2009 USC Trojans football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 2009 USC Trojans USC Trojans logo.svg 100 Pac-10 Conference Pac-10 9–4 5–4 20 22 Pete Carroll 9th John Morton 1st Multiple Rocky Seto 1st 4–3 Jeff Byers Taylor Mays Josh Pinkard Damian Williams Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Emerald Bowl champion Emerald Bowl W 24–13 vs. Boston College The 2009 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team played its home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and was coached by Pete Carroll, who was in his ninth and final season at USC. They finished the season 9–4, 5–4 in Pac-10 play and won the Emerald Bowl over Boston College 24–13. Ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP poll, USC won against No. 8 Ohio State with freshman quarterback Matt Barkley starting, but lost four conference games to Washington, Oregon, Stanford and Arizona. The 47–20 loss against Oregon and the 55–21 home loss against Stanford each became the worst defeat of Carroll's tenure. After the loss to Arizona, the Trojans dropped out of the AP poll for the first time in eight years. They played in their first non-BCS bowl after seven consecutive BCS bowl appearances and finished No. 22 in the final AP poll. Carroll left to coach the Seattle Seahawks and was replaced by Lane Kiffin. Before the season Recruiting class Recruiting (college athletics) The Trojans signed a top-5 recruiting class.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/classrankings?classyear=2009&classmonth=3&rank=4 https://web.archive.org/web/20090208215005/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/classrankings?classyear=2009&classmonth=3&rank=4 dead February 8, 2009 Class of 2009 Team Football Recruiting Rankings ESPN February 2009 February 5, 2009http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/02/03/team-rankings/index.html?eref=T1 https://web.archive.org/web/20090206092631/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/02/03/team-rankings/index.html?eref=T1 dead February 6, 2009 Rivals.com 2009 Top 25 class rankings Rivals February 5, 2009 February 5, 2009 Quarterback Matt Barkley of Mater Dei High School, whom Carroll called the No. 1 player in the country, graduated early and enrolled at USC in January 2009. Sixteen more recruits signed on national signing day, including defensive end Devon Kennard. Carroll said the class was weighted toward defense because the team had lost defensive players.February 4, 2009 Carroll, USC Trojans land solid recruiting class https://archives-new.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Feb/05/br/hawaii90205005.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20261024074315/https://archives-new.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Feb/05/br/hawaii90205005.html October 24, 2026 October 23, 2026 The Honolulu Advertiser Associated PressLev Michael February 4, 2009 USC rebounds after losing out on top recruits https://archives-new.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Feb/05/br/hawaii90205006.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20261024074604/https://archives-new.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Feb/05/br/hawaii90205006.html October 24, 2026 October 23, 2026 The Honolulu Advertiser Orange County Register USC signed nine of ESPN's top 114 prospects and eight of Rivals' top 100, but missed out on linebackers Manti Te'o and Vontaze Burfict and lost offensive lineman Xavier Su'a-Filo to UCLA. Schedule 2009 AP Poll and BCS Rankings after October 18 released prior to game Pacific September 5 12:30 p.m. w y 4 San Jose State Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA FSN 56–3 84,325 September 12 5:00 p.m.https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/fb-ohio-state-and-usc-to-battle-in-prime-time/ FB: Ohio State and USC to Battle in Prime Time Ohio State Intercollegiate Athletics June 2, 2009 March 4, 2019 w y y 3 Ohio State 8 College GameDay Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH ESPN 18–15 106,033 September 19 12:30 p.m. l y 3 Washington Husky Stadium Seattle, WA ABC 13–16 61,889 September 26 7:15 p.m. w 12 Washington State Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA FSN 27–6 75,216 October 3 5:00 p.m. w y 7 California 24 California Memorial Stadium Berkeley, CA ABC 30–3 71,799 October 17 12:30 p.m. w y y 6 Notre Dame 25 Jeweled Shillelagh Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN NBC 34–27 80,795 October 24 5:00 p.m. w 7 Oregon State Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA