Cardinal and Gold

From respected journalist Steve Delsohn comes the true story of the University of Southern California football program, told by those who know it best--USC players, coaches, administrators, and leading sports journalists who have covered the fabled team. Over the years, USC has produced an almost unrivaled level of success: 11 national titles, 38 conference championships, 7 Heisman Trophy winners and 80 All-Americans, while also grooming countless NFL stars. From Todd Marinovich and Keyshawn Johnson to Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, some of the greatest and most memorable college football players of all time have suited up for the Trojans. And under the leadership of legendary coaches like John Robinson and Pete Carroll, they've played in some of college football's most celebrated big games. At the same time, few big-time football programs are as tumultuous as USC. From battles with the NCAA, to bitter internal conflicts between coaches, players, and administrators, to all-out brawls with hated rivals like Notre Dame, the Trojans' dominance has often gone hand in hand with controversy. This book tells, for the first time, the full and unvarnished story of the USC program at its best and worst. From the dynastic "Tailback U" years of the 1970s, to the dominance of the Carroll years, right through the upheaval of the modern era, it's crammed with behind-the-scenes insight into USC's most iconic moments, players, coaches, and games.--Adapted from dust jacket.