[University of Oregon]].<ref name=HollandOregon>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4934763 Holland dismissed from Oregon], Associated Press, February 22, 2010, Accessed August 26, 2012.</ref>
===Offseason news===
On January 6, 2007, Shortly after the Trojans ended their 2006 season with a win at the 2007 Rose Bowl, two-year starting placekicker [[Mario Danelo]] was found dead at the bottom of a cliff in [[San Pedro, Los Angeles, California|San Pedro, California]]. Danelo had been expected to start during the 2007 season. For the 2007 season, USC players wore a #19 sticker on their helmets in honor of Danelo; in addition the Kennedy-Jones practice field had the number "19" sprayed onto its end zones and the Coliseum hung a banner above the player's tunnel with Danelo's name and also paid tribute to him on the goal-post pads.<ref name=LADN081207>Scott Wolf, [http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_6603945 USC freshman end Griffen gains reputation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930201448/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_6603945 |date=2007-09-30 }}, ''Daily News'', August 12, 2007, ''Accessed August 12, 2007''.</ref><ref name=LAT032607>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-mar-26-sp-uscfb26-story.html Danelo's parents visit during practice], ''Los Angeles Times'', March 26, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
[[File:2008-0808-USC19-SteveSarkisian.jpg|thumb|Sarkisian took over as Offensive Coordinator after Kiffin's departure.]]
The Trojans lost their offensive coordinator, [[Lane Kiffin]], on January 23, [[2007 in sports|2007]], when he was hired to be the new head coach of the [[Oakland Raiders]]; the 31-year-old Kiffin became the youngest head coach in Raiders history, and the youngest head coach since the formation of the modern NFL.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/raiders/2007-01-22-kiffin-hiring_x.htm Raiders tab USC's Lane Kiffin to be next head coach], Associated Press, January 22, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> Shortly after Kiffin's departure, Pete Carroll named [[Steve Sarkisian]] as his team's new offensive coordinator.<ref>Gary Klein, Carroll moves to fill the void; Sarkisian will take control of USC's offense, ''Los Angeles Times'', January 24, 2007, Page D3.</ref> Sarkisian had interviewed with the Raiders for their vacant head coach position but withdrew from the process to stay at USC, where he had been the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.<ref>Steve Corkran, Sarkisian turns down Raiders offer, ''Oakland Tribune'', January 19, 2007, Page 1.</ref>
Intra-conference controversy arose in March 2007, when Stanford coach [[Jim Harbaugh]] was quoted as saying "<nowiki>[Pete Carroll]</nowiki>'s only got one more year, though. He'll be there one more year. That's what I've heard. I heard it inside the staff."<ref name=miller/> Upon further questions, Harbaugh claimed he had heard it from staff at USC.<ref name=miller>Ted Miller, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2828014 Spring look around the Pac-10], ESPN.com, April 6, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> At the Pac-10 Conference media day (July 26, 2007), Harbaugh praised the Trojans, stating "There is no question in my mind that USC is the best team in the country and may be the best team in the history of college football"; the declaration, especially in light of his earlier comment, garnered more media attention.<ref name=LAT072607/><ref name="AP072607" /><ref name=ESPN072707forde>Pat Forde, [https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2950530&sportCat=ncf Harbaugh declaration delivers Pac-10 jolt], ESPN.com, July 27, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
In early July, LSU coach [[Les Miles]] stirred inter-conference controversy when he publicly criticized USC's 2007 schedule in front of LSU boosters; though the two schools had not played each other since 1984, the LSU Tiger faithful maintained a strong grudge against the Trojans after they shared the national title in the controversial [[2003 NCAA Division I-A football season|2003 season]].<ref name=SI070607>Stewart Mandel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20070815024447/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/07/06/miles.usc/index.html Better Les unsaid], SI.com, July 6, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> LSU and Michigan were ranked as the pre-season No. 2 team in various polls.
==Schedule==
The 2007 Trojans schedule was ranked the 8th hardest in the country.<ref name=Megargee0621>Steve Megargee, [https://archive.today/20121206024054/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/06/19/schedules.top25/index.html Top 25 toughest schedules], SI.com/Rivals.com, June 21, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> Before the season, the road schedule was ranked as the 6th toughest.<ref name=Rivals061207>Steve Megargee, [http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=682063 Road to glory will be tough one for Seminoles], Rivals.com, June 12, 2007, Accessed August 19, 2008.</ref> Within the Pac-10, the schedule ranked as the 2nd toughest.<ref name=SIFox0622>David Fox, [https://web.archive.org/web/20070820044048/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/06/19/schedules.pac10/index.html Pac-10 schedule rankings], SI.com/Rivals.com, June 21, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
{{CFB schedule
| rankyear = 2007
| poll = AP
| timezone = Pacific
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 1
| time = 7:15 p.m.
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| rank = 1
| opponent = [[2007 Idaho Vandals football team|Idaho]]
| site_stadium = [[Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum]]
| site_cityst = [[Los Angeles|Los Angeles, CA]]
| tv = [[Fox Sports Networks|FSN]]
| score = 38–10
| attend = 90,917
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 15
| time = 5:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| rank = 1
| opponent = [[2007 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team|Nebraska]]
| opprank = 14
| gamename = [[College GameDay (football)|College GameDay]]
| site_stadium = [[Memorial Stadium, Lincoln|Memorial Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Lincoln, Nebraska|Lincoln, NE]]
| tv = [[ESPN on ABC|ABC]]
| score = 49–31
| attend = 84,959
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 22
| time = 5:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| rank = 1
| opponent = [[2007 Washington State Cougars football team|Washington State]]
| site_stadium = Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
| site_cityst = Los Angeles, CA
| tv = ABC
| score = 47–14
| attend = 86,876
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 29
| time = 5:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| away = y
| rank = 1
| opponent = [[2007 Washington Huskies football team|Washington]]
| site_stadium = [[Husky Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Seattle|Seattle, WA]]
| tv = ABC
| score = 27–24
| attend = 68,654
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 6
| time = 4:00 p.m.
| w/l = l
| rank = 2
| opponent = [[2007 Stanford Cardinal football team|Stanford]]
| gamename = [[Stanford–USC football rivalry|rivalry]]
| site_stadium = Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
| site_cityst = Los Angeles, CA
| tv = [[Versus (TV channel)|Versus]]
| score = [[2007 Stanford vs. USC football game|23–24]]
| attend = 85,125
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 13
| time = 12:30 p.m.
| w/l = w
| rank = 10
| opponent = [[2007 Arizona Wildcats football team|Arizona]]
| site_stadium = Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
| site_cityst = Los Angeles, CA
| tv = ABC
| score = 20–13
| attend = 84,671
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 20
| time = 12:30 p.m.
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| rank = 13
| opponent = [[2007 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Notre Dame]]
| gamename = [[Notre Dame–USC football rivalry|Jeweled Shillelagh]]
| site_stadium = [[Notre Dame Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Notre Dame, Indiana|Notre Dame, IN]]
| tv = [[Notre Dame Football on NBC|NBC]]
| score = 38–0
| attend = 80,795
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 27
| time = 12:00 p.m.
| w/l = l
| away = y
| rank = 9
| opponent = [[2007 Oregon Ducks football team|Oregon]]
| opprank = 5
| site_stadium = [[Autzen Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene, OR]]
| tv = FSN
| score = 17–24
| attend = 59,277
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 3
| time = 5:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| homecoming = y
| rank = 13
| opponent = [[2007 Oregon State Beavers football team|Oregon State]]
| site_stadium = Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
| site_cityst = Los Angeles, CA
| tv = ABC
| score = 24–3
| attend = 85,713
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 10
| time = 5:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| away = y
| rank = 12
| opponent = [[2007 California Golden Bears football team|California]]
| opprank = 24
| site_stadium = [[California Memorial Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Berkeley, California|Berkeley, CA]]
| tv = ABC
| score = 24–17
| attend = 72,516
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = {{dow tooltip|November 22, 2007}}
| time = 5:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| away = y
| rank = 11
| opponent = [[2007 Arizona State Sun Devils football team|Arizona State]]
| opprank = 7
| site_stadium = [[Sun Devil Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Tempe, Arizona|Tempe, AZ]]
| tv = ESPN
| score = 44–24
| attend = 71,706
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = December 1
| time = 1:30 p.m.
| w/l = w
| rank = 8
| opponent = [[2007 UCLA Bruins football team|UCLA]]
| gamename = [[Victory Bell (UCLA–USC)|Victory Bell]]
| site_stadium = Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
| site_cityst = Los Angeles, CA
| tv = ABC
| score = 24–7
| attend = 91,553
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = {{dow tooltip|January 1, 2008}}, 2008
| time = 1:30 p.m.
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| rank = 6
| opponent = [[2007 Illinois Fighting Illini football team|Illinois]]
| opprank = 13
| gamename = [[2008 Rose Bowl|Rose Bowl]]) ([[College GameDay (football)|College GameDay]]
| site_stadium = [[Rose Bowl (stadium)|Rose Bowl]]
| site_cityst = [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena, CA]]
| tv = ABC
| score = 49–17
| attend = 93,293
}}
}}
==Roster==
{| class="toccolours" style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:90%;"
|-
|
|-
|valign="top"|
'''Wide receiver'''
* 1 [[Patrick Turner]] – ''Junior''
* 7 [[Vidal Hazelton]] – ''Sophomore''
* 8 [[Ronald Johnson (American football)|Ronald Johnson]] – ''Freshman''
* 9 [[David Ausberry]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*14 Garrett Green* – ''Sophomore''
*17 Travon Patterson – ''Sophomore''
*18 [[Damian Williams (wide receiver)|Damian Williams]] – ''Sophomore''++
*<s>18 Jamere Holland – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''</s>
*41 Aubey Layno-Moses* – ''Freshman''
*46 Sean Calcagnie* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*47 Scott Stephens* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*48 Brad Walker – ''Senior''
*80 Brandon Carswell – ''Freshman''
*81 Spencer Vigoren* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*82 Duron Sylvester* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*87 Caleb Nelan* – ''Freshman''
'''Center'''
*61 [[Kristofer O'Dowd]] – ''Freshman''
*69 [[Matt Spanos]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*76 Nick Howell – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
'''Offensive guard'''
*53 [[Jeff Byers]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*66 [[Chilo Rachal]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*70 Alatini Malu – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*74 Zach Heberer – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
'''Offensive tackle'''
*60 [[Drew Radovich]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*62 David Clinco* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
*67 Michael Reardon – ''Freshman''
*68 Butch Lewis – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*71 [[Charles Brown (offensive lineman)|Charles Brown]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
*72 Martin Coleman – ''Freshman''
*77 Thomas Herring – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
*78 Andrew Weiss* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*79 [[Sam Baker (offensive tackle)|Sam Baker]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
'''Tight end'''
*40 [[Rhett Ellison]] – ''Freshman''
*83 [[Fred Davis (tight end)|Fred Davis]] – ''Senior''
*86 [[Anthony McCoy]] – ''Sophomore''
*88 Jimmy Miller – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*89 Dale Thompson – ''Senior''
|width="25"|
|valign="top"|
'''Quarterback'''
* 6 [[Mark Sanchez]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
*15 [[Aaron Corp]] – ''Freshman''
*10 [[John David Booty]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*16 Michael McDonald – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*16 [[Mitch Mustain]] – ''Sophomore''++
*17 Jon Breuer* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
'''Tailback'''
* 2 [[C. J. Gable]] – ''Sophomore''
* 4 [[Joe McKnight]] – ''Freshman''
*13 [[Stafon Johnson]] – ''Sophomore''
*21 [[Allen Bradford (American football)|Allen Bradford]] – ''Sophomore''
*22 Desmond Reed – ''Senior''
*23 [[Chauncey Washington]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*26 [[Marc Tyler]] – ''Freshman''
*<s>28 [[Emmanuel Moody]] – ''Sophomore''</s>
*29 Broderick Green – ''Freshman''
*34 [[Hershel Dennis]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
'''Fullback'''
*31 [[Stanley Havili]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*35 Jody Adewale – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*37 Jordan Campbell – ''Freshman''
*39 Alfred Rowe – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*45 Adam Goodman – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
*85 Cooper Stephenson* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
'''Nose tackle'''
*44 Christian Tupou – ''Freshman''
*49 [[Sedrick Ellis]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*90 Derek Simmons – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*99 Averell Spicer – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
'''Defensive tackle'''
*56 [[Alex Parsons (American football)|Alex Parsons]] – ''Sophomore''
*75 [[Fili Moala]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*95 Lawrence Miles – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*98 [[DaJohn Harris]] – ''Freshman''
'''Defensive end'''
*67 Michael Reardon – ''Freshman''
*81 Gerald Washington – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*84 [[Kyle Moore]] – ''Junior''
*92 [[Trey Henderson]] – ''Freshman''
*93 [[Everson Griffen]] – ''Freshman''
*96 [[Lawrence Jackson]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*97 Alex Morrow – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
|width="25"|
|valign="top"|
'''Cornerback'''
* 7 [[Cary Harris]] – ''Junior''
*15 [[Kevin Thomas (cornerback b. 1986)|Kevin Thomas]] – ''Junior''
*22 Jim Abbott* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*23 Vincent Joseph – ''Sophomore''
*24 [[Shareece Wright]] – ''Sophomore''
*25 Daniel Harper* – ''Freshman''
*28 [[Terrell Thomas]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*42 Omari Crittenden* – ''Sophomore''
*48 Matthew Jordan – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
'''Linebacker'''
* 6 [[Malcolm Smith (American football)|Malcolm Smith]] – ''Freshman''
*10 [[Brian Cushing]] – ''Junior''
*43 [[Kaluka Maiava]] – ''Junior''
*41 [[Thomas Williams (American football)|Thomas Williams]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*46 [[Mike Morgan (linebacker, born 1988)|Michael Morgan]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*47 [[Clay Matthews III|Clay Matthews]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*51 Joshua Tatum – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*52 Luther Brown – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
*54 [[Chris Galippo]] – ''Freshman''
*55 [[Keith Rivers]] – ''Senior''
*57 Nick Garratt* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
*58 [[Rey Maualuga]] – ''Junior''
*59 Dan Deckas* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
'''Safety'''
* 2 [[Taylor Mays]] – ''Sophomore''
* 4 [[Kevin Ellison (American football)|Kevin Ellison]] – ''Junior''
* 9 Mozique McCurtis – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*26 Will Harris – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
*27 Marshall Jones – ''Freshman''
*29 Brent Yoshida* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*30 Chase McWhorter* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*35 Justin Hart – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
*36 [[Josh Pinkard]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
*38 Robert Erickson* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
'''Long snapper'''
*50 Will Collins – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
*63 Christian Putnam* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Sophomore''
'''Punter'''
*25 Billy O'Malley* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshman''
*44 Greg Woidneck – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Junior''
'''Place kicker'''
*18 [[David Buehler]] – ''Junior''
*30 Joe Houston* – ''Sophomore''
*38 Jordon Congdon – ''Junior''++
*45 Brad Smith* – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Senior''
|-
|colspan="7"|<hr />{{smalldiv|1=Sources: [https://web.archive.org/web/20110524211244/http://www.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/usc/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/07-newcomers 2007 USC Trojans Football Media Guide], [https://web.archive.org/web/20071015045653/http://www.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/usc/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/depth-chart USC Official Depth Chart], [https://web.archive.org/web/20060412093226/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/usc-m-footbl-mtt.html USC Athletics], [https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080224064817/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/usc/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/08-rose-bowl-guide 2008 Rose Bowl Media Guide]
* [[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] indicates that the player [[redshirt (college sports)|redshirted]], sitting out a year
* '''<nowiki>*</nowiki>''' indicates that the player is a "[[Walk-on (sport term)|walk-on]]"
* '''++''' indicates that the player is a transfer who is ineligible to play 2007 season but is allowed to practice with scout team
*Players who left the team are struck out<!--and players who left the team are <s>struck out</s><br />-->
}}
|}
==Coaching staff==
[[File:PeteCarroll.JPG|thumb|Pete Carroll, head coach]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Position !! Year<br />at USC || [[Alma mater]] (year)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Pete Carroll]] || Head coach || 7th || [[University of the Pacific (United States)|Pacific]] (1973)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Steve Sarkisian]] || Offensive coordinator<br />Quarterbacks || 6th<br />2001–2003,<br />2005–|| [[Brigham Young University|BYU]] (1997)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Nick Holt]] || Defensive coordinator<br />Defensive line || 5th<br />2001–2003,<br />2006–|| Pacific (1986)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Todd McNair]] || Running backs<br />Special teams coordinator || 4th || [[Temple University|Temple]] (1988)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Brennan Carroll]] || Tight ends<br />Recruiting coordinator || 6th || [[University of Pittsburgh|Pittsburgh]] (2001)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[John Morton (coach)|John Morton]] || Wide receivers<br />Passing Game Coordinator || 1st || [[Western Illinois University|Western Michigan]] (1992)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Ken Norton (American football player)|Ken Norton Jr.]] || Linebackers || 4th || [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]] (1988)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Pat Ruel]] || Offensive line || 3rd || [[University of Miami|Miami]] (1972)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Rocky Seto]] || Secondary || 9th || USC (1999)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[David Watson (coach)|David Watson]] || Defensive line || 2nd || [[Western Illinois University|Western Illinois]] (2001)
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[Chris Carlisle]] || Strength and conditioning || 7th || [[Chadron State College|Chadron State]] (1985)
|}
==
===Idaho===
{{See also|2007 Idaho Vandals football team}}
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|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3= 0|V4=7
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|H1=14 |H2=7 |H3=17 |H4=0
|Date=September 1
|Location=[[Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum]], [[Los Angeles]]
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[[File:090107-USCIdaho12.jpg|thumb|The opening kick off of USC's 2007 season.]]