ABC 42–36 89,718 October 31 5:00 p.m. l y 5 Oregon 10 College GameDay Autzen Stadium Eugene, OR ABC/ESPN2 20–47 59,592 November 7 5:00 p.m. w y 12 Arizona State Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, AZ ABC 14–9 55,282 November 14 12:30 p.m. l y 9 Stanford rivalry Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA FSN 21–55 90,071 November 28 7:00 p.m. w 20 UCLA Victory Bell Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA FSN 28–7 85,713 December 5 12:30 p.m. l 18 Arizona Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA ABC 17–21 83,753 December 26 5:00 p.m. w y y 24 Boston College Emerald Bowl AT&T Park San Francisco, CA ESPN 24–13 40,121 Source:https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/schedule/2009 2009 USC Football Schedule USC Athletics October 21, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20261021114606/https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/schedule/2009 October 21, 2026 live Roster No. Name Yr. Ht./Wt.2009 USC Football Roster http://www.usctrojans.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/usc-m-footbl-mtt.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091126031029/http://www.usctrojans.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/usc-m-footbl-mtt.html November 26, 2009 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics Quarterback 7 Matt Barkley Fr. 6-2/230 15 Aaron Corp So. 6-3/200 14 Garrett Green Sr. 6-2/210 18 John Manoogian Fr. 6-0/205 16 Mitch Mustain Jr. 6-3/200 Running back 21 Allen Bradford Jr. 5-11/235 2 C.J. Gable Jr. 6-0/205 45 Adam Goodman Sr. 6-1/240 31 Stanley Havili Jr. 6-1/230 13 Stafon Johnson Sr. 5-11/210 4 Joe McKnight Jr. 6-0/190 6 Curtis McNeal Fr. 5-8/190 34 Ahmed Mokhtar So. 6-0/210 10 D.J. Shoemate So. 6-0/220 48 Hunter Simmons Fr. 6-3/235 26 Marc Tyler So. 6-0/225 36 Simione Vehikite Fr. 6-0/245 Wide receiver 9 David Ausberry Jr. 6-4/235 83 Steve Blackhart Fr. 6-2/180 49 Robbie Boyer Fr. 6-0/185 19 Brice Butler Fr. 6-3/200 46 Sean Calcagnie Jr. 6-0/190 23 Jordan Cameron Jr. 6-5/220 80 Brandon Carswell So. 6-1/185 39 Preston Cavignac Jr. 6-0/185 1 De'Von Flournoy Fr. 6-0/180 41 J.B. Green Fr. 6-1/195 8 Ronald Johnson Jr. 6-0/190 28 Drew Ness So. 6-0/190 17 Travon Patterson Jr. 5-10/175 47 Scott Stephens Jr. 6-1/185 81 Spencer Vigoren Jr. 6-4/220 18 Damian Williams Jr. 6-1/195 Tight end 88 Blake Ayles So. 6-5/245 16 James Boyd Fr. 6-5/230 40 Rhett Ellison So. 6-5/255 82 Bryson Lloyd Fr. 6-3/225 86 Anthony McCoy Sr. 6-5/250 87 Ian Wandler Jr. 6-4/270 Offensive line 71 Charles Brown Sr. 6-6/285 53 Jeff Byers Sr. 6-3/290 72 Martin Coleman So. 6-5/315 77 Kevin Graf Fr. 6-6/315 74 Zack Heberer Jr. 6-5/290 78 Khaled Holmes Fr. 6-4/300 76 Nick Howell Sr. 6-5/290 75 Matt Kalil Fr. 6-6/295 68 Butch Lewis Jr. 6-5/285 50 Abe Markowitz Fr. 6-1/280 59 John Martinez Fr. 6-3/275 64 Garrett Nolan Sr. 6-4/275 61 Kris O'Dowd Jr. 6-5/300 56 Alex Parsons Sr. 6-4/300 67 Michael Reardon So. 6-5/285 70 Tyron Smith So. 6-6/285 Defensive line 94 Armond Armstead So. 6-5/295 91 Jurrell Casey So. 6-1/295 92 Hebron Fangupo Jr. 6-2/330 93 Everson Griffen Jr. 6-3/280 98 DaJohn Harris So. 6-4/295 96 Wes Horton Fr. 6-5/255 97 Malik Jackson So. 6-5/245 42 Devon Kennard Fr. 6-3/255 8 Nick Perry Fr. 6-3/250 90 Derek Simmons Jr. 6-4/285 99 Averell Spicer Sr. 6-2/295 44 Christian Tupou Jr. 6-2/285 Linebacker 43 Will Andrew Fr. 6-2/225 52 Luthur Brown Sr. 6-2/235 37 Jordan Campbell So. 5-11/230 46 Ross Cumming So. 6-1/220 59 Dan Deckas Jr. 5-10/215 54 Chris Galippo So. 6-2/250 57 Nick Garratt Sr. 6-1/235 81 Kevin Greene Fr. 6-3/235 23 Shane Horton So. 6-1/210 51 Jarvis Jones Fr. 6-3/225 35 Uona Kaveinga So. 6-1/245 17 Mike Morgan Jr. 6-4/220 53 Marquis Simmons Fr. 6-1/225 6 Malcolm Smith Jr. 6-1/225 Defensive back 30 Brian Baucham Fr. 5-11/180 1 T.J. Bryant So. 6-0/180 45 Omari Crittenden Jr. 6-0/185 38 Robert Erickson Jr. 5-11/190 22 Daniel Harper So. 5-10/180 4 Torin Harris Fr. 6-1/175 26 Will Harris Sr. 6-1/210 28 Justin Hart Sr. 6-0/180 47 Michael Helfrich Fr. 6-0/190 27 Marshall Jones Jr. 6-0/190 2 Taylor Mays Sr. 6-3/235 19 Drew McAllister So. 6-1/195 7 T. J. McDonald Fr. 6-2/205 49 Ryan McMahon So. 6-0/195 9 Byron Moore Fr. 6-1/205 41 Allen Noble Jr. 6-0/190 36 Josh Pinkard Sr. 6-1/215 34 Spencer Spiegel So. 5-11/175 29 Jawanza Starling Fr. 6-1/190 15 Kevin Thomas Sr. 6-1/190 24 Shareece Wright Jr. 6-0/185 Specialists 38 Jordan Congdon Sr. 5-9/175 48 Jacob Harfman Jr. 5-11/200 30 Joe Houston Jr. 5-8/175 39 Billy O'Malley Jr. 6-1/190 25 Boomer