The Rise and Fall of USC Football

The Night That Changed Everything for USC

Late into the night of New Year’s Day in 2006, Lane Kiffin found himself weighed down by regret at the USC team hotel near the Rose Bowl. Before he became college football’s notorious figure at Louisiana State University, Kiffin was a promising young coach at USC under Pete Carroll. Back then, the Trojans were at the pinnacle of success, dominating college football without defeat for over two years. They were so influential that celebrities regularly appeared on the sidelines at their games, transforming them into a cultural phenomenon.

But after that night in 2006, the path for USC altered irretrievably. The Trojans faced a heartbreaking defeat against Texas, missing their chance at a historic third consecutive national championship. This narrow miss sparked endless self-reflection for Kiffin. He watched his colleagues celebrate a successful era, but he warned, “We ain’t doing this again guys.” His foresight was accurate; USC has yet to reach such heights again.

USC’s Fall from Grace

By the time I joined The Times in 2019, USC and its football program had plummeted. Following their worst season in 25 years, USC grappled with scandals that led to the resignation of its president and athletic director. The glory days of USC’s football domination seemed a distant memory.

Tracking USC’s fall took four years and over a hundred interviews. Today marks the launch of “House of Troy,” a narrative podcast series shedding light on USC’s dramatic rise, fall, and the arduous journey towards rebuilding.

Striving for Rebirth

USC experienced multiple coaching missteps before Pete Carroll’s appointment in 2001. Although initially met with apprehension, Carroll transformed the Trojans into the nation’s most exciting team. Carroll remarked, “There were never enough wins,” highlighting the epic success they attained.

After Carroll’s departure in 2010, USC spent years chasing the same exhilarating triumph. This chase led the program down a challenging path, and only now is USC beginning to reemerge.

The Journey of “House of Troy”

“House of Troy” chronicles the saga involving star players, university leaders, and insiders who witnessed USC’s attempt to reclaim college football supremacy. Each episode offers new insights into a university deeply embedded in Southern California culture.

Join us for “House of Troy” starting Tuesday on your preferred podcast platform.

Prepare for Epic El Niño Storms

With California poised to face a “super” El Niño, here are crucial preparations:

• Assess coastal properties for potential damage.
• Monitor tropical storm developments.
• Evaluate housing market conditions amid high interest rates and taxes.

Paramount’s Path Forward

Paramount has reached a settlement with California’s attorney general regarding its merger with Warner Bros. Key conditions include establishing a board to ensure editorial independence for CNN and CBS News.

More news highlights include iPhone settlements, celebrity legal challenges, and political developments.

Opinion Pieces

Commentaries explore topics such as the Paramount settlement and the need for optimistic sci-fi reminiscent of “Star Trek.”

Activities and Recipes

• Explore Dodger Stadium’s new botanical garden.
• Plan trips to enjoy California’s fall scenery.
• Celebrate Dolly Parton Day with events across California.

It’s an ideal time to savor fall recipes like Portuguese-style white beans with chorizo, shrimp, and clams.

Community Engagement

Share your favorite spot for viewing fall colors in California by emailing [email protected].

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