[[File:2008-0808-USC12-KristoferODowd.jpg|upright|thumb|Kristofer O'Dowd became the first true freshman to start at center for USC.]]
USC opened its season hosting the [[University of Idaho]] [[Idaho Vandals football|Vandals]] of the [[Western Athletic Conference]], under first year coach [[Robb Akey]]. Trojans Defensive Coordinator Nick Holt had previously been the head coach of the Idaho Vandals for two seasons (2004–[[2005 Idaho Vandals football team|05]]); before that he was USC's linebackers coach from [[2001 USC Trojans football team|2001]]–[[2003 USC Trojans football team|03]] under Carroll (Holt had been an assistant coach at Idaho for eight seasons, from 1990 to 1997). The game was scheduled in 2005, during Holt's tenure with the Vandals.<ref name=LAT082707>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-aug-27-sp-uscrep27-story.html Holt set up game and switched sides], ''Los Angeles Times'', August 27, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> After Holt's sudden resignation in early [[2006 Idaho Vandals football team|2006]], Idaho tried to get out of the game to no avail; the Vandals athletic program received $600,000 for their appearance in the game.<ref name=LT0082907>Matt Baney, About to renew acquaintances, ''Lewiston Tribune'', August 29, 2007, Page 1B.</ref> The last time the Vandals played USC, in 1929, they were in the same conference, the [[Pacific Coast Conference]]. During their time as conference rivals, USC dominated the Vandals, winning all seven games between 1922 and 1929 by a combined score of 215–20.<ref name=USCMediaGuide07sec5>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110524204123/http://www.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/usc/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/07-history 2007 USC Trojans Football Media Guide (Section 5)], USC Athletic Department, July 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> USC entered the 2007 contest as six-touchdown favorites.<ref name=LAT082707/>
USC controlled the game, but did not exert the level of domination expected.<ref name=LAT090207a>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-02-sp-usc2-story.html Sputter step for USC], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 2, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> After taking a 21–0 lead into the second quarter, the offense showed signs of sputtering; the second teams took over for the 4th quarter. Booty completed 21 of 32 passes for 206 yards, threw for three touchdowns and one interception; though he did not convert on a fourth down play in short yardage and was unable to find a rhythm.<ref name="LAT090207b" /> Primary receiver Patrick Turner was held out of the game to recover from a [[Stinger (medicine)|stinger]] received in the previous week's practice; cornerback Josh Pinkard was also held out to recover from knee soreness. As a result, young receivers David Ausberry and Vidal Hazelton handled the primary wide receiver duties.<ref name=LAT090207a/> The highlight of the Trojans offense was the running game, which rushed for 214 yards while Idaho was held to 98. The role was run by committee: with the debut of redshirt freshman Stafon Johnson (64 yards in 12 carries, two touchdown runs), who scored the first touchdown of the game, as well as C.J. Gable (68 yards in eight carries, one touchdown reception), who made an impressive 33-yard run, and fullback Stanley Havili who made several receptions, including one for a touchdown. The game marked the debut of USC true freshman running back Joe McKnight, who made a spectacular run in the third quarter that was likened to those of predecessor [[Reggie Bush]].<ref name="LAT090207b">Bill Plaschke, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-02-sp-plaschke2-story.html With these tailbacks, this season could be a blast], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 2, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> Kristofer O'Dowd became the first true freshman to start at center for the Trojans due to an injury to Matt Spanos, earning positive reviews for his performance.<ref name=LAT090207c>Eric Sondheimer, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-02-sp-uscside2-story.html He is the center of attention], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 2, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT090307>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-03-sp-uscrep3-story.html Opener goes as expected], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 3, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> Although the defense did not cause many turnovers and lost key linebacker Brian Cushing to an ankle sprain in the first quarter, it met enough expectations to remain ranked among the top defenses in the country.<ref name=ESPN090307>Bruce Feldman, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=feldman_bruce&id=3003092 LSU, Virginia Tech should be great defensive matchup], ''ESPN the Magazine'', September 3, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
In honor of Trojans kicker Mario Danelo, who died just after the 2006 season, a special ceremony was held before the beginning of the game. Also, after scoring its first touchdown, USC intentionally lined up for the [[Extra point|PAT]] without a kicker in tribute to their late teammate, taking a 5-yard [[delay of game]] penalty before David Buehler came on the field to kick the extra point.<ref name=LAT090207d>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-02-sp-uscrep2-story.html Danelo is paid a tribute], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 2, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> The moment was chosen by ESPN as one of the Pac-10's Top 10 Moments Of BCS Era.<ref name=ESPN052208>Ted Miller, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3406111 Trojans had no BCS peer once Carroll arrived], ESPN.com, May 22, 2008, Accessed May 22, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Nebraska===
{{see also|2007 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team}}
{{AFB game box start
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|V1= 7|V2=14 |V3=21 |V4=7
|Host=Nebraska
|H1=7 |H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=21
|Date=September 15
|Location=[[Memorial Stadium, Lincoln|Memorial Stadium]], [[Lincoln, Nebraska]]
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After a [[Bye (sports)|bye week]], the Trojans visited the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln, Nebraska. In the pre-season, the game was named as one of the candidates for the 10 most important games of 2007. For the Huskers, the game was especially critical to their hopes of showing progress under 4th year head coach [[Bill Callahan (football coach)|Bill Callahan]].<ref name="Mandel062107" /><ref name=ESPN081507z>David Duffey, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/preview07/news/story?id=2975519 Don't miss these nonconference games in 2007], ESPN.com, August 15, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> The game marked the first time a No. 1-ranked team visited Lincoln since 1978.<ref name=OWH091107>[https://archive.today/20130131011346/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10129102 Guest List: Huskers' toughest opponents in Memorial Stadium], ''Omaha World-Herald'', September 11, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref> Because of the game's significance, [[ESPN]] ''[[College GameDay (football)|College GameDay]]'' chose it as the site of its weekly broadcast.<ref name=Huskers090907>[http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=1&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=1210857 Live from Lincoln . . . ESPN's College GameDay] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404210056/http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=1&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=1210857 |date=April 4, 2009 }}, Huskers.com, September 9, 2007, Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
[[File:091507-USCNeb-CollegeGameDay-Corsopick.jpg|thumb|left|ESPN ''College GameDay'': Cornhusker fans react negatively to [[Lee Corso]]'s decision to pick USC to win the game; as per tradition, he dons the gear of the team he picks.]]
Callahan had been criticized for his conservative play-calling during the 2006 game in Los Angeles; instead of playing to win, it appeared the Huskers were playing to not get blown out by the then-favored Trojans. In that game the normally prolific [[West Coast offense]] of Nebraska, which had produced 541 yards a game, was corralled on the ground and attempted only 17 passes in a 28–10 Husker loss. For 2007, Callahan pledged to play more aggressively, using running back [[Marlon Lucky]] and quarterback [[Sam Keller]].<ref name=LAT091507b>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-15-sp-usc15-story.html USC vs. the Red Sea], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 15, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> Keller, the Huskers redshirt senior starting quarterback, was a 2006 transfer from Arizona State; as a Sun Devil Keller started the first seven games of his 2005 junior season, throwing for 2,165 yards, before a disastrous game against USC where, after leading ASU to a 21–3 halftime lead, he and the offense fell apart on the way to a 38–28 loss where he was sacked five times and threw five interceptions.<ref name=CSTV082107>Carolyn Braff, [https://web.archive.org/web/20071206103506/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/082107aak.html Running A Reverse], CSTV.com, August 21, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> Due to NCAA transfer rules, Keller spent the 2006 season on the Huskers' scout team.
The Trojans stayed in nearby [[Omaha, Nebraska|Omaha]] and practiced at a local high school; Carroll took the rare step of closing practice to outsiders after a local radio station announced the location.<ref name=LAT091507a>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-15-sp-uscrep15-story.html Trojans have a hidden agenda in enemy territory], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 15, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> The game marked the return of primary receiver Patrick Turner and running back Chauncey Washington from injury; linebacker Brian Cushing, who injured his ankle early against Idaho, had not fully recovered but was allowed to suit-up as a reserve.<ref name=LAT091407b>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-14-sp-uscrep14-story.html Receivers eager to play on big stage], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 14, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> Senior center Matt Spanos remained injured, and true freshman Kris O'Dowd was called to start again. Veteran [[Defensive back|secondary]] member Josh Pinkard was lost for the season after his sore knee gave out during a bye week practice, resulting in a torn [[anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] requiring surgery.<ref name=LAT091207b>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-12-sp-uscrep12-story.html Pinkard to again miss the season], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 12, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref>
[[File:091507-USCNeb-MemorialStadium.jpg|thumb|Teams take the field as Nebraska hosted USC for its 284th consecutive home sell out at Memorial Stadium.]]
Anticipation for the game was high in Lincoln, fueling strong demand for tickets and accommodations; the game brought celebrities including USC fans [[Will Ferrell]] (also an alumnus) and [[Keanu Reeves]], Nebraska fans [[Larry the Cable Guy]], Supreme Court Justice [[Clarence Thomas]], [[Rush Limbaugh]], and [[Ward Connerly]]; past Husker Heisman-winner [[Mike Rozier]], Trojans Heisman-winner [[Marcus Allen]] and star Trojans safety [[Ronnie Lott]] were also on hand for the game.<ref name=LAT091507dw>David Wharton, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-15-sp-lincoln15-story.html Nowhere becomes somewhere], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 15, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref><ref>Jason Siffring, [http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2007/09/view_from_the_sideline_usc_vs.html View from the Sideline: USC vs Nebraska] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704072316/http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2007/09/view_from_the_sideline_usc_vs.html |date=2008-07-04 }}, Big Red Network, September 17, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref><ref>Rush Limbaugh, [http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_091707/content/01125107.guest.html.guest.html Rush Recounts His Trip to Lincoln] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612203404/http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_091707/content/01125107.guest.html.guest.html |date=June 12, 2011 }}, www.rushlimbaugh.com, September 17, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> The game fell on Pete Carroll's 56th birthday; as a surprise, Carroll was treated to a recorded message by actor [[Kiefer Sutherland]], star of his favorite television show, ''[[24 (TV series)|24]]''.<ref name=USCripsit01>Ben Malcolmson, [http://www.petecarroll.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/400829/pid/400654 A surprise birthday present] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204104401/http://www.petecarroll.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/400829/pid/400654 |date=December 4, 2008 }}, USCRipsIt.com, September 15, 2007, Accessed August 18, 2008.</ref> The morning recording of ''College GameDay'' attracted 13,293 fans, second to the all-time record of 15,808 set by Nebraska in 2001.<ref name=OWH>Mitch Sherman, [https://archive.today/20130131004953/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10131776 NU players, fans excited for GameDay], ''Omaha World-Herald'', September 14, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> With 84,959 in attendance, Nebraska recorded its NCAA-record 284th consecutive home sellout dating back to 1962.<ref name=LAT091507b/>
USC dominated the game 49–31, in a game that was not as close as the final score indicated: the Trojans led 42–10 going into the fourth quarter; Nebraska scored two touchdowns in the final five minutes during [[garbage time]].<ref name=ESPN091507-IM>Ivan Maisel, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=3022344 Lincoln log: USC makes style statement in running past Huskers], ESPN.com, September 15, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> The Trojans dominated on the ground, as they out-gained Nebraska 313–31 in rushing yards and averaged 8.2 yards per carry, the most ever against a Nebraska team.<ref>Terry Bowden, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=tb-folo091707 Sweet 16: Five alive], Yahoo! Sports, September 17, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> Stafon Johnson led USC running backs with a career-best 144 yards in 11 carries with one touchdown; other major contributors were C.J. Gable (69 yards in four carries, including a 40-yard run), Washington (43 yards in 12 carries with two touchdowns), and another versatile performance by fullback Stanley Havili (52 rushing yards in two rushes with one touchdown, and three pass receptions for 22 yards with one touchdown). The Trojans passing game again did not find a rhythm, with several dropped passes, but the defense was able to frustrate the Husker offense for most of the game and cause two pivotal 3rd quarter interceptions.<ref name=LAT091607gka>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-16-sp-usc16-story.html A USC haymaker], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 16, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT091607running>David Wharton, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-16-sp-uscside16-story.html USC finds lots of running room], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 16, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref><ref name="LAT091607dwgkx1">David Wharton and Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-18-sp-uscrep18-story.html Johnson goes the extra yards], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 16, 2007, Accessed August 15, 2008.</ref>
[[File:091507-USCNeb-USCBootyDrive.jpg|left|thumb|John David Booty leads a drive early in the fourth quarter.]]
