USC On The Gridiron
They have won a total of 37 PAC-10 conference championships. They have been in a total of 47 bowl games since the program started. This trails only Alabama as having the most bowl appearances. However, they do have the most bowl wins at 31. They have recorded a record 7 straight seasons in which they had 11 wins. Also, a record 33 weeks ranked as the #1 team in college football. USC has numerous players to receive awards over the years. A total of 6 previous Heisman winners & 34 players voted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Add to that, a total of 150 college All-Americans as well. Doe to the school’s tradition of producing great tailbacks, USC has been dubbed the name Tailback U”.
How could we forget about O.J. Simpson? He may very well be known now for his legal troubles more than his personal accomplishments in football. However, there’s mistaking this was a great football player. He won the Heisman back in 1968 all while leading the nation in rushing yards. He also has led the nation in rushing the previous year as well. His Heisman victory goes down as the largest margin ever in this race. Simpson went on to the NFL & became a great success including an NFL MVP award in 1973.
Charles White was voted Heisman winner in 1979. He also won the Maxwell & Walter Camp awards. One for the best college football player in America & the other for college football Player of the Year. During his college career, White set or tied a total of 22 records. He was also an All-American in 1978 & 1979. He was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995. In the NFL, White didn’t have as much success. He did garner one Pro Bowl selection. He later revealed that he struggled with drug addition in the NFL. In 1987, he enjoyed his best NFL season with 1,387 yards & 11 TD’s.
Running back expectations continued with this guy. Another coveted trophy from another USC tailback. A season considered by experts to be the best ever in college football. A season that prompted the school to get rid of a jersey for greatness. More success continued at the next level. Garnering a Super Bowl one season & the NFL MVP the next. A Pro Bowl selection for about half of his career. 11 successful seasons with the LA Raiders. This continued success led him to both the Pro & College Football Hall of Fame. This is Marcus Allen.
A more recent USC tailback great and a present NFL player. His final two seasons he garnered college football All-American honors. His senior campaign was good enough for achieving the Heisman Trophy. The Saints gave him a chance to be a part of their backfield. In under 5 seasons, this player has seen limited personal success. However, his team achieved the most coveted success by taking home the Super Bowl in 2010