Roepke So. 5-9/180 62 Chris Pousson So. 6-4/240 85 Cooper Stephenson Jr. 6-3/220 Game summaries San Jose State Spartans 3 0 0 0 #4 Trojans 0 28 14 14 2009 San Jose State Spartans football team The No. 4 Trojans opened their season against the San Jose State Spartans. The Spartans led USC 3–0 after a first-quarter field goal; the Trojans then scored 56 consecutive points for a 53-point victory.September 5, 2009 Trojans Rout Spartans In Barkley's Debut, 56-3 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/9/5/Trojans_Rout_Spartans_In_Barkley_s_Debut_56_3 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021115723/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/9/5/Trojans_Rout_Spartans_In_Barkley_s_Debut_56_3 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC AthleticsSeptember 5, 2009 San Jose State vs USC – Box Score https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/san-jose-state/boxscore/3434 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021115848/https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/san-jose-state/boxscore/3434 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics In this game, Matt Barkley became the first freshman quarterback to start a season opener for USC. Ohio State #3 Trojans 7 3 0 8 #8 Buckeyes 7 3 5 0 2009 Ohio State Buckeyes football team A crowd of 106,033, then the largest in Ohio Stadium history, was in attendance as No. 3 USC played the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. The game was tied 10–10 at halftime. After a safety and a field goal, Ohio State led 15–10 in the third quarter. Matt Barkley then led a 14-play, 86-yard drive that ended with Stafon Johnson's 2-yard touchdown run with 1:05 remaining and a two-point conversion that put USC in the lead. The final score was USC 18, Ohio State 15, with the Buckeyes losing to the Trojans for the second straight year.September 12, 2009 Trojans Drive Past Buckeyes, 18-15 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/9/12/Trojans_Drive_Past_Buckeyes_18_15 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021132646/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/9/12/Trojans_Drive_Past_Buckeyes_18_15 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics Associated PressSeptember 12, 2009 USC vs Ohio State – Box Score https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/ohio-state/boxscore/3435 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021133108/https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/ohio-state/boxscore/3435 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics Freshman quarterback Matt Barkley bruised his right shoulder in the third quarter but played through the injury.Moura Pedro September 16, 2009 Shoulder injury keeps Barkley out of practice https://dailytrojan.com/2009/09/16/shoulder-injury-keeps-barkley-out-of-practice/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021133401/https://dailytrojan.com/2009/09/16/shoulder-injury-keeps-barkley-out-of-practice/ October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 Daily Trojan 1st Quarter 11:37 USC Johnson 1-yard run for Touchdown (Congdon kick) 7–0 USC 8:06 OSU Herron 2-yard run for Touchdown (Pettrey kick) 7–7 2nd Quarter 14:56 OSU Pettrey 18-yard field goal 10–7 OSU 0:00 USC Congdon 21-yard field goal 10–10 3rd Quarter 9:03 OSU Safety (high snap through the end zone on USC punt) 12–10 OSU 4:43 OSU Pettrey 22-yard field goal 15–10 OSU 4th Quarter 1:05 USC Johnson 2-yard run for Touchdown (Barkley pass to McKnight) 18–15 USC Washington #3 Trojans 10 0 0 3 Huskies 7 3 0 6 2009 Washington Huskies football team Quarterback Aaron Corp took over for Matt Barkley, who was sidelined by his shoulder injury. This was his first career start, and he completed 13 of 22 passes for 110 yards with one interception.September 19, 2009 Washington Stuns USC, 16-13 https://gohuskies.com/news/2009/9/19/208013937 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021134056/https://gohuskies.com/news/2009/9/19/208013937 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 Washington Huskies Athletics Associated Press Erik Folk's 22-yard field goal with three seconds remaining won the game for Washington. thumb|right|Washington fans storm the field after the Huskies defeated the No. 3 Trojans in an upset. The Huskies became the latest Pac-10 team to beat the Trojans under Carroll; at the time, Arizona and Arizona State were the only conference teams that had not done so.College Football - Bottom 10 Steve Harvey