The Trojans did not escape injuries, as linebacker Clay Matthews, substituting for the recovering Brian Cushing, broke his thumb, causing Cushing to enter the game as his replacement. The Trojans also suffered two injuries on kick returns: fullback Alfred Rowe suffered a mild [[concussion]], and there was a moment of worry when returner Vincent Joseph, after being tackled and fumbling the ball, lay on the turf for over 10 minutes before being removed by stretcher with a bruised [[larynx]] and a neck sprain, but no serious injuries.<ref name="LAT091607dwgkx1" /><ref name=LAT091807>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-18-sp-uscrep18-story.html Injury scary but not serious for Joseph], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 18, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> Linebacker Rey Maualuga was flagged during a field goal attempt for the rarely called penalty of "disconcerting", which is given for "words or signals that disconcert opponents when they are preparing to put the ball in play".<ref>Ivan Maisel, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/notebook?page=iform074 Dome dispute, directional debate and gurus gone bad], ESPN.com, September 19, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref><ref name=NYT091607>Vahl Gregorian, [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/sports/ncaafootball/16nebraska.html Trojans Leave No Doubts by Taking It to Cornhuskers], ''The New York Times'', September 16, 2007, Accessed July 10, 2008.</ref><ref name=NCAAfbrules2008>NCAA Football Rule 7–1, Article 5(a)(3): "No player shall use words or signals that disconcert opponents when they are preparing to put the ball in play. No player may call defensive signals that simulate the sound or cadence of (or otherwise interfere with) offensive starting signals." [http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828c-c2d26b95e6c1.pdf 2008 NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910045838/http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828c-c2d26b95e6c1.pdf |date=September 10, 2008 }}, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Page 99, Accessed August 4, 2008.</ref>
After losing first place votes in the polls during the bye week, USC's performance regained six after their performance against the Huskers in a hostile environment.<ref name=AP-week4>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?pollId=1&seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=4 2007 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 3 (Sept. 16)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Receiving specific praise was the Trojans offensive line, as well as the continued poise and ability of freshman center O'Dowd.<ref name=SI091607SM>Stewart Mandel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080517122238/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/09/16/usc.nebraska/index.html Ground greatness], SI.com, September 16, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT091607Plaschke>Bill Plaschke, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-16-sp-plaschke16-story.html Trojans make a bold statement in the heartland], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 16, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref><ref name=ESPN091707Feldman>Bruce Feldman, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=feldman_bruce&id=3024137 OU's Bradford has been season's biggest surprise], ''ESPN The Magazine'', September 17, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Washington State===
{{see also|2007 Washington State Cougars football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Washington St
|V1= 7|V2=0 |V3=7 |V4=0
|Host='''USC'''
|H1=14 |H2=13 |H3=13 |H4=7
|Date=September 22
|Location=Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
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[[File:091507-USCNeb-KeithRivers.jpg|thumb|upright|Linebacker Keith Rivers had a game-high 14 tackles, including 2{{frac|1|2}} for losses. Rivers wore the #55 jersey, a number USC only issues to a promising linebacker.<ref name=55story>Chris Harry, [https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2008/02/25/rivers-lives-up-to-no-55/ Rivers lives up to No. 55], ''Orlando Sentinel'', February 25, 2008, Accessed August 26, 2012.</ref>]]
USC opened Pac-10 conference play by hosting the Washington State Cougars. Entering the game, Trojans quarterback John David Booty and the receiver corp remained unproven after an uninspiring performance against Idaho and a run-dominated game against Nebraska. Hoping to take advantage, Washington State elected to go into the game using a [[American football plays#Man-to-man|man-to-man pass coverage]] to allow more focus on stopping the Trojans running game.<ref name=LAT092207b>Lonnie White, Washington State's man-to-man gamble, ''Los Angeles Times'', September 22, 2007.</ref> The Cougars had given the then-No. 3 Trojans a scare in their 2006 meeting, with the game coming down to the final seconds.<ref name=AP100106>Gregg Bell, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200609300066 No. 3 Southern California 28, Washington St. 22], Associated Press, October 1, 2006, Accessed June 15, 2018. {{Cite web |url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200609300066 |title = No. 3 Southern California 28, Washington St. 22 - College Football - Rivals.com |access-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108134856/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200609300066 |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In the end, USC routed the Cougars 47–14, with a primarily aerial attack. Booty reestablished his presence, completing 28 of 35 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns before leaving the game early in the fourth quarter. Tight end Fred Davis had a career night with nine receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns.<ref name=AP092207a>John Nadel, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709220062 (1) USC 47, Washington St. 14] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109013457/http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709220062 |date=2008-01-09 }}, Associated Press, September 22, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> Davis' performance marked the most yards receiving ever in a game by a Trojans tight end.<ref name=LAT092407>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-24-sp-uscrep24-story.html USC rewind and fast forward], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 24, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> The Trojans' first offensive drive set the tone with 13 plays, 83 yards and a touchdown on fourth down; mostly coming from the air.<ref name=LAT092207c>Lonnie White, USC gets aggressive on offense and it pays off, ''Los Angeles Times'', September 22, 2007.</ref> Receivers Patrick Turner and Vidal Hazelton were able to find a groove and make plays after sputtering against Nebraska. In the rushing game, Chauncey Washington started and rushed for 84 of USC's 207 yards. Stafon Johnson, who led the Trojans ground game against Nebraska, had nine carries and finished with 48 yards. Joe McKnight also got his first extended work and gained 48 yards in seven carries. USC built a 27–7 halftime lead and then scored on its first three possessions in the second half. The Trojans defense kept the Cougars in check, putting pressure on quarterback Alex Brink and limiting Washington State to 64 yards rushing.<ref name=LAT092307b>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-23-sp-usc23-story.html Slinging a different tune], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 23, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref>
Junior cornerback Cary Harris dislocated his right shoulder during the game and was replaced by Shareece Wright. Linebacker Brian Cushing reinjured the ankle he sprained in the opener against Idaho. Sixth-year senior running back Hershel Dennis played for the first time since the 2004 season during the fourth quarter, gaining 14 yards in four carries; he had sat out the two previous seasons due to injury.<ref name=LAT092307a>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-23-sp-uscrep23-story.html Secondary's latest casualty is Harris], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 23, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref>
The victory continued the Trojans' domination of the series, 55–8–4; it also extended the record of top-ranked USC teams against the Cougars to 5–0.<ref name=LAT092207a>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-22-sp-uscrep22-story.html Johnson keeping his goals modest], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 22, 2007, Accessed July 2, 2008.</ref> The game marked the first time it had ever rained during a USC game in September; as a result the attendance was 86,876, the first time in 16 home games that the Trojans failed to draw at least 90,000.<ref name=LAT092307a/> USC extended its home winning streak to 35 games.<ref name=AP092207a/>
{{Clear}}
===Washington===
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|V1=0 |V2=17 |V3=7 |V4=3
|Host=Washington
|H1=0 |H2=14 |H3=0|H4=10
|Date=September 29
|Location=[[Husky Stadium]], [[Seattle, Washington]]
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{{see also|2007 Washington Huskies football team}}
The Trojans played their first Pac-10 road game of the season, visiting the Washington Huskies under coach [[Tyrone Willingham]], at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. In 2006, the unranked Huskies gave No. 3 USC a scare; quarterback [[Isaiah Stanback]] led Washington to the USC 15 but the offense was unable to start a play before the final two seconds ticked off the clock, preserving a 26–20 USC victory.<ref name=AP100706>Ken Peters, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200610070062 (3) USC 26, Washington 20] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701191005/http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200610070062 |date=2007-07-01 }}, Associated Press, October 7, 2006, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The Huskies entered the game 0–6 when facing a number-one ranked USC team.<ref>Don Ruiz, [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-32968031_ITM Will Huskies find their future downfield?] (paid archive), ''The News Tribune'', September 25, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
[[File:091507-USCNeb-TerrellThomas.jpg|left|upright|thumb|Cornerback Terrell Thomas caught the final onside kick.]]
Going into the 2007 contest, Carroll expressed concern about containing the Huskies redshirt freshman quarterback [[Jake Locker]], a dual-threat quarterback who led his team in passing and rushing.<ref name=LAT092607>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-26-sp-uscrep26-story.html Mays happy about Seattle visit], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 26, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The Huskies announced prior to the game that they would be wearing [[throwback uniform]]s: instead of their standard purple and gold, the Huskies wore dark blue and gold jerseys with plain, gold helmets that were replicas of those worn by the 1960 team that beat No. 1 [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota]] in the Rose Bowl, the only win for Washington over an opponent ranked number one.<ref name="AP093007">Gregg Bell, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709290065 Late fumble recovery, replay review allow No. 1 USC to escape Washington, 27–24], Associated Press, September 30, 2007, Accessed June 17, 2018. {{Cite web |url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200709290065 |title = Late fumble recovery, replay review allow No. 1 USC to escape Washington, 27-24 - College Football - Rivals.com |access-date=June 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211143/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200709290065 |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In a day where half of the week's top-10 teams were defeated, USC escaped becoming the sixth in a messy, mistake-prone 27–24 victory in a wet, windy game in Seattle. Although USC had a 460–190 edge in total yards, their errors helped the Huskies significantly: They committed three turnovers and 16 penalties—their most in more than two seasons—for 161 yards, missed a field goal and had a punt blocked.<ref name="AP093007" /><ref name=LAT093007x>David Wharton, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-30-sp-uscside30-story.html Trojans able to win despite themselves], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 30, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> A disappointed Pete Carroll noted "We just couldn't do more things wrong in the game <nowiki>[. . .]</nowiki> I thought Washington was there for it. They were there to take it. All they needed was one more chance."<ref name=LAT093007a>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-30-sp-usc30-story.html Trojans win on flag day], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 30, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
USC quarterback John David Booty completed 20 of 37 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown but had two interceptions, one of which was returned 54 yards for a touchdown tying the game at 14–14 in the second quarter. The Huskies gained momentum early in the fourth quarter when they came to within 24–17 and forced USC to punt; however, on the return Terrell Thomas stripped the ball from Anthony Russo for a fumble and recovered the ball at the Huskies' 43 yard line, setting up David Buehler's 33-yard field goal with 3:01 remaining. The Huskies did not give up, blocked a USC punt with 1:15 left and scored on quarterback Jake Locker's one-yard run to pull to within three with 34 seconds left. On the ensuing [[onside kick]], Thomas was able to recover the ball for USC, ending the game.<ref name=LAT093007a/>
[[File:091507-USCNeb-ChiloRachal2.jpg|thumb|Offensive guard Chilo Rachal was one of several key players who suffered injuries in the game.]]
Locker displayed the dual passing/running threat Carroll had expressed concern about, but also showed his youth with erratic passing, finishing 12-for-27 with 83 yards passing and one interception, plus another 50 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns. USC did have positive showings in the running game, with Stafon Johnson running for 122 yards and a touchdown and Chauncey Washington also adding 106 yards and a score.<ref name="AP093007" /> In the end, Carroll and the Trojans described the game as less a victory than an escape, a game where USC's raw athleticism took advantage of Washington's youth.<ref name=LAT093007bp>Bill Plaschke, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-30-sp-plaschke30-story.html Trojans almost beat themselves but find a way to escape with victory], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 30, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
The Trojans suffered numerous injuries during the game: starting freshman center Kristofer O'Dowd hurt his [[kneecap]] and guard Chilo Rachal sprained his knee on the same play in the first quarter; they were replaced by senior center Matt Spanos, who had just been cleared for play after tearing a [[triceps]] before the season, and reserve guard Alatini Malu. Starting cornerback Shareece Wright, in his first start after replacing the injured Cary Harris, sustained a pulled [[hamstring]] muscle and was replaced by Mozique McCurtis. Tailback Stafon Johnson suffered a foot injury and fellow tailback C.J. Gable dressed but did not play because of a [[groin]] injury suffered just before the trip to Washington.<ref name=LAT093007>David Wharton and Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-30-sp-uscrep30-story.html Several players sustain injuries], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 30, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
The game drew comparisons to USC's 33–31 loss to [[2006 USC Trojans football team#Oregon State|Oregon State the previous season]].<ref name=TNT093007>Ryan Divish, [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-33015720_ITM 'Horrid' USC still somehow prevails] (paid archive), ''The News Tribune'', September 30, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name="AP093007a">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110524212625/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/093007acc.html After falling to No. 2, USC seeking an Oregon State-type wakeup], Associated Press, September 30, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> As a result of the close finish, USC lost the No. 1 ranking in the [[AP Poll]], falling to No. 2 with 1,591 points and 32 first-place votes to LSU's 1,593 points and 33 first-place votes; however, the Trojans remained No. 1 in the [[Coaches Poll]], keeping a more substantial lead: 1,483 points and 45 first-place votes to LSU's 1,454 points and 14 first-place votes.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=6&seasonType=2 2007 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 5 (Sept. 30)], ESPN.com, September 30, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Stanford===
{{see also|2007 Stanford Cardinal football team}}
{{main|2007 Stanford vs. Southern California football game}}
{{AFB game box start
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|Visitor='''Stanford'''
|V1= 0|V2=0 |V3=7 |V4=17
|Host=USC
|H1=3 |H2=6 |H3=7 |H4=7
|Date=October 6
|Location=Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
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USC continued Pac-10 play by hosting the struggling Stanford Cardinal, under first-year coach [[Jim Harbaugh]]. In a major upset, USC stumbled at home to the 41 point [[Underdog (competition)|underdog]], losing 24–23.
