Bill Russell turned 86 today. He led the University of San Francisco to consecutive NCAA titles in 1955 and 1956. The Dons, who received 33 of 34 first-place votes in the United Press preseason poll, opened the 1955-56 season by hosting USC. Russell had 24 points, 20 rebounds and 10 blocked shots in only 25 minutes as USF won, 58-42. The final score was not … Continue reading That Time USC Faced Bill Russell

While doing some research on Willie Wood, I came across this quote from Stanford coach Jack Curtice on the 1959 USC-Stanford game: “The turning point of the game came after they played the Star Spangled Banner,” Curtice said. Continue reading USC Quote Of The Night

A long-time USC fan told me that in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, if you headed over to Julie’s Restaurant after a game, the crowd would become more and more boisterous. Eventually, there would always be some fully-clothed fans who would jump into the swimming pool in the back patio. “People were cheering and celebrating,” the fan said. “Sooner or later, they would jump into … Continue reading Who Jumped Into The Julie’s Pool?

Here’s the famous Craig Fertig-to-Rod Sherman touchdown catch that provided the winning points as USC upset No. 1-ranked Notre Dame, 20-17, in 1964 at the Coliseum. Notre Dame led 17-0 and 17-7 entering the fourth quarter. The winning touchdown pass came with 1:43 left, and more importantly, on fourth down and 8. “I studied the Notre Dame-Stanford film for six hours last night and I … Continue reading USC Picture Of The Night

In my annual Christmas tradition, here is my all-time favorite USC picture.Hollywood screen legend Greta Garbo was sent to USC in 1926 to pose for some publicity photos with the track team. Garbo initially refused until MGM deducted $25 from her salary, which convinced her to head to campus and don a USC track singlet. Continue reading Merry Christmas!