https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-sep-24-sp-bottom-ten24-story.html Los Angeles Times September 24, 2009 September 24, 2009 1st Quarter 12:28 USC McKnight 7-yard run for Touchdown (Congdon kick) 7–0 USC 4:36 USC Congdon 42-yard field goal 10–0 USC 0:11 UW Jake Locker 4-yard run for Touchdown (Erik Folk kick) 10–7 USC 2nd Quarter 4:09 UW Folk 28-yard field goal 10–10 Tied 4th Quarter 9:53 UW Folk 46-yard field goal 13–10 UW 4:07 USC Congdon 25-yard field goal 13–13 Tied 0:03 UW Folk 22-yard field goal 16–13 UWSeptember 19, 2009 USC vs Washington – Box Score https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/washington/boxscore/3436 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021134345/https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/washington/boxscore/3436 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics Washington State Cougars 0 0 0 6 #12 Trojans 20 0 0 7 2009 Washington State Cougars football team Barkley returned from his shoulder injury and passed for 247 yards, which included touchdown passes of 29 yards to Brice Butler and 57 yards to Damian Williams in the first quarter. USC scored three touchdowns in the first 12 minutes. The Trojans' defense recorded eight sacks and held Washington State scoreless until Dwight Tardy's 2-yard touchdown run with 22 seconds remaining.September 26, 2009 Trojans Handle Cougars, 27-6 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/9/26/Trojans_Handle_Cougars_27_6 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021140015/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/9/26/Trojans_Handle_Cougars_27_6 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC AthleticsSeptember 26, 2009 Washington State vs USC – Box Score https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/washington-state/boxscore/3437 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics California #7 Trojans 10 10 3 7 #24 Golden Bears 0 0 0 3 2009 California Golden Bears football team thumb|left|Damian Williams (no. 18) after returning a 66-yard punt for a touchdown. The Trojans held the Bears without a touchdown in a 30–3 win. Joe McKnight ran for 119 yards and two touchdowns, Damian Williams returned a punt 66 yards for a score, and Jordan Congdon kicked three field goals. Stafon Johnson was hospitalized due to a weight-room accident a few days before the game.October 3, 2009 Trojans Smack Cal 30-3 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/10/3/Trojans_Smack_Cal_30_3 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021142821/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/10/3/Trojans_Smack_Cal_30_3 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC AthleticsOctober 3, 2009 USC vs California – Box Score https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/california/boxscore/3438 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021143027/https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/california/boxscore/3438 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics Notre Dame #6 USC at #25 Notre Dame USC 7 6 14 7 Notre Dame 7 0 7 13 October 17 Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN 12:30 p.m. PDT 80,795 Tom Hammond (Play-by-play), Pat Haden (Color) & Alex Flanagan (Sideline) NBC yes 1 8:47 USC Damian Williams 20-yard pass from Matt Barkley (Jordan Congdon kick) USC 7–0 1 1:04 ND Robert Hughes 2-yard run (Nick Tausch kick) Tied 7–7 2 12:44 USC Jordan Congdon 24-yard field goal USC 10–7 2 7:10 USC Jordan Congdon 37-yard field goal USC 13–7 3 7:29 USC Damian Williams 41-yard pass from Matt Barkley (Jordan Congdon kick) USC 20–7 3 5:18 ND Golden Tate 45-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen (Nick Tausch kick) USC 20–14 3 2:35 USC Allen Bradford 3-yard run (Jordan Congdon kick) USC 27–14 4 13:33 USC Joe McKnight 1-yard run (Jordan Congdon kick) USC 34–14 4 11:13 ND Jimmy Clausen 2-yard run (kick blocked) USC 34–20 4 7:28 ND Golden Tate 15-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen (Nick Tausch kick) USC 34–27 yes 2009 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team No. 6 USC led 13–7 at halftime and 27–14 after the third quarter. Joe McKnight's 1-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter made it 34–14. Notre Dame rallied with a 2-yard touchdown run by Jimmy Clausen and a 15-yard touchdown pass from Clausen to Golden Tate to close the gap to 34–27. Notre Dame reached the USC 4-yard line in the final seconds, but Clausen's last three passes were incomplete. With this win, USC extended its winning