Harbaugh made headlines prior to the season by claiming 2007 would be Carroll's last year with USC before departing to the NFL, drawing a terse rebuke from Carroll; Harbaugh later called the 2007 Trojans one of the best teams in history at the Pac-10 Media Day, reiterating the position in the week before their game.<ref name=LAT100607>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-06-sp-usc6-story.html Trojans playing role of the heavy], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 6, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> However, there were no hard feelings between the coaches. The two kept in cordial phone contact and Carroll made light of Harbaugh's comments several times during the season.<ref name=LAT103007gk>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-03-sp-uscrep3-story.html Carroll takes a few shots at Harbaugh], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 3, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
[[File:Jim Harbaugh in 2007.jpg|thumb|left|upright|First-year Stanford Coach Jim Harbaugh led Stanford to an unexpected victory over the heavily favored Trojans.]]
The Stanford starting quarterback, redshirt senior [[T. C. Ostrander]], suffered a seizure on the afternoon of September 30, one day after their game against Arizona State; he was released from [[Stanford Hospital]] after a few hours, but as a precautionary measure he was held out of the game against USC. The starting quarterback position fell to [[Tavita Pritchard]], a redshirt sophomore with three passes in his college career.<ref name=LAT100307tb>Thomas Bonk, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-03-sp-stanford3-story.html Stanford hit with unexpected], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 3, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Stanford was also without two other key starters: defensive lineman Ekom Udofia (ankle) and offensive lineman Allen Smith (knee).<ref name=SFC100507>Ray Ratto, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/05/SP0QSK0CE.DTL Lay the 40{{fraction|1|2}}...], ''San Francisco Chronicle'', October 5, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> On October 3 it was announced that USC running back C.J. Gable, who was averaging a team-best 11 yards a carry, would undergo season-ending abdominal surgery to correct a nagging [[sports hernia]] that had limited his ability since the previous season; because he had only played in the first three games, he would seek a medical redshirt season.<ref name=LAT100307md>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-04-sp-uscrep4-story.html Surgery ends the season for Gable], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 4, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Gable's fellow running back, Stafon Johnson, was also held out of the game due to a foot bruise suffered the previous week.<ref name=LAT103007gk/>
Stanford was the last team to beat USC at the Coliseum, doing so on September 29, 2001, under Tyrone Willingham, against then-first year coach Carroll.<ref name=LAT100607/> By game week, the [[Spread betting|line]] for the game favored the Trojans by 39.5 points, and reached 41 points by gametime.<ref name=LAT100407lw>Lonnie White, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-04-sp-lines4-story.html USC's big point line splits bettors], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 4, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=SI100707AM>Arash Markazi, [https://web.archive.org/web/20071011043657/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/10/07/stanford.usc/index.html Aftermath of an Upset], SI.com, October 7, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008. </ref> The loss ended multiple USC streaks, including a five-game win streak against Stanford and a 35-game home winning streak. For [[sportsbook]]s, the loss to a 41-point underdog marked the biggest upset in their history.<ref name=SI100707stm>Stewart Mandel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20071011011520/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/football/ncaa/2007/10/five-things-we-learned-this-weekend.html Five Things We Learned This Weekend], SI.com, October 7, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008. </ref>
There were a few positive efforts for the Trojans: Tight end Fred Davis caught five passes for a career-best 152 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown; and nose tackle Sedrick Ellis had three sacks. However, there were many more errors and substandard performances: quarterback John David Booty, who broke a bone in the middle finger of his throwing hand in the first half, had four passes intercepted in the second half. The offensive line had been suffering since losing two starters in one play during the previous week's game at Washington, but the effect was severe against Stanford; the offensive line gave up four sacks, one more than the Trojans had surrendered all season, and USC gained only 95 yards rushing. Key receiver Patrick Turner dropped several passes, the defense gave up 17 points in the fourth quarter and USC had an extra-point attempt blocked, a point which became a crucial difference. Like their previous game against Washington, USC out-gained Stanford by 224 yards (459 to 235) but made many crucial turnovers and penalties.<ref name=LAT100807a>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-08-sp-uscrewind8-story.html The shock hasn't worn off yet], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 8, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT100807x>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-08-sp-usc8-story.html USC's big slip throws the city for a loss], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 8, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> In the press conference following the game, Coach Carroll summarized his concerns: "It's real clear that we have fallen out of line with our philosophy that has guided this program for years; we're turning the ball over too much."<ref name=LAT100807a/>
Opinions in the sports press ranged from proclaiming the end of the USC's era of dominance in college football to calling the loss a major, but not fatal set-back to any hopes for a Trojans run at the national championship.<ref name=SI100707stm/><ref name=ESPN100807ms>Mark Schlabach, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3054015 Stanford ends USC's dynasty with upset victory], ESPN.com, October 8, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=ESPN>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/notebook?page=gamedayFinal076 College GameDay Final: There's been no predicting these first six weeks], ESPN.com, October 8, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The Trojans fell to No. 10 in the AP Poll; however, USC only fell to No. 7 in both the Coaches Poll and [[Harris Interactive College Football Poll|Harris Poll]], both of which are the human components for determining who the BCS chooses for the National Championship Game.<ref name=AP-Coaches-week7>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=7&seasonType=2 AP Poll, Coaches Poll, Week 7], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=Harris-week7>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=7&seasonType=2&pollId=5 Harris Poll, Week 7], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> As a result, USC remained in outside title contention with upcoming games against consensus-No. 2 California and top-10 Oregon.<ref name=SI100707stm/><ref name=LAT100807x/><ref name=LAT100807cd>Chris Dufresne, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-08-sp-dufresne8-story.html Fall-out sheltered], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 8, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The upset landed the Trojans in ESPN.com's [[ESPN's Bottom 10|Bottom 10]].<ref name=ESPNbt>David Duffey, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?page=bottom10076 Imagining USC in the Bottom 10 is easy if you try], ESPN.com, October 9, 2007, Accessed August 4, 2008.</ref>
In an interview the following month, Carroll assessed the mistakes that led to the loss as his own:
{{blockquote|text=We really blew it against Stanford. We screwed it up because we played a guy that was hurt. I made a mistake on that. That was me. ... If anything really was a factor, it was my cockiness that there was no way we could lose a game. It didn't matter — we could keep running our offense, keep working on stuff, and they would never beat us. ... Broken hand? What was I thinking? I'm the one that screwed it up. He's a warrior. He's the one telling me "I can play." That's what he should be telling me. ... I missed a big one. It cost us a game that really cost us the flavor of this season. We've been tainted ever since, for obvious reasons. We gave away a game to a team that's won two or three games. Amazing. But it's awesome for football, it's awesome for Stanford and all that. Great for those guys. Sucks to be us in that regard. We screwed it up.<ref name=LAT110807a>Adam Rose, [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/allthingstrojan/2007/11/pete-carroll.html Reflections By and On Pete Carroll], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 8, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217151445/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/allthingstrojan/2007/11/pete-carroll.html |date=December 17, 2007 }}</ref>}}
At the end of the regular season, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' chose Stanford's upset of USC as the second "Biggest Upset of 2007" after [[Division I FCS]] [[2007 Appalachian State vs. Michigan football game|Appalachian State's upset of No. 5 Michigan]].<ref name=si121307/>
{{Clear}}
===Arizona===
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Arizona
|V1=0 |V2=10 |V3=3 |V4=0
|Host='''USC'''
|H1= 7|H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=10
|Date=October 13
|Location=Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
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|TVAnnouncers= Dan Fouts (Play by Play), Tim Brant (Analyst), Todd Harris (Sideline)
|TVStation= ESPN
}}
{{AFB game box end}}
After the previous week's upset loss to Stanford, the Trojans hosted the Arizona Wildcats, led by head coach [[Mike Stoops]], aiming to correct mistakes and demonstrate that they were still in contention for the Pac-10 title and to remain an outside candidate for the national title game.<ref name=LAT101307gk>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-13-sp-usc13-story.html After Shock], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 13, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=AP101307>Matt Becker, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211240/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/preview?gid=200710130062 Arizona (2–4) at USC (4–1)], Associated Press, October 11, 2007, Accessed September 9, 2018. Archived from the [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/preview;_ylt=AoxyFUycf4BueA.ackYLiajyvbYF?gid=200710130062 original] on October 20, 2012.</ref> Matters were complicated when it was announced that starting quarterback John David Booty would not start due to a broken middle finger on his throwing hand, suffered during the previous week's loss. As a result, redshirt sophomore [[Mark Sanchez]] made his first start for the Trojans; previously he had only played during garbage time.<ref name=LAT101207>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-12-sp-usc12-story.html Call for Backup], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 12, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The Trojans also remained without offensive linemen Chilo Rachal and Kris O'Dowd, as well as leading rusher Stafon Johnson, who remained idle for a second week after bruising his left foot during the game against Washington.<ref name=LAT101307gk/> The Trojans entered the game a 21-point favorite.<ref name="AP101307jn">John Nadel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121109014827/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200710130062 Freshman Joe McKnight sparks USC Trojans to a 20–13 victory over Arizona Wildcats], Associated Press, October 13, 2007, Accessed September 11, 2018. Archived from the [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap;_ylt=Aqqx2uSwSf71LJ9tss_cMcXwvbYF?gid=200710130062 original] on November 9, 2012.</ref>
[[File:091507-USCNeb-MarkSanchez v2.jpg|upright|thumb|left|In his first game as starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez overcame first half inconsistencies with a strong second half performance.]]
The Trojans again showed inconsistency for most of the game before coming alive in the fourth quarter and pulling away to a 20–13 victory. USC started out well, going ahead 10–0 in the second quarter after running back Chauncey Washington's 18-yard touchdown run and David Buehler's 27-yard field goal. However, the offense began to sputter; the Trojans amassed only 12 total yards in the second quarter and 50 in the third. Part of the offense's problems were turnovers; Sanchez threw two interceptions in the second quarter, allowing Arizona to tie the game going into halftime. The Wildcats kicked another field goal early in the third quarter to go up 13–10, raising speculation that USC was going to be upset for the second consecutive week. The momentum of the game quickly changed in the fourth quarter after freshman running back Joe McKnight, touted as the next great Trojans tailback but yet to meet expectations, made a 45-yard punt return that Sanchez followed up on the next play with a 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Fred Davis. After a defensive stop, Arizona punter Keenyn Crier kicked an 83-yard punt to the Trojans one-yard line. The Trojans pushed forward with fullback Stanley Havili before McKnight again made a big play, running 59 yards and setting up what would be a Trojans field goal. The USC defense then forced an Arizona turn-over on downs to preserve the victory.<ref name="AP101307jn" /><ref name=LAT101407gk-sum>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-14-sp-usc14-story.html McKnight zigs, USC zags], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 14, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Sanchez recovered from his poor first half performance with a strong performance in the second, where he completed 11 of 15 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown while later making a key 10-yard scramble on third and seven late in the fourth quarter.<ref name=LAT101407bb-san>Ben Bloch, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-14-sp-uscside14-story.html Sanchez overcomes shaky start for USC], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 14, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
The injuries that had plagued USC throughout the season continued as All-American tackle Sam Baker left the game because of a hamstring strain and freshman guard Zack Heberer, already substituting for an injured Chilo Rachal, suffered a shoulder bruise. On the defense, linebacker Rey Maualuga suffered a hip injury and safety Kevin Ellison broke his nose.<ref name=LAT101407gk-injury>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-14-sp-uscrep14-story.html Baker's injury further depletes offensive line], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 14, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> An uncommon number of injuries, especially along the offensive line, depleted reserve players and forced Trojans to reach out to the general student population in order to find students with previous lineman experience to help on the scout team's offensive line; however, none were officially added to the roster.<ref name=LAT101907gkx>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-19-sp-usc19-story.html Trojans dial out on their open line], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 19, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
In light of the Trojans close victory, USC dropped in both major polls, falling to No. 13 in the AP Poll and No. 9 in the Coaches Poll, tied with previously No. 2 California, which had just lost an upset to Oregon State.<ref name=AP-Coaches-week8>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=8&seasonType=2 AP Poll, Coaches Poll, Week 8], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The Trojans debuted at No. 14 in the season's first [[Bowl Championship Series]] standings, used to determine which two teams play in the BCS National Championship Game.<ref name="BCSweek1">[https://archive.today/20130102233327/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings?week=1 BCS Standings – October 14, 2007], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Notre Dame===
{{see also|2007 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team}}
{{AFB game box start
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|Visitor='''USC'''
|V1=7 |V2=10 |V3=14 |V4=7
|Host=Notre Dame
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0
|Date=October 20
|Location=[[Notre Dame Stadium]], [[South Bend, Indiana]]
|StartTime=3:30 pm
|TimeZone=EST
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{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=3:40 |Team=USC |Event=[[Fred Davis (tight end)|Fred Davis]] 10-yard pass from [[Mark Sanchez]] ([[David Buehler]] kick) |Score= USC 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time=3:55 |Team=USC |Event=Allen Bradford 8-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (David Buehler kick) |Score= USC 14–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=:11 |Team=USC |Event=David Buehler 30-yard field goal |Score= USC 17–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=12:56 |Team=USC |Event=[[Stanley Havili]] 5-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (David Buehler kick) |Score=USC 24–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=8:48 |Team= USC|Event=[[Vidal Hazelton]] 48-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (David Buehler kick)|Score=USC 31–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time=10:57 |Team=USC |Event=[[Joe McKnight]] 51-yard run (David Buehler kick) |Score= USC 38–0|LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}
USC visited inter-sectional rival Notre Dame for their 79th annual game for possession of the [[Jeweled Shillelagh]]. Pre-season demand for tickets was among the highest in Notre Dame history as USC made its first visit back to [[Notre Dame Stadium]] since the notable 2005 "[[2005 USC vs. Notre Dame football game|Bush Push]]" game; demand remained high although, going into the season, the Fighting Irish were unranked.<ref name=ESPN081507z/><ref name=AHN081207>Liz Link, [http://www.ticketcity.com/Top-50-College-Football-Tickets.html The Top 50 Hottest Tickets in College Football Unveiled (Press Release)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625101317/http://www.ticketcity.com/Top-50-College-Football-Tickets.html |date=June 25, 2008 }}, TicketCity.com, August 12, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
[[File:102007-NotreDameStadium-pregameUSC.jpg|left|thumb|Notre Dame and USC take the field in the 79th edition of the rivalry.]]
