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!

After I wrote about the 1975 Liberty Bowl yesterday, I received a call from a member of that USC team. USC was ranked No. 3 and undefeated but went into a tailspin and lost 4 straight games after John McKay announced he was going to Tampa Bay. “McKay announced the Friday before we got on the bus to leave for Cal that he was leaving … Continue reading About That 1975 USC Season

Today is the 44th anniversary of John McKay’s final game at USC, a 20-0 victory over Texas A&M in the Liberty Bowl. USC was 7-0 and ranked No. 3 in the nation when McKay announced he would go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Trojans promptly lost four straight games. Ricky Bell scored on a 76-yard swing pass. Vince Evans threw a 65-yard pass to … Continue reading It’s Anniversary Of John McKay’s Final USC Game

Imagine in 1959, USC actually had a press conference where athletic director Jess Hill announced Don Clark resigned as football coach and was being replaced by his assistant, John McKay. You know who else was a finalist for the job? Al Davis, the future Raiders owner. USC is so paralyzed now it can’t even fire a coach. Or get him to “resign.” Or figure out … Continue reading USC Pictures Of The Night