streak over Notre Dame to eight.October 17, 2009 USC Downs Notre Dame, 34-27 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/10/17/USC_Downs_Notre_Dame_34_27 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021144946/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/10/17/USC_Downs_Notre_Dame_34_27 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics Associated Press Matt Barkley completed 19 of 29 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns, and Anthony McCoy had five catches for 153 yards.October 17, 2009 USC vs Notre Dame – Box Score https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/notre-dame/boxscore/3439 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021145108/https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/notre-dame/boxscore/3439 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics Oregon State Beavers 6 3 14 13 #7 Trojans 7 14 14 7 2009 Oregon State Beavers football team USC scored first when quarterback Matt Barkley passed to Anthony McCoy for an 8-yard touchdown. The Beavers got on the scoreboard with two field goals from Justin Kahut (both 48 yards). In the second quarter, Barkley completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to Ronald Johnson. Barkley then rushed for a 1-yard touchdown for the Trojans. Kahut kicked a 33-yard field goal for Oregon State just before the half.October 24, 2009 Trojans Hold On Against Beavers, 42-36 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/10/24/Trojans_Hold_On_Against_Beavers_42_36 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021150201/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/10/24/Trojans_Hold_On_Against_Beavers_42_36 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics In the third quarter, Sean Canfield passed to Jacquizz Rodgers for a 6-yard touchdown for the Beavers on an eight-play, 61-yard drive. The Trojans countered with a 7-play drive for 70 yards with Allen Bradford rushing for 2 yards for a touchdown. Canfield narrowed Oregon State's gap by completing a 15-yard scoring pass to Damola Adeniji. USC answered with Allen Bradford scoring a 43-yard touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, Damian Williams returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown to put USC ahead 42–23. Oregon State answered with a 7-yard touchdown catch by James Rodgers and a 1-yard run by Jacquizz Rodgers with 5:41 remaining to draw close, but USC then ran out the clock. The Beavers gained 482 total yards against the USC defense. Oregon #5 Trojans 3 14 3 0 #10 Ducks 10 14 17 6 2009 Oregon Ducks football team Prior to the game, USC had lost three in a row in the state of Oregon, but had won four of the last five against the Ducks.It's a Big Game for Trojans -- and Pete Carroll Gary Klein https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-oct-30-sp-usc-pete-carroll30-story.html Los Angeles Times October 30, 2009 October 30, 2009 The Trojans lost the game 47–20, which was the worst defeat suffered by USC since 1997.Tenth-ranked Ducks hand Trojans worst loss since '97 ESPN October 31, 2009 October 31, 2009 https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=293042483 https://web.archive.org/web/20091104185649/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=293042483 November 4, 2009 dead 1st Quarter 8:32 USC Jordan Congdon 28-yard field goal 3–0 USC 7:30 Oregon Morgan Flint 32-yard field goal 3–3 Tied 1:37 Oregon Jeremiah Masoli 3-yard run for Touchdown (Morgan Flint kick) 10–3 Oregon 2nd Quarter 10:55 USC Matt Barkley 3-yard pass to Ronald Johnson for Touchdown (Jordan Congdon kick) 10–10 Tied 8:39 Oregon Andre Crenshaw 1-yard run for Touchdown (Morgan Flint kick) 17–10 Oregon 3:17 USC Matt Barkley 4-yard pass to Damian Williams for Touchdown (Jordan Congdon kick) 17–17 Tied 1:49 Oregon Jeremiah Masoli 17-yard pass to Jamere Holland for Touchdown (Morgan Flint kick) 24–17 Oregon 3rd Quarter 11:58 Oregon Morgan Flint 35-yard field goal 27–17 Oregon 8:26 USC Jordan Congdon 39-yard field goal 27–20 Oregon 5:50 Oregon LaMichael James 5-yard run for Touchdown (Morgan Flint kick) 34–20 Oregon 0:00 Oregon Kenjon Barner 3-yard run for Touchdown (Morgan Flint kick) 41–20 Oregon 4th Quarter 8:00 Oregon Morgan Flint 22-yard field goal 44–20 Oregon 2:05 Oregon Morgan Flint 23-yard field goal 47–20 OregonOctober 31, 2009 USC vs Oregon – Box Score https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/oregon/boxscore/3441 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021150906/https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/oregon/boxscore/3441 