Notre Dame had the worst start to their season in program history, opening 0–5 (the previous record was 0–3) and headed into their game with USC at 1–6.<ref name=AP092907x>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21049290/ Irish drop to 0–5 after defeat to Purdue] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029130936/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21049290/ |date=October 29, 2007 }}, Associated Press, September 29, 2007, Accessed August 19, 2008.</ref> With significant problems at most positions, Notre Dame head coach [[Charlie Weis]] made several changes at quarterback: Starting the opener with sophomore [[Demetrius Jones]], he chose to start heralded freshman [[Jimmy Clausen]] for games two through seven; during which time Jones transferred from the program.<ref name=AP090407x>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3003938 Clausen gets starting nod at QB against Penn State], Associated Press, September 4, 2007, Accessed August 19, 2008.</ref> After Clausen also showed trouble at the position, Weis elected to go with junior [[Evan Sharpley]] as the starter for the USC game; Sharpley had backed up [[Brady Quinn]] the previous season.<ref name=AP101607>Tom Coyne, [https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=ncf&id=3066004 Notre Dame to start Sharpley at QB vs. USC], Associated Press, October 16, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> In response to controversy over the length of the grass in Notre Dame Stadium during the 2005 game, where USC kickoff returner Desmond Reed suffered torn right knee ligaments and nerve damage while trying to turn on the field, the Fighting Irish cut the grass significantly shorter.<ref name=LAT102007gk1>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-20-sp-uscrep20-story.html Notre Dame's field in better shape this time], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 20, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Notre Dame entered the game ranked last in total offense (190.9 yards a game) and rushing (32.1 yards a game), and next to last in scoring (11.4 points); their offensive line had given up 34 sacks.<ref name=LAT102007gk2>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-20-sp-usc20-story.html Pushing Back], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 20, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
[[File:102007-USC-ND-fdtd.jpg|thumb|Fred Davis comes down with a one-handed touchdown against the Fighting Irish.]]
With starting quarterback John David Booty still recovering from a broken finger on his throwing hand, USC elected to start Mark Sanchez for the second straight week. On the Thursday night before the game, the Trojans [[charter flight]] experienced severe turbulence on approach to [[South Bend Regional Airport]] during a [[lightning storm]]; their aircraft dropped and threw several passengers (players, coaches and their spouses) from their seats and hit their heads on the ceiling during an initial approach that was aborted before the plane circled and landed safely.<ref name=LAT101907gk>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-19-sp-uscrep19-story.html Team has bad flight arrival], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 19, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
Breaking with tradition, the Fighting Irish announced in June that they would be wearing their alternative green jerseys instead of blue against USC; Weis noted that it was in honor of the 1977 Irish team that switched to green jerseys before defeating the Trojans en route to a national championship (Weis was a student at Notre Dame at the time). Previously, the Irish did not let the public know when they would be wearing their green jerseys.<ref name=AP080507x>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19140025/ Notre Dame going green vs. USC] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712085759/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19140025/ |date=July 12, 2007 }}, Associated Press, August 5, 2007, Accessed August 19, 2008.</ref>
[[File:102007-USC-ND-shtd.jpg|left|thumb|Fullback Stanley Havili hops into the endzone for a touchdown.]]
The Trojans dominated the game, shutting out Notre Dame 38–0, USC's largest margin of victory in the series. Quarterback Mark Sanchez made significant improvements over the previous week, completing 21 of 38 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns and no interceptions. There were several highlight plays: Tight end Fred Davis made a one-handed touchdown catch in the first quarter, wide receiver Vidal Hazelton made a 48-yard touchdown run after evading several Irish defenders, and freshman running back Joe McKnight made a 51-yard fourth quarter run for his first touchdown. The USC defense stifled the Irish offense: allowing only 165 yards to the Trojans' 462 yards, making five sacks, and keeping the Irish from rushing for a first down until the fourth quarter. There were several special teams miscues: The Irish blocked a USC punt, the Trojans blocked a 40-yard field goal attempt and the Irish had a fumbled punt return that was recovered by USC. The Trojans had several key players return from injuries and make significant contributions, including linebacker Brian Cushing and running back Stafon Johnson.<ref name=LAT102107gk1>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-21-sp-usc21-story.html Heroes and zeros for Trojans], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 21, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT102107bb>Ben Bolch, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-21-sp-uscside21-story.html Defense plays like Trojans of old], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 21, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT102107gkbb>Gary Klein and Ben Bolch, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-21-sp-uscrep21-story.html Cushing's return a mood-lifter for Trojans' defense], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 21, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
After two weeks of moving down in the rankings, the Trojans moved up to No. 8 in the Coaches Poll, No. 9 in the AP Poll (tied with Florida) and No. 12 in the BCS standings.<ref name="BCSweek2">[https://web.archive.org/web/20071022200213/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings?week=2 BCS Standings – October 21, 2007], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=Coaches-week9>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=9&seasonType=2&pollId=2 USA Today Coaches Poll – Week 8 (Oct. 21)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=AP-week9>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=9&seasonType=2&pollId=1 AP Top 25 – Week 8 (Oct. 21)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Oregon===
{{see also|2007 Oregon Ducks football team}}
{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=USC
|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3=7 |V4=7
|Host='''Oregon'''
|H1=7 |H2=3 |H3=7 |H4=7
|Date=October 27
|Location=[[Autzen Stadium]], [[Eugene, Oregon]]
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With the Ducks as three-point favorites, the Trojans entered a Pac-10 game as underdogs for the first time since November 17, 2001; the game was the first between top-10 teams in the 41-year history of Oregon's [[Autzen Stadium]].<ref name=AP102307>John Nadel, [https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=ncf&id=3076335 USC plays underdog role for first time in Pac-10 game since 2001], Associated Press, October 23, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The match-up was framed as a battle between Oregon's highly productive offense and USC's defense.<ref name=ESPN102507>Ted Miller, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3077378 Can't overlook when the Oregon, USC weaknesses match up], ESPN.com, October 25, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
[[File:102707-Oregon-Autzen-USC-UO-01.jpg|left|thumb|The Trojans begin their first drive after recovering the Ducks' fumble of the opening kickoff.]]
The Trojans were affected by the [[California wildfires of October 2007|massive wildfires]] affecting Southern California that week; [[air quality]] during outdoor practices in Los Angeles dropped significantly, and Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez' father, a fire captain with the [[Orange County, California|Orange County]] Fire Authority, was on the front line fighting the blazes.<ref name=AP102407>Jason King, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211406/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=jn-sanchez102407 Into the fire], Yahoo! Sports, October 24, 2007, Accessed September 17, 2018. Archived from the [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=Apv7UlX2c8b8vOuleYgJR.YcvrYF?slug=jn-sanchez102407&prov=yhoo&type=lgns original] on October 20, 2012.</ref> With John David Booty still recovering from a broken finger, Sanchez was given the start for the third week in a row. The Trojans were also set to return from injury all-American offensive tackle Sam Baker and guard Chilo Rachal.<ref name=LAT102607>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-26-sp-uscrep26-story.html Carroll decides to start Mark Sanchez], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 26, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Despite having won the previous three contests, the Trojans noted concerns about playing in the famously loud and raucous Autzen Stadium.<ref name=LAT102707>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-27-sp-usc27-story.html Decibels and ringing bells], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 27, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
Before a stadium-record crowd of 59,277, the Ducks defeated the Trojans 24–17 in a game decided in the final seconds.<ref name=AP102707x>Anne M. Peterson, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200710270060 (5) Oregon 24, (9) USC 17] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029041859/http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200710270060 |date=2007-10-29 }}, Associated Press, October 27, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The Trojans made key mistakes and did not exploit several opportunities against the Ducks. After Oregon fumbled the opening kickoff, USC failed to score with the Ducks stopping running back Joe McKnight on a fourth-and-one play at the Oregon 12 yard line. Later in the first quarter, an apparent 65-yard touchdown run by McKnight was nullified by a holding penalty away from the play.<ref name=LAT102807gk1>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-28-sp-usc28-story.html Hope takes holiday], ''Los Angeles Times'', October 28, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
[[File:102707-Oregon-Autzen-USC-UO-Sanchezpass.jpg|thumb|Sanchez throws a pass in the 2nd quarter.]]
The Trojans trailed 10–3 going into halftime, but tied the game in the third quarter on a Sanchez to Patrick Turner touchdown pass. However, on the next possession, fullback Stanley Havili fumbled the ball and Oregon recovered on the USC 16 yard line, leading to an Oregon touchdown. On USC's next series, Sanchez threw an interception. During the Trojans' following series, Oregon safety Matthew Harper intercepted a pass and returned it 27 yards to the Oregon 42. The Ducks took a 24–10 lead with 11:39 left as running back [[Jonathan Stewart]] scored his second touchdown. The Trojans rallied; Sanchez led an 85-yard, five-play drive that he capped with a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver David Ausberry. The USC defense forced an Oregon three-and-out and starting at their 17; the Trojans then advanced to Oregon's 33 with 26 seconds left. However, on second down, Sanchez misread the defensive coverage and threw his second interception of the game to Harper with 11 seconds left in the game.<ref name=LAT102807gk1/> After taking a knee to run out the clock on first down, USC used their final timeout to stop the clock. Unaware of the timeout, Oregon fans stormed the field before the game officially finished, and after being cleared away the Ducks took a second knee and ran out the clock, sealing the victory.<ref name=AP102707x/>
[[File:102707-Oregon-Autzen-USC-UO-TurnerTD.jpg|left|thumb|Patrick Turner comes down with a touchdown pass in the third quarter, tying the game.]]
The Trojans defense did slow down the Oregon offense, keeping them 212 yards below their season average, allowing the USC offense to out-gain the Ducks, 378 yards to 339.<ref name=ESPN102707>Ivan Maisel, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=3083036 Ducks look like championship contender in win over USC], ESPN.com, October 27, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The Ducks' senior quarterback, [[Dennis Dixon]], ran for 76 yards and a touchdown in 17 carries and completed 16 of 25 passes for 157 yards without an interception. However, the Oregon defense ultimately won the game for the Ducks. Sanchez threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns, but also had the two interceptions, including the game-ender.<ref name=LAT102807gk1/> USC Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian's decisions on several key plays were called into question by fans in the week following the game.<ref name=LAT110407bd>Bill Dwyre, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-04-sp-dwyre4-story.html USC's offense stays afloat with Sarkisian at the helm], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 4, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> Eugene's newspaper, ''[[The Register-Guard]]'', recorded the crowd noise at 127.2 [[decibel]]s, making it the loudest crowd for a college football game; 1.2 decibels louder than the 126 decibels made by 77,381 Clemson fans during a game in 2005.<ref name=AP102807noise>[http://www.kgw.com/sports/stories/kgw_102807_sports_autzen_noise.1b705e3bc.html Ducks fans deliver an ear-splitting roar] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317153712/http://www.kgw.com/sports/stories/kgw_102807_sports_autzen_noise.1b705e3bc.html |date=March 17, 2008 }}, Associated Press, October 27, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
The game was viewed as marking Oregon's rise to a national title contender and a break in USC's dominance of the Pac-10 conference.<ref name=LAT102807cd/><ref name=ESPN102707/><ref name=SI102707>Arash Markazi, [https://web.archive.org/web/20071030060713/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/10/27/oregon.usc/index.html Leader of the (middle of) the pack], SI.com, October 27, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=NYT102807>Pete Thammel, [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/sports/ncaafootball/28oregon.html U.S.C. Suddenly Looking Up at Oregon], ''The New York Times'', October 28, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> The game also marked the first season since 2002 that the Trojans were going into November no longer considered a national title contender.<ref name=ESPN102707/> Despite losing the game, the Trojans were still regarded as a legitimate threat in the conference and were projected as a potential at-large team for the BCS bowl games.<ref name=LAT102807cd/><ref name=ESPN102707/><ref name=ESPN103007>Ivan Maisel and Mark Schlabach, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?page=bowlprojections9 Which team will face Ohio State?], ESPN.com, October 30, 2007, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref> However, there were voices in the media that believed the loss signaled the "death" of the "Trojan Dynasty" that had reigned in college football since 2002.<ref name=TSN102707/>
The Trojans fell to No. 13 in the AP Poll, No. 15 in the Coaches Poll, and No. 19 in the BCS standings.<ref name=AP-week10>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=9&seasonType=2&pollId=1 AP Top 25 – Week 9 (Oct. 28)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name=Coaches-week10>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=10&seasonType=2&pollId=2 USA Today Coaches Poll – Week 9 (Oct. 28)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref><ref name="BCSweek3">[https://web.archive.org/web/20071030105424/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings?week=3 BCS Standings – October 28, 2007], ESPN.com, Accessed July 3, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Oregon State===
{{see also|2007 Oregon State Beavers football team}}
{{AFB game box start
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|Visitor=Oregon St
|V1= 0|V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=0
|Host='''USC'''
|H1= 3|H2=21 |H3=0 |H4=0
|Date=November 3
|Location=Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
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USC celebrated [[homecoming]] by hosting the Oregon State Beavers, coached by [[Mike Riley (American football)|Mike Riley]]. In 2006, the unranked Beavers stunned the No. 3 Trojans in a 33–31 upset in [[Corvallis, Oregon|Corvallis]].<ref name=AP102806>Anne M. Peterson, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200610280061 Oregon St. 33, (3) USC 31] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701190857/http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200610280061 |date=2007-07-01 }}, Associated Press, October 28, 2006, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> The Beavers had not won at USC since 1960.<ref name=LAT110207gk>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-02-sp-uscrep2-story.html Oregon State puts on pressure], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 2, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
[[File:110307-USCOSU-Homecoming.jpg|thumb|Homecoming crowds on the USC campus]]
[[File:110307-USCOSU-ChaunceyTD.jpg|thumb|Chauncey Washington rushes for the first USC touchdown.]]
Oregon State entered the game with the nation's best rushing defense, allowing only 54.5 yards rushing a game and also recording a nation-leading 34 sacks. The Beaver defense ranked 13th nationally in total defense, surrendering 299.9 yards a game. Trojans quarterback John David Booty returned from injury to start; offensive lineman Sam Baker remained out after re-injuring a hamstring against the Ducks. Oregon State star running back [[Yvenson Bernard]] was initially expected to play despite a sprained shoulder, but did not.<ref name=LAT110207gk/> Former USC linebacker [[Richard Wood (American football)|Richard Wood]], who was chosen for the [[College Football Hall of Fame]], was honored at halftime.<ref name=LAT110407gkbb>Gary Klein and Ben Bolch, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-04-sp-uscrep4-story.html Thomas picks a good time to excel], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 4, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
In a strong defensive performance, the Trojans defeated the Beavers 24–3. The USC defense made nine sacks and intercepted a pass; they limited Oregon State to 176 total yards and a field goal off a Trojans fumble in the USC red zone. True freshman Everson Griffen had 3{{frac|1|2}} sacks, safety Kevin Ellison added two, end Lawrence Jackson had 1{{frac|1|2}} and nose tackle Sedrick Ellis and linebacker Brian Cushing had one each; cornerback Terrell Thomas made the interception. The Trojans offense had its second lowest total of the season, gaining 287 yards, but it rushed for 100 yards against the Beavers' tight rush defense, led by Chauncey Washington who gained 60 yards in 12 carries. Booty, returning from injury, could not find his rhythm but still completed 19 of 33 passes for 157 yards without an interception; the Trojans converted only five of 16 third downs. Both teams missed field goals in the first quarter, then exchanged field goals going into the second quarter. The Trojans then scored 21 unanswered points in less than eight minutes to close the half. Neither team scored in the second half. USC running back Stafon Johnson was allowed to play a few downs but was kept out for most of the game to allow his foot to heal fully.<ref name=LAT110407gk>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-04-sp-usc4-story.html Sack time for Trojans], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 4, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT110507gk>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-05-sp-uscrewind5-story.html Putting forward its best defense], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 5, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT110407bb>Ben Bolch, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-04-sp-uscside4-story.html Trojans get the payoff up front for a change], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 4, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
The Trojans rose slightly in the polls to No. 12 in the AP Poll, No. 15 in the Coaches Poll, and No. 17 in the BCS standings.<ref name=AP-week11>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=11&seasonType=2&pollId=1 AP Top 25 – Week 10 (Nov. 4)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=Coaches-week11>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=11&seasonType=2&pollId=2 USA Today Coaches Poll – Week 10 (Nov. 4)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=BCSweek4>[https://archive.today/20130103145905/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings?week=4 BCS Standings – November 4, 2007], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> The [[2007 Holiday Bowl]] was mentioned as a possible destination for the Trojans. Holiday Bowl executive director Bruce Binkowski said they would be very interested in pitting the Trojans against the [[2007 Texas Longhorns football team|Texas Longhorns]]. The two teams last met in the [[2006 Rose Bowl]] for the BCS National Championship.<ref name=AAS110807>Alan Trubow, [https://web.archive.org/web/20110607165722/http://www.statesman.com/search/content/shared/sports/stories/2007/11/FBC_TEXAS_1108_COX.html Longhorns have multiple bowl possibilities], ''Austin American-Statesman'', November 8, 2007, Accessed August 19, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===California===
{{see also|2007 California Golden Bears football team}}
{{AFB game box start
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|Visitor='''USC'''
|V1= 7|V2=7 |V3=3 |V4=7
|Host=California
|H1=7 |H2=3 |H3=7 |H4=0
|Date=November 10
|Location=[[California Memorial Stadium]], [[Berkeley, California]]
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In the pre-season, the Trojans' game against California was named as one of the candidates for the 10 most important games of 2007; the Trojans national title hopes hinged on proving themselves against a veteran team led by head coach [[Jeff Tedford]] in [[California Memorial Stadium]].<ref name="Mandel062107">Stewart Mandel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20070626110223/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/06/21/10.games/index.html Momentous matchups], SI.com, June 21, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=ESPN081407z>David Duffey, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/preview07/news/story?id=2973803 Don't miss these conference games in 2007], ESPN.com, August 14, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> Prior to the season, Cal star receiver [[DeSean Jackson]], an early Heisman Trophy candidate, called out USC cornerback Terrell Thomas in ''[[ESPN The Magazine]]'', stating that he would best the cornerback who contributed to limiting him to two catches in the 2006 match-up.<ref name=LAT081607a/> After USC's loss to Stanford, the game was still referred to as the Pac-10 game of the year; however, after Cal's mid-season losses to Oregon State and UCLA and USC's loss to Oregon, the game took on less importance.<ref name=ESPN101007/><ref name=AP110607>Justin Einhorn, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/preview?gid=200711100059 USC (7–2) at California (6–3)], Associated Press, November 6, 2007, Accessed August 12, 2018. {{Cite web |url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/preview?gid=200711100059 |title = Southern Cal-California Preview - College Football - Rivals.com |access-date=2018-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108135409/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/preview?gid=200711100059 |archive-date=2012-11-08 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref name=ESPN110707>Ted Miller, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3098463 Cal hoping to bounce back with statement win against Trojans], ESPN.com, November 7, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
[[File:102007-ChaunceyWashington.jpg|thumb|upright|Running back Chauncey Washington had a career-best effort, rushing for 220 yards.]]
On a rain-soaked evening in Strawberry Canyon, the Trojans gained a 24–17 victory over the No. 24 Golden Bears behind a career-best effort by running back Chauncey Washington. After seeing his early success against the Cal defense, USC began handing the ball almost exclusively to Washington who ran for 220 yards on 29 rushes. Due to the rain and Washington's success on the ground, Booty only attempted 20 passes for 129 yards in 11 completions with one touchdown and no interceptions; the Trojans offensive line did not give up a sack.<ref name=LAT111207>Gary Klein,
[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-12-sp-uscrep12-story.html Defense, Washington keyed win], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 12, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> USC returner Ronald Johnson returned four kicks for 102 yards, including one for 41 yards and another for 35, giving USC favorable field position.<ref name=LAT111107gktb>Gary Klein and Thomas Bonk, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-11-sp-uscrep11-story.html Returner Johnson waiting for big break], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 11, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> Cal running back [[Justin Forsett]] had an effective night, running for 164 yards in 31 carries. However, the Trojans defense had another solid effort, holding Cal to 14 points below its scoring average and forcing quarterback [[Nate Longshore]] into two interceptions and a sack.<ref name=LAT111207/> Cal's one-time Heisman Trophy candidate, wide receiver [[DeSean Jackson]], was limited to five receptions for 64 yards and was kept from returning any kicks.<ref name=Box111107>[http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/usccal.html Box Score: USC 24, California 17] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524053634/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/usccal.html |date=2008-05-24 }}, Associated Press, November 11, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
The game turned to the Trojans favor during the fourth quarter, when the Trojans put together a 10 play, 96-yard drive behind Washington and capped by a three-yard touchdown run by Stafon Johnson.<ref name=LAT111107tb>Thomas Bonk, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-11-sp-uscside11-story.html Cal can't make crucial stop], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 11, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> Cal received the ball back with 7:38 left, but the Trojans forced turnovers in the Bears' subsequent two drives; after Lawrence Jackson recovered a fumbled snap on the first drive, cornerback Terrell Thomas intercepted a Longshore pass at the USC 17 with 2:47 to play to seal the victory.<ref name=LAT111107>Gary Klein,
[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-11-sp-usc11-story.html Trojans drive safely], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 11, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> As part of its Hall of Fame weekend, Cal wore throwback jerseys based on its 1975 team in honor of All-American quarterback [[Joe Roth (American football)|Joe Roth]]; it was the third team to wear throwback jerseys in their game against the Trojans.<ref name=LAT111107gktb/> Linebacker Keith Rivers suffered a high ankle sprain.<ref name=LAT111207/>
After the victory and the subsequent bye week, the Trojans again rose slightly in the polls to No. 11 in the AP Poll, No. 11 in the BCS standings, and No. 12 in the Coaches Poll.<ref name=AP-week13>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=13&seasonType=2&pollId=1 AP Top 25 – Week 12 (Nov. 18)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=Coaches-week13>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=13&seasonType=2&pollId=2 USA Today Coaches Poll – Week 12 (Nov. 18)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=BCSweek6>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071121140058/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings?week=6 BCS Standings – November 18, 2007], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Arizona State===
{{see also|2007 Arizona State Sun Devils football team}}
[[File:091507-USCNeb-JohnDavidBooty.jpg|thumb|upright|Quarterback John David Booty threw for 375 yards and four touchdowns.]]
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|V1=17 |V2=10 |V3=17 |V4=0
|Host=Arizona St
|H1=14 |H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=7
|Date=November 22
|Location=[[Sun Devil Stadium]], [[Tempe, Arizona]]
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In the pre-season, the game against veteran head coach [[Dennis Erickson]]'s first squad at ASU was identified as a potential trap game for the Trojans.<ref name=SIFox0622/> With No. 2 Oregon's loss during the bye week, Arizona State rose to No. 9 in the polls and the top of the Pac-10 standings while USC remained in contention for at least a share of the Pac-10 title if they could win out.<ref name=AP111607>Andrew Bagnato, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200711150057 Arizona 34, (2) Oregon 24] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213201738/http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200711150057 |date=2007-12-13 }}, Associated Press, November 16, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
Scheduled for [[prime time]] television on [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving Day]], it was the only major college game shown on the holiday evening time slot.<ref name=LAT112107>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-21-sp-uscrep21-story.html Reserves need to step up with Rivers, Moore injured], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 21, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> It was Arizona State's first Thanksgiving Day game and USC's 20th, though its first since 1938.<ref name=LAT112207b>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-22-sp-uscrep22-story.html Ellison visits spot of injury], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 22, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> The game attracted a number of celebrities, including former USC Heisman-winners Marcus Allen and [[Matt Leinart]], who was joined by [[Arizona Cardinals]] teammate [[Larry Fitzgerald]], Heisman-winner [[Gino Torretta]], [[Bob Davie (American football)|Bob Davie]] and [[Charles Barkley]]; it also included a halftime performance by singer [[Little Richard]].<ref name=LAT112207b/> In honor of the holiday, the Sun Devils added a turkey leg to the end of [[Sparky (Arizona State Mascot)|Sparty]]'s pitchfork painted at the center of the field.<ref name=LAT112307gkdp>Gary Klein and Diane Pucin, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-23-sp-uscrep23-story.html Ronald Johnson gets it going early], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 23, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
Eleven years removed from their last Rose Bowl berth, Arizona State had made a quick turn-around under Erickson, returning to national prominence with a 9–1 record.<ref name=AP112207a>Dan Pieringer, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/preview;_ylt=AooqnyYB6MIDnE5FEvDddhvyvbYF?gid=200711220058 USC (8–2) at Arizona St. (9–1)], Associated Press, November 22, 2007, Accessed September 8, 2018. {{Cite web |url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/preview?gid=200711220058 |title = Southern Cal-Arizona St. Preview - College Football - Rivals.com |access-date=2018-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109014839/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/preview?gid=200711220058 |archive-date=2012-11-09 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> Using an NFL-style offense under junior quarterback Rudy Carpenter, the Sun Devils put extra pressure on their offensive line, allowing in 43 sacks, the most in the Pac-10 Conference and second most in the nation. In order to relieve Carpenter, who had suffered injuries over the season in his throwing hand, Arizona State planned to also work in the running game behind Keegan Herring and Dimitri Nance. USC entered the game ranked first in the Pac-10 and third nationally in defense, giving up 267.9 yards per game.<ref name=LAT112207>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-22-sp-usc22-story.html Trojans plan to draw a line in the sand], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 22, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> The Sun Devils had trailed in every Pac-10 conference game in the season up to that point.<ref name=LAT112107/>
[[File:091507-USCNeb-LawrenceJackson.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Defensive end Lawrence Jackson had four sacks.]]
Behind a strong performance by John David Booty, the Trojans defeated the Sun Devils, 44–24, in front of a sold-out Sun Devil Stadium. Under an even passing attack, Booty threw for 26 of 39 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. He distributed the ball to eight different receivers, including four separate players for his touchdowns; Booty also rushed for a touchdown. Tight end Fred Davis made five receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown. David Buehler kicked three field goals. The Trojans defense made six sacks as the Sun Devils were shut down for most of the second half and held to 16 yards rushing; two of the Sun Devils' scores were from a 98-yard kick return for a touchdown and a score off a blocked punt in the fourth quarter.<ref name=LAT112307gka>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-23-sp-usc23-story.html Booty and a feast], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 23, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT112607gka>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-26-sp-uscrewind26-story.html A moving performance by Booty], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 26, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> Defensive end Lawrence Jackson made four of USC's sacks, the most by a USC player since 1989, including one that split Carpenter's lip and caused him to throw his helmet towards the sideline in frustration; Jackson also finished with a school-record {{frac|5|1|2}} tackles for losses.<ref name=LAT112607gka/><ref name=LAT112307dpa>Diane Pucin, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-23-sp-uscside23-story.html Jackson really gets to Carpenter], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 23, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> Ronald Johnson had another strong game on special teams, returning the opening kickoff 49 yards.<ref name=LAT112307gkdp/>
Two days later Oregon lost to UCLA, leaving the Trojans in a tie for first place in the Pac-10 standings with Arizona State (winning the tiebreaker).<ref name=AP112407>John Nadel, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200711240064 UCLA 16, (9) Oregon 0] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214091416/http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200711240064 |date=2007-12-14 }}, Associated Press, November 24, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> USC's strong victory, along with several upsets during the week, led the Trojans to rise to No. 8 in the AP Poll, No. 8 in the BCS standings, and No. 9 in the Coaches Poll.<ref name=AP-week14>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=14&seasonType=2&pollId=1 AP Top 25 – Week 13 (Nov. 25)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=Coaches-week14>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=14&seasonType=2&pollId=2 USA Today Coaches Poll – Week 13 (Nov. 25)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=BCSweek7>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061210053230/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings?week=7 BCS Standings – November 25, 2007], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===UCLA===
{{see also|2007 UCLA Bruins football team}}
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|V1= 0|V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=0
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|H1=7 |H2=10 |H3=0 |H4=7
|Date=December 1
|Location=Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
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[[File:120107-LA-USC-UCLA01.jpg|thumb|upright|USC campus symbol [[Trojan Shrine|"Tommy Trojan"]] is wrapped in [[duct tape]] during the week preceding the game to protect it from vandalism.]]