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics Arizona State #12 Trojans 0 7 7 0 Sun Devils 0 3 6 0 2009 Arizona State Sun Devils football team Will Harris returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, and Matt Barkley threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Damian Williams early in the third quarter to put USC ahead 14–3. Arizona State's only touchdown came late in the third quarter through a 23-yard pass from Brock Osweiler to Chris McGaha. USC forced four turnovers, and Harris intercepted Osweiler's pass into the end zone as time expired. This win was USC's 10th straight win over Arizona State.November 7, 2009 Trojans Hold Off Sun Devils, 14-9 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/11/7/Trojans_Hold_Off_Sun_Devils_14_9 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261021153356/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/11/7/Trojans_Hold_Off_Sun_Devils_14_9 October 21, 2026 October 21, 2026 USC Athletics Associated Press Stanford #25 Cardinal 14 7 7 27 #11 Trojans 0 7 14 0 2009 Stanford Cardinal football team Toby Gerhart rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns, and Stanford scored four touchdowns in the fourth quarter after leading 28–21. Stanford's 55–21 victory was the highest number of points any team had scored against a USC Trojans football team in the 121-year history of Trojan football.http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=293180030 https://web.archive.org/web/20171213011733/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=293180030 dead December 13, 2017 Gerhart fuels Stanford's throttling of No. 9 USC ESPN.com Associated Press November 14, 2009 March 4, 2019 The 34-point loss was the worst defeat USC had suffered since 1966. This was Stanford's third victory against USC in their last five games against each other at the Coliseum (Stanford winning 2001, 2007, and 2009, with USC winning in 2003 and 2005), with USC having defeated every non-Stanford opponent in the Coliseum since 2001, going 47–2 since Stanford's September 29, 2001 victory in the Coliseum.http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13792076 Stanford A.D.: Harbaugh's New Contract Should be Completed Soon Jon Wilner San Jose Mercury News November 15, 2009 November 15, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20141229212042/mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13792076 December 29, 2014 deadNovember 14, 2009 Stanford Stuns U.S.C. Again, This Time With a Rout https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/sports/ncaafootball/15national.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20141229213509/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/sports/ncaafootball/15national.html December 29, 2014 November 15, 2009 The New York Times Associated Press It was the first defeat in a November game for the Trojans under coach Pete Carroll's nine-season tenure.USC's November Reign Ends With Shocking 55-21 Loss to Stanford Gary Klein https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-14-la-sp-usc-stanford15-2009nov15-story.html Los Angeles Times November 14, 2009 November 14, 2009 For the first time since Carroll's first season, USC lost more than two games in one season. For the second time in three weekends, Carroll suffered the worst loss of his USC tenure (the other being the Oregon game). This was the largest margin of victory for Stanford in a Stanford-USC game since the two teams' rivalry began in 1905.September 7, 2017 It Happened Against USC https://gostanford.com/news/2017/09/7/it-happened-against-usc live https://web.archive.org/web/20261022021605/https://gostanford.com/news/2017/09/7/it-happened-against-usc October 22, 2026 October 22, 2026 Stanford Athleticshttp://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/18061/game-day-part-ii Smell the Roses Athlon Sports November 14, 2009 Nathan Rush November 15, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091117223144/http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/18061/game-day-part-ii November 17, 2009 live The win gave Harbaugh a 2–1 record against Carroll in the three times the two coaches had faced each other.Lewis Adam January 14, 2014 49ers' Harbaugh recruited Carroll's youngest https://www.sportspressnw.com/2175675/2014/49ers-harbaugh-recruited-carrolls-youngest-son October 21, 2026 Sportspress Northwest https://web.archive.org/web/20261021114334/https://www.sportspressnw.com/2175675/2014/49ers-harbaugh-recruited-carrolls-youngest-son October 21, 2026 live Two years earlier, in the 2007 Stanford vs. Southern California football game, Stanford had won at the Coliseum as a 41-point underdog; this time, USC was an 11-point favorite.Stanford-Southern Cal Preview https://www.espn.com/college-football/preview?gameId=293180030 ESPN November 14, 2009 November 14, 2009Bagnato Andrew November 11, 2009 Stanford returns to scene of '07 USC upset, this time bigger, better, ranked https://archives-new.