The Trojans ended the regular season by hosting the UCLA Bruins, led by head coach [[Karl Dorrell]], in the 77th edition of their annual [[UCLA–USC rivalry|crosstown rivalry]] game for possession of the [[Victory Bell (UCLA–USC)|Victory Bell]]. In the 2006 season, the Bruins' 13–9 upset of the then-No. 2 Trojans in the final week of the regular season ended the Trojans' hopes for reaching the national championship game.<ref name=ESPN081407z/> With both teams ranked going into the season (USC first, UCLA 14th in the AP Poll), there was buzz in Los Angeles that both teams might reach their December 1 game undefeated.<ref name=LAT090107-cf>Chris Dufresne, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-01-sp-decfirst1-story.html Talk of the town], ''Los Angeles Times'', September 1, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> UCLA made it as high as 11th in both polls before suffering a 44–7 upset loss at unranked [[2007 Utah Utes football team|Utah]] in week 3 that knocked them out of the top 25.<ref name=AP091507>Doug Alden, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709150094 Utah takes advantage of UCLA miscues in 44–6 win over No. 11 Bruins], Associated Press, September 15, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008. {{Cite web |url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200709150094 |title = Utah takes advantage of UCLA miscues in 44-6 win over No. 11 Bruins - College Football - Rivals.com |access-date=2018-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020044507/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200709150094 |archive-date=2012-10-20 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> It was the 36th time that a Rose Bowl berth was on the line for one of the two teams in the game: A USC victory would guarantee them at least a share of the Pac-10 Conference title and a berth in the [[2008 Rose Bowl]] Game; UCLA, despite entering the game 6–5 (5–3 in the Pac-10), also entered the game with a chance at the Pac-10 title and a Rose Bowl berth if they could defeat the Trojans and Arizona could beat Arizona State in a game later in the day.<ref name=AP120107>Matt Becker, [https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/preview;_ylt=AooqnyYB6MIDnE5FEvDddhvyvbYF?gid=200712010062 UCLA (6–5) at USC (9–2)], Associated Press, November 27, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008. {{Cite web |url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/preview?gid=200712010062 |title = UCLA-Southern Cal Preview - College Football - Rivals.com |access-date=2018-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108174622/http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/preview?gid=200712010062 |archive-date=2012-11-08 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref name=LAT112697>Gary Klein and Chris Foster, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-26-sp-rose26-story.html Unexpected Rose arrangement], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 26, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
During the 2006 contest, UCLA Defensive Coordinator [[DeWayne Walker]] had the Bruins apply aggressive pressure to John David Booty, limiting the quarterback's ability to drive the passing game while holding the Trojans to 55 yards rushing and an average of only 1.9 yards per carry. USC entered the 2007 game averaging 186.6 yards rushing and 4.8 yards per carry, significantly higher than the 128 yards rushing per game in 2006.<ref name=LAT112797>Lonnie White, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-27-sp-xando27-story.html Can UCLA stop USC?], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 27, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> UCLA's season was marked by numerous injures, particularly at quarterback. Original starting quarterback [[Ben Olson]] injured his knee early in the season and missed over four games. Backup quarterback [[Patrick Cowan]] also suffered a knee injury but returned for two more games before suffering a [[Pneumothorax|collapsed lung]] against Arizona. As a result, the Bruins had resorted to playing walk-on [[McLeod Bethel-Thompson]] and converted-wide receiver Osaar Rasshan.<ref name=LAT112797a>Chris Foster, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-27-sp-uclarep27-story.html Three quarterbacks, one problem], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 27, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
[[File:120107-LA-USC-UCLA06-TDFredDavis.jpg|thumb|Fred Davis (#83) takes a pass into the end zone.]]
In the week leading up to the game, a dispute between USC and the Coliseum Commission, the public managers of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, went public. USC threatened to move to the Rose Bowl (home of the UCLA Bruins since 1982) if an agreement could not be reached.<ref name=LAT112807cc1>Sam Farmer, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-28-sp-rose28-story.html USC considers leaving Coliseum for Rose Bowl], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 28, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT112807cc2>Bill Plaschke, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-28-sp-plaschke28-story.html Coliseum can't let USC complete fade pattern], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 28, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT112907cc>David Wharton and Sam Farmer, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-29-sp-rose29-story.html Mayor benches NFL bin in favor of Trojans], ''Los Angeles Times'', November 29, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=LAT120107c>Bill Dwyre, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-01-sp-dwyre1-story.html USC's threat to leave may be (com)mission impossible], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 1, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> In addition to honoring the outgoing seniors during their final game in the Coliseum, the Trojans also honored late players Drean Rucker and Mario Danelo, who would have both been members of the 2007 senior class. Rucker, a linebacker from [[Moreno Valley, California|Moreno Valley]], drowned during the summer before his freshman year with USC (and was honored during the 2004 season) and Danelo died from a fatal fall immediately following the 2006 season; members of both families attended. The stadium also held a moment of silence for the passing of Trojans alumnus and donor [[Louis Galen]].<ref name=LAT120107b>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-01-sp-uscrep1-story.html Rucker, Danelo will be in their thoughts], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 1, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> USC entered the game as a 20-point favorite.<ref name=LAT120107a>Lonnie White, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-01-sp-lines1-story.html Numbers favor the Trojans], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 1, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
The Trojans defense dominated the Bruins in a 24–7 victory before a sold-out Coliseum crowd. The Trojans held the Bruins to a season-low 168 yards, sacking quarterback Patrick Cowan four times for 31 yards in losses and held the Bruins to 12 net rushing yards. USC forced four turnovers, recovering three UCLA fumbles and intercepting a pass. The Bruins did not convert any of its 11 third down situations. The Bruins sole score came in a drive in the closing minutes of the first half. USC gained 231 rushing yards and 437 overall. On the ground, running back Joe McKnight rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, Stafon Johnson ran for 73 yards and senior Chauncey Washington gained 66 yards and scored a touchdown. Booty completed 21 of 36 passes for 206 yards with a touchdown and an interception.<ref name=LAT120207a>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-02-sp-rivals2-story.html Pasadena Residents], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 2, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
The victory assured USC a share of the Pac-10 title. Although Arizona State would defeat Arizona later in the night to become co-champions, the Trojans clinched a berth in the Rose Bowl by virtue of their victory over the Sun Devils the previous week. USC extended its streak of Pac-10 titles to six in a row, having already broken the record the previous season with five.<ref name=LAT120207b/> Dorrell was fired by UCLA the following Monday.<ref name=LAT120407a>Chris Foster, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-04-sp-dorrell4-story.html Bruins ready for next step], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 4, 2007, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref> USC's victory, coupled with another week of upsets, led the Trojans to rise to No. 6 in the AP Poll, No. 6 in the Coaches Poll, and No. 7 in the BCS standings.<ref name=AP-week15>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=15&seasonType=2&pollId=1 AP Top 25 – Week 14 (Dec. 2)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=Coaches-week15>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=15&seasonType=2&pollId=2 USA Today Coaches Poll – Week 14 (Dec. 2)], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=BCSweek8>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061210184634/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings?week=8 BCS Standings – December 2, 2007], ESPN.com, Accessed July 6, 2008.</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Rose Bowl ===
{{main|2008 Rose Bowl}}
{{AFB game box start
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|Visitor=Illinois
|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3=7 |V4=7
|Host='''USC'''
|H1=14 |H2=7 |H3=14 |H4=14
|Date=Tuesday, January 1
|Location=[[Rose Bowl (stadium)|Rose Bowl]], [[Pasadena, California]]
|StartTime=
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{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=10:57 |Team=USC |Event=[[Chauncey Washington]] 8-yard pass from [[John David Booty]] ([[David Buehler]] kick)|Score= USC 7-0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=8:30 |Team=USC |Event=Desmond Reed 34-yard pass from Garrett Green (David Buehler kick) |Score= USC 14-0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=2:21 |Team=USC |Event=Chauncey Washington 3-yard run (David Buehler kick) |Score= USC 21-0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=:38 |Team=Illinois |Event=[[Jason Reda]] 28-yard field goal |Score= USC 21-3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=12:33 |Team=Illinois |Event=[[Rashard Mendenhall]] 79-yard run (Jason Reda kick) |Score= USC 21-10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:18 |Team=USC |Event=[[Fred Davis (tight end)|Fred Davis]] 2-yard pass from John David Booty (David Buehler kick) |Score= USC 28-10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:42 |Team=USC |Event= [[Joe McKnight]] 6-yard run (David Buehler kick) |Score= USC 35-10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:10 |Team=USC |Event= [[David Ausberry]] 15-yard pass from John David Booty (David Buehler kick)|Score= USC 42-10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=5:47 |Team=USC |Event=[[Hershel Dennis]] 3-yard run (David Buehler kick) |Score= USC 49-10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:28 |Team=Illinois |Event=[[Arrelious Benn]] 56-yard pass from Eddie McGee (Jason Reda kick) |Score= USC 49-17|LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}
[[File:091507-USCNeb-ReyMaualuga.jpg|thumb|upright|Linebacker Rey Maualuga was chosen as the defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl.]]
[[File:102007-HershelDennis.jpg|thumb|upright|Sixth-year running back Hershel Dennis scored his first touchdown since 2004, leading teammates to rush the goal in celebration.]]
The Trojans ended the 2007 season by participating in the [[2008 Rose Bowl]], held on [[New Year's Day]] in the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California; it was the Trojans' fourth Rose Bowl game and sixth [[BCS Bowl]] in six years. Although it traditionally hosts the champions of the [[Big Ten Conference|Big Ten]] and Pac-10 conferences, the 2007 Big Ten Champion, [[2007 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State]], was ranked No. 1 in the final BCS poll and instead participated in the [[2008 BCS National Championship Game]]. The rules governing BCS bowl selections allowed the Rose Bowl to select a BCS "at-large" team from the top 14 teams ranked in the BCS Standings that have at least nine wins. Keeping with its traditional bowl ties, the Rose Bowl selected the No. 13-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (9–3), under third-year head coach [[Ron Zook]].<ref name=LAT120307>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-03-sp-rose3-story.html USC-Illinois accents Rose Bowl tradition], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 3, 2007, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref>
The Illini entered the Rose Bowl after a [[Cinderella (sports)|Cinderella]] season where they won nine games, including an upset victory over at-the-time No. 1 Ohio State, after winning a total of four games the previous two seasons.<ref name=LAT121707>David Wharton, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-17-sp-illinirep17-story.html Underdog role works well for the Illini], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 17, 2007, Accessed August 20, 2008.</ref> It was Illinois' first bowl game since winning the 2001 Big Ten Championship and playing in the 2002 [[Sugar Bowl]]. The Illini offense was led by sophomore quarterback [[Isiah Williams|"Juice" Williams]], who in the regular season passed for 13 touchdowns and ran for seven, junior running back [[Rashard Mendenhall]], who averaged 127 yards rushing per game and scored 18 touchdowns, and freshman receiver [[Arrelious Benn]], who caught 49 passes and had 158 yards in 32 carries.<ref name=LAT120307/> For taking Illinois to the Rose Bowl a year after going 2–10, Zook won both national and Big Ten coach of the year honors.<ref name=AP122907>[https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3172840 Zook named coach of year after Illinois' turnaround season], Associated Press, December 29, 2007, Accessed August 20, 2008.</ref> The Illini entered the game 13.5 point underdogs, the biggest of any of the season's 32 bowl games.<ref name="AP010108" /> It was USC's 31st appearance in "The Granddaddy of Them All", having won in 22 of its previous appearances and [[Rose Bowl Game#Frequent participants|leading in both categories by a significant margin]].
The Trojans routed the Illini 49–17 before a sold-out Rose Bowl crowd. USC set a Rose Bowl-record of 633 offensive yards and tied the record for points scored. John David Booty completed 25 of 37 passes for 255 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Seven different Trojans rushed the ball, led by running back Joe McKnight who had 125 rushing yards and touchdown (McKnight totaled 206 yards for the game). Tight end Fred Davis led the receivers with seven receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. Mendenhall led the Illini, rushing 17 times for 155 yards and one touchdown, with 214 yards overall. Williams had 245 yards passing, completing 21 of 35 passes with two interceptions and was sacked five times.<ref name="AP010108" /> The second Trojans touchdown was a trick play thrown by walk-on receiver-quarterback Garrett Green, who caught a ball thrown backward by Booty and then threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to running back Desmond Reed, who backflipped into the endzone, resulting in an [[Touchdown celebration#NCAA football|excessive celebration]] penalty.<ref name=LAT010207gkmhdw>Gary Klein, Mike Hiserman and David Wharton, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jan-02-sp-rosenotes2-story.html Green puts arm to good use], ''Los Angeles Times'', January 2, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> The fourth quarter included a touchdown by sixth-year senior and one-time starter Hershel Dennis, his first score since 2004, leading to a bench-clearing celebration that resulted in USC receiving another excessive celebration penalty.<ref name=LAT010207gkmhdw/><ref name=YouTube01>{{YouTube|Oz_U3WtAIjY|2008 Rose Bowl – Hershel Dennis}}, January 2, 2008, Accessed July 11, 2008.</ref>
USC's 32-point victory was the largest margin of victory in the Rose Bowl since 1984, when UCLA defeated Illinois 45–9.<ref name=CT010208>Teddy Greenstein, [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1406259671.html?dids=1406259671:1406259671&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+2%2C+2008&author=TEDDY+GREENSTEIN&pub=Chicago+Tribune&edition=&startpage=5&desc=Walk-on+walks+off+Rose+Bowl+winner Walk-on walks off Rose Bowl winner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019110643/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1406259671.html?dids=1406259671:1406259671&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+2,+2008&author=TEDDY+GREENSTEIN&pub=Chicago+Tribune&edition=&startpage=5&desc=Walk-on+walks+off+Rose+Bowl+winner |date=October 19, 2012 }} (paid archive), ''Chicago Tribune'', January 2, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> The lopsided score amplified existing criticism of the Tournament of Roses for scheduling the lower-ranked Fighting Illini as the at-large team.<ref name="LAT010207bd">Bill Dwyre, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jan-02-sp-dwyre2-story.html Big Ten? Seems more like Big Zero], ''Los Angeles Times'', January 2, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=SI010208>Arash Markazi, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080105071443/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/arash_markazi/01/02/rose.bowl/index.html Plague of allegiance], SI.com, January 2, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=SI010307>Stewart Mandel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080106075430/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/01/03/cfb.bag/index.html Botched Championship Series], SI.com, January 3, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> Booty was selected as the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP, and set a Rose Bowl record with seven career touchdowns. USC linebacker Rey Maualuga was selected as the Defensive MVP with three sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.<ref name=LAT010208cf>Chris Foster, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jan-02-sp-roseside2-story.html Maualuga caps a strong defensive effort], ''Los Angeles Times'', January 2, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> It was USC's fifth victory in six consecutive appearances in a BCS Bowl.<ref name=LAT010208gk>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jan-02-sp-rose2-story.html Movers and takers], ''Los Angeles Times'', January 2, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref>
USC ended the season as No. 2 in the final [[Coaches' Poll]] and No. 3 in the final AP Poll with one first-place vote.<ref name=AP-weekfinal/><ref name=Coaches-weekfinal/>
{{Clear}}
==After the season==
===Comments===
The 2007 USC Trojans entered the season picked as the unanimous No. 1 team, with expectations of playing in the BCS National Title Game. After the loss to 41-point underdog Stanford the team's opportunities for national success came into serious question, and following the loss to Oregon there were questions as to whether USC would even win the Pacific-10 Conference.<ref name=TSN102707/><ref name=ESPN010208ms/> The Trojans regrouped and salvaged their season, winning a share of the conference and the Rose Bowl, and by the end of the season were said to be playing the best football of anyone in the country.<ref name="AP010108" /><ref name=Yahoo010107/><ref name=ESPN010208ms/><ref name=CBS010108/><ref name=NYT010208/><ref name=SI101508/><ref name=SI010208/> Injuries to key players, particularly quarterback John David Booty's broken finger during the Stanford game, had a significant impact over the season, leading to questions of how USC would have fared if injuries had not taken their toll.<ref name="LAT010207bd" />
USC finished the season ranked No. 2 in the Coaches Poll and No. 3 in the AP Poll, trading the respective No. 3 and No. 2 spots with [[2007 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]], another team that finished with a strong 11–2 record and a dominating performance in its BCS Bowl game. The teams finished close to each other in the final polls: In the Coaches Poll, USC received 1380 votes to Georgia's 1370; and in the AP Poll Georgia received 1515 to USC's 1500. USC received one first-place vote in the final AP Poll.<ref name=AP-weekfinal/><ref name=Coaches-weekfinal/> With [[2007 LSU Tigers football team|LSU]]'s dominating win over [[2007 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State]] in the [[2008 BCS National Championship Game|BCS National Championship Game]], college football had its first two-loss national champion, and with teams like USC and Georgia locked out of playing LSU or Ohio State, the season served as [[BCS controversies|another example]] for those advocating for some form of Football Bowl Subdivision playoff.<ref name=SI010908am>Arash Markazi, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080112144904/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/arash_markazi/01/09/bcs.debate/index.html Great BCS debate], SI.com, January 9, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=SI010908sm>Stewart Mandel, [http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/web/COM1118340/index.htm Anger management] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906214422/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/web/COM1118340/index.htm |date=September 6, 2008 }}, SI.com, January 9, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=ESPN010808im>Ivan Maisel, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=maisel--ivan&id=3187106 Adams needs to follow through if he's serious], ESPN.com, January 8, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref>
The Trojans accomplished two feats: USC became the first team to win six straight Pac-10 titles and became the first team in major college football to achieve six straight 11-win seasons.<ref name="AP010108" /><ref name=LAT120207b/> In addition, USC set a record by playing in a BCS Bowl for the sixth consecutive season.<ref>Steve Dilbeck, USC Should Receive Applause for Historic Run, ''Los Angeles Daily News'', December 23, 2007, p. C1.</ref>
Immediately after the 2007–08 bowl season, in early looks at the [[2008 USC Trojans football team|2008 season]], USC was ranked as the pre-season No. 4 (''Sports Illustrated'') and No. 5 (ESPN.com) due to key player departures mitigated by the overall talent level.<ref name=SI010808sm>Stewart Mandel, [https://web.archive.org/web/20080111110602/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/01/08/early.top10/index.html Georgia Rule], SI.com, January 8, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=ESPN010808ms>Mark Schlabach, [https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3186264 Georgia takes top spot in early look at 2008's Top 25], ESPN.com, January 8, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> ''Sports Illustrated'' soon revised its ranking to No. 3 after nearly all draft-eligible juniors decided to remain with the program instead of entering the [[NFL Draft]].<ref name=SI011708sm>Stewart Mandel, [https://archive.today/20130119180317/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/01/16/power.rankings/index.html Early look at '08], SI.com, January 17, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref>
===NFL Draft===
[[File:091507-USCNeb-SedrickEllis.jpg|upright|thumb|Nose tackle Sedrick Ellis was selected 7th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.]]
Of all the Trojans' draft-eligible juniors, only offensive guard Chilo Rachal declared himself available for the [[2008 NFL draft]].<ref name=DT011808>Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, [http://media.www.dailytrojan.com/media/storage/paper679/news/2008/01/18/Sports/Dont-Rush.Judgment.On.Rachals.Decision-3158174.shtml Don't rush judgment on Rachal's decision] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822091131/http://media.www.dailytrojan.com/media/storage/paper679/news/2008/01/18/Sports/Dont-Rush.Judgment.On.Rachals.Decision-3158174.shtml |date=2008-08-22 }}, ''Daily Trojan'', January 18, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> Twelve USC players, eleven seniors and a junior, were invited to the [[NFL Scouting Combine]], the most of any school in 2008: the seniors were offensive tackle Sam Baker, quarterback John David Booty, tight end Fred Davis, nose tackle Sedrick Ellis, defensive end Lawrence Jackson, offensive tackle Drew Radovich, linebacker Keith Rivers, center Matt Spanos, cornerback Terrell Thomas, running back Chauncey Washington, linebacker Thomas Williams, and the junior was offensive guard Rachal.<ref name=NFLCombinelist>[http://www.nflcombine.net/files/invlist/2008/school_sort.html 2008 Official Invite List] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807172256/http://www.nflcombine.net/files/invlist/2008/school_sort.html |date=2008-08-07 }}, NFL Scouting Combine, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref>
USC did well in the 2008 draft; ten players were taken overall, the most of any school, and a school-record seven players were selected in the first two rounds, beating the previous record of five (1968 and 2006) and the most in the first round.<ref name=LAT042708/><ref name=LAT042709>Gary Klein, [http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/usc/la-sp-nfl-report27-2009apr27,0,1969653.story USC's NFL pipeline stays open on second day], ''Los Angeles Times'', April 27, 2009, Accessed April 27, 2009.</ref> The first round selections were Ellis (seventh, [[New Orleans Saints]]), Rivers (ninth, [[Cincinnati Bengals]]), Baker (21st, [[Atlanta Falcons]]) and Jackson (28th, [[Seattle Seahawks]]); the second round picks were Rachal (39th, [[San Francisco 49ers]]), Davis (48th, [[Washington Redskins]]) and Thomas (63rd, [[New York Giants]]); the fifth round selections were Booty (137th, [[Minnesota Vikings]]) and Williams (155th, [[Jacksonville Jaguars]]); in the seventh round Washington was selected 213th by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Radovich signed as an [[undrafted free agent]] with the Minnesota Vikings; Spanos signed with the [[Miami Dolphins]].<ref name=ST042708a>Judd Zulgad and Kevin Seifert, [http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/18321704.html Henderson's brother leads group of 16 free agents] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501131812/http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/18321704.html |date=May 1, 2008 }}, ''Star Tribune'', April 27, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=AP051908>Steve Wine, [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-05-19-1321284345_x.htm OL McKinney joins Dolphins], ''Star Tribune'', May 19, 2008, Accessed July 11, 2008.</ref>
One year later, eleven more players were selected in the [[2009 NFL draft]], again leading all universities in the number of players drafted into the NFL that season.<ref name=LAT042709/> The first round selections were Mark Sanchez (fifth, [[New York Jets]]), Brian Cushing (15th, [[Houston Texans]]) and Clay Matthews (26th, [[Green Bay Packers]]); the second round picks were Rey Maualuga (38th, Cincinnati Bengals) and Fili Moala (56th, [[Indianapolis Colts]]); in the third round was Patrick Turner (87th, Miami Dolphins); in the fourth round were Kaluka Maiava (104th, [[Cleveland Browns]]) and Kyle Moore (117th, [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]); in the fifth round was David Buehler (172nd, [[Dallas Cowboys]]); and in the sixth round Cary Harris (183rd, [[Buffalo Bills]]) and Kevin Ellison (189th, [[San Diego Chargers]]).<ref>[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/draft.htm 2009 NFL Draft], Pro-Football-Reference.com, Accessed May 13, 2018.</ref>
During the [[2010 NFL draft]], USC had seven more players from the 2007 team drafted into the NFL, though none in the first round.<ref name=NFLDraft10>[http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/tracker#dt-by-round-input:1/dt-tabs:dt-by-college/dt-by-college-input:50 NFL Draft Tracker: USC], National Football League, Accessed May 1, 2011.</ref> The second round picks were Taylor Mays (49th, San Francisco 49ers) and Charles Brown (64th, New Orleans Saints); in the third round were Damien Williams (77th, [[Tennessee Titans]]) and Kevin Thomas (97th, Indianapolis Colts); in the fourth round were Everson Griffen (100th, Minnesota Vikings) and Joe McKnight (112th, New York Jets); and in the sixth round Anthony McCoy (185th, Seattle Seahawks).<ref>[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/draft.htm 2010 NFL Draft], Pro-Football-Reference.com, Accessed May 13, 2018.</ref>
At the [[2011 NFL draft]], USC tied for the most players drafted from any university into the NFL that year with nine. Of those, six were on the 2007 team, though none of those particular players were in the first round.<ref name=NFLDraft11>[http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/tracker#dt-by-round-input:1/dt-tabs:dt-by-college/dt-by-college-input:50 NFL Draft Tracker: USC], National Football League, Accessed May 1, 2011.</ref> Shareece Wright was selected in the third round (89th, San Diego Chargers); in the sixth round were Ronald Johnson (182nd, San Francisco 49ers) and Allen Bradford (187th, Tampa Bay Buccaneers); and in three consecutive picks in the seventh round were Stanley Havili (240th, [[Philadelphia Eagles]]), David Ausberry (241st, Oakland Raiders) and Malcolm Smith (242nd, Seattle Seahawks).<ref name="2011Draft">[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm 2011 NFL Draft], Pro-Football-Reference.com, Accessed May 13, 2018.</ref> Jordan Cameron, who had tried to transfer onto the team but forced to wait a year at a junior college before enrolling,<ref>Tom Reed, [http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/10/toughest_decision_in_his_life.html Jordan Cameron's 'toughest decision' of his life led to a career in football with the Cleveland Browns], ''The Plain Dealer'', October 8, 2013, Accessed May 13, 2018.</ref> was drafted in the fourth round (102nd, Cleveland Browns).<ref name="2011Draft"/> Finally, at the [[2012 NFL draft]], Rhett Ellison was taken in the fourth round (128th, Minnesota Vikings).<ref name=LAT042912>Gary Klein, [http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-usc-rhett-ellison-drafted-by-vikings-20120429,0,4206666.story USC football: Rhett Ellison happy to join Vikings], ''Los Angeles Times'', April 29, 2012, accessed April 30, 2012.</ref>
===Awards===
Senior Fred Davis became the first Trojan to win the [[John Mackey Award]], awarded to the nation's top tight end.<ref name=LAT120707>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-07-sp-fbcrep7-story.html Rose Bowl says no deal, for now], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 7, 2007, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> Five Trojans were selected to the various [[2007 College Football All-America Team]]s. In addition to Fred Davis, tackle Sam Baker earned his third-straight spot on an All-American team. On the defense, tackle Sedrick Ellis, linebacker Keith Rivers, and safety Taylor Mays all earned All-American honors. Ellis was named the Pacific-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year by league coaches, and selected to the All-Conference first team defense along with defensive end Lawrence Jackson, linebackers Rivers and Rey Maualuga, and cornerback Kevin Ellison. The All-Conference first team offense included Davis, Baker, and offensive lineman Chilo Rachal.<ref name=PAC10120307>[http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120307aal.html Pac-10 Football Awards and All-Conference Team Announced] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212025224/http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120307aal.html |date=February 12, 2009 }}, Pacific 10 Conference, December 3, 2007, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref>
The Trojans had nine players invited to participate in the [[Senior Bowl]] in [[Mobile, Alabama]]: Baker, quarterback John David Booty, Davis, Ellis, Jackson, offensive linemen Drew Radovich, Rivers, cornerback Terrell Thomas and running back Chauncey Washington.<ref name=LAT010108gk>Gary Klein, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jan-01-sp-uscrep1-story.html Draft is next step for some players], ''Los Angeles Times'', January 1, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref> All nine players were placed on the North team, which was coached by [[Lane Kiffin]], who had coached for the Trojans between 2001 and 2006 before becoming the head coach of the [[Oakland Raiders]]. The nine players sent by USC were the second-most ever invited from one team in a single season, one less than the 10 players by [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] in 1987 and tied with the nine players sent by [[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn]] in 1988, though the earlier selection rules favored the two locally based schools.<ref name=ESPN012208>Chris Low, [https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?id=3207600 Former Trojans happy to be reunited with Kiffin], ESPN.com, January 22, 2008, Accessed July 7, 2008.</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{USC Trojans football navbox}}
{{Pac-12 Conference football champions}}
{{Featured article}}
[[Category:2007 Pacific-10 Conference football season|USC]]
[[Category:USC Trojans football seasons]]
[[Category:Pac-12 Conference football champion seasons]]
[[Category:Rose Bowl champion seasons]]
[[Category:2007 in sports in Los Angeles|USC Trojans football]]
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