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Nov/11/br/hawaii91111027.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20261022021314/https://archives-new.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Nov/11/br/hawaii91111027.html October 22, 2026 October 22, 2026 The Honolulu Advertiser Associated Press UCLA Bruins 0 0 0 7 #24 Trojans 7 0 7 14 2009 UCLA Bruins football team USC retained the Victory Bell in the UCLA–USC rivalry game by defeating the Bruins 28–7. Both teams wore home jerseys, in a tradition that was restarted the previous year, with the Bruins wearing their 1967 throwback powder blue jerseys.November 28, 2009 Trojans Down Rival Bruins, 28-7 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/11/28/Trojans_Down_Rival_Bruins_28_7 October 22, 2026 USC Athletics Associated Press https://web.archive.org/web/20261022030557/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/11/28/Trojans_Down_Rival_Bruins_28_7 October 22, 2026 live Malcolm Smith returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, and Allen Bradford scored twice, the second time with 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter to make it 21–7.November 28, 2009 UCLA vs USC – Box Score https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/ucla/boxscore/3444 October 22, 2026 USC Athletics https://web.archive.org/web/20261022034028/https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/ucla/boxscore/3444 October 22, 2026 live After UCLA turned the ball over on downs with 54 seconds left, the USC quarterback took a knee. UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel then called a timeout to stop the clock. On the next play, Matt Barkley threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Damian Williams for USC's fourth touchdown of the game. USC's celebration drew UCLA players across midfield, and coaches and officials kept the teams apart.Trojans' 28–7 Win Over Bruins Leaves a City Inflamed Gary Klein https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-29-la-sp-usc-ucla29-2009nov29-story.html Los Angeles Times November 28, 2009 November 28, 2009 The win was USC's 10th in 11 meetings with UCLA. Arizona Wildcats 7 7 0 7 #20 Trojans 0 7 7 3 2009 Arizona Wildcats football team Arizona led 14–7 at halftime with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Nick Foles to Delashaun Dean and a 1-yard run from Foles. USC scored with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Barkley to Ronald Johnson in between. Allen Bradford's 5-yard run tied the game 14–14 late in the third quarter. Jordan Congdon's 37-yard field goal with 7:13 remaining put USC ahead 17–14. Foles then threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Juron Criner with 3:14 remaining to give Arizona a 21–17 win.December 5, 2009 Trojans Nipped By Wildcats, 21-17 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/12/5/Trojans_Nipped_By_Wildcats_21_17 October 22, 2026 USC Athletics Associated Press https://web.archive.org/web/20261023045707/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/12/5/Trojans_Nipped_By_Wildcats_21_17 October 23, 2026 live Arizona's defeat of the Trojans gave the Wildcats their first win over USC during the Pete Carroll era. Arizona was also the first non-Stanford team in the Pac-10 to defeat the Trojans in the Coliseum under Carroll (Stanford had defeated Carroll's teams in the Coliseum in 2001, 2007, and 2009). Arizona State was the only Pac-10 team to never beat the Trojans during Carroll's tenure. After the loss, USC dropped out of the AP poll for the first time in eight years. Boston College Eagles 0 13 0 0 Trojans 7 7 3 7 2009 Emerald Bowl 2009 Boston College Eagles football team This was USC's first appearance in the Emerald Bowl and its first non-BCS bowl after seven straight BCS games.December 6, 2009 USC to play Boston College in Emerald Bowl https://honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Dec/06/br/hawaii91206049.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20261023055042/https://honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Dec/06/br/hawaii91206049.html October 23, 2026 October 23, 2026 The Honolulu Advertiser Associated Press On December 26, 2009, at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California, the Trojans faced the Boston College Eagles from the Atlantic Coast Conference before a crowd of 40,121.December 26, 2009 USC vs Boston College – Box Score https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/stats/2009/boston-college/boxscore/3446 October 23, 2026 USC Athletics Boston College was making its 11th straight bowl appearance. The Eagles became the first team to play in the Emerald Bowl twice, having beaten Colorado State 35–21 in the 2003 San Francisco Bowl (the former name of the Emerald Bowl).December 6, 2009 USC, Boston College Match 8-4 Records in Eighth Emerald Bowl December 26 http://emeraldbowl.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120609aab.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091212235146/http://emeraldbowl.cstv.com:80/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120609aab.html December 12, 2009 October 23, 2026 Emerald Bowl It was the third meeting between the two schools and the first in a bowl game. USC had won both games in the series, a 23–17 victory in Los Angeles in 1987 and a 34–7 win in Chestnut Hill in 1988. Matt Barkley threw touchdown passes to Stanley Havili on the Trojans' first two possessions and added a touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Barkley finished the game with a total of 350 passing yards.December 26, 2009 Trojans Beat Eagles in Emerald Bowl, 24-13 https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/12/26/Trojans_Beat_Eagles_in_Emerald_Bowl_24_13 live https://web.archive.org/web/20261023060328/https://usctrojans.com/news/2009/12/26/Trojans_Beat_Eagles_in_Emerald_Bowl_24_13 October 23, 2026 October 23, 2026 USC Athletics Associated Press Damian Williams caught 12 passes for 189 yards. Williams was named the game's offensive MVP for his efforts, and Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly was named defensive MVP after making 16 tackles.December 26, 2009 Trojans Subdue Eagles for Emerald Bowl Title http://emeraldbowl.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122709aaa.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091230140645/http://emeraldbowl.cstv.com:80/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122709aaa.html December 30, 2009 October 23, 2026 Emerald Bowl Boston College was led by tailback Montel Harris, who rushed for 102 yards and also had a touchdown run. Rankings 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 15 4 7 4 4 (1) 3 3 (1) 3 (1) 3 (3) 12 10 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 5 6 4 4 4 7 4 4 4 5 12 13 12 12 11 10 10 9 22 21 20 18 24 22 22 20 20 19 19 18 RV RV RV 24 22 20 Source:USC 2009 AP Football Rankings https://collegepollarchive.com/football/ap/teams/by_season.cfm?teamid=6&seasonid=2009 October 21, 2026 College Poll Archive https://web.archive.org/web/20261021114943/https://collegepollarchive.com/football/ap/teams/by_season.cfm?teamid=6&seasonid=2009 October 21, 2026 live After the season On January 10, 2010, it was reported that coach Carroll would resign his position with the Trojans to become the new head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. USC players and coaches learned of the news by text message from an assistant coach.Loumena Dan January 10, 2010 Pete Carroll to Take Seattle Seahawks Coaching Position http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/01/pete-carroll-to-take-seattle-seahawks-coaching-position.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100114144522/latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/01/pete-carroll-to-take-seattle-seahawks-coaching-position.html January 14, 2010 October 23, 2026 Los Angeles Times The Fabulous ForumJanuary 12, 2010 Lane Kiffin Named USC Head Football Coach https://usctrojans.com/news/2010/1/12/Lane_Kiffin_Named_USC_Head_Football_Coach live https://web.archive.org/web/20261023070536/https://usctrojans.com/news/2010/1/12/Lane_Kiffin_Named_USC_Head_Football_Coach October 23, 2026 October 23, 2026 USC Athletics Lane Kiffin, who had been USC's offensive coordinator before serving as head coach for the Oakland Raiders and the Tennessee Volunteers, was named the Trojans' new head coach on January 12, 2010. References External links USC Category:USC Trojans football seasons Category:Redbox Bowl champion seasons USC Trojans football