2006 USC Trojans football team

American college football season March 2012 February 2026 2006 USC Trojans USC Trojans logo.svg 100 Pac-10 Conference Pac-10 11–2 7–2 4 4 Pete Carroll 6th Lane Kiffin 2nd Multiple pro-style Nick Holt 1st 3–4 John David Booty Ryan Kalil Oscar Lua Dallas Sartz Los Angeles Coliseum Pac-10 co-championRose Bowl champion Rose Bowl W 32–18 vs. Michigan The 2006 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California during the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season, winning the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) and playing in the Rose Bowl. The team was coached by Pete Carroll, led on offense by quarterback John David Booty, and played its home games in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The previous year's team had played for the national championship, however, with many starters gone, including two Heisman Trophy-winners, there were doubts the team could repeat the success. With a highly ranked recruiting class, however, the Trojans were ranked in the top-5 in many pre-season polls. USC's 13–9 loss to rival UCLA snapped its NCAA-record streak of 63 consecutive 20-point games, and eliminated their hopes of playing in the BCS National Championship game. The team finished the regular season with a 10–2 record and were invited to the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) to play at the 2007 Rose Bowl, where they beat the Michigan Wolverines. With a final record of 11–2, they finished the season ranked fourth in both the Associated Press (AP) and Coaches Polls. Following the season, a number of players won national awards, while five players left the team as they were selected in the 2007 NFL draft. Before the season American football rules American football strategy The four previous Trojan teams were very successful. Since the 2002 season, the Trojans won four Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) titles, two national championships, and three players won the Heisman Trophy.http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031706aaa.html https://web.archive.org/web/20060412093127/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031706aaa.html dead April 12, 2006 USC Football To Begin Spring Practice Looking To Continue Its Recent Success Trojans' drills are from March 21 through April 14. March 17, 2006 University of Southern California February 15, 2008 The 2003 team won the Associated Press (AP) national championship, while the 2004 team won the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and AP championships.http://sportspic.vegasexperts.com/articles.asp?aid=900 A Three-Pete For USC in 2006? Ness, Larry Vegasexperts.com February 15, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070927162935/http://sportspic.vegasexperts.com/articles.asp?aid=900 September 27, 2007 Additionally, the 2005 team, named by some of the media as one of the best offenses in the history of college football,http://www.slate.com/id/2133477/?nav=mpp Trojan Farce – Why USC is overrated. Chait, Jonathan Slate December 30, 2005 February 15, 2008 played for the national championship where they lost to the Texas Longhorns.January 4, 2006 Horns of plenty: VY, Texas deny USC three-peat bid http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=260040030 dead https://archive.today/20120714045327/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=260040030 July 14, 2012 August 17, 2007 ESPN.com Associated Press Eleven starters returned from that team, and the Trojans were picked by the Pac-10 media to win the conference.http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072706aaa.html https://web.archive.org/web/20071103120259/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072706aaa.html dead November 3, 2007 USC Again Tabbed to Win Pac-10 in Preseason Media Poll July 27, 2006 University of Southern California February 15, 2008 The team began the season ranked sixth in the AP Poll and third in the Coaches Poll.https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings?seasonYear=2006&weekNumber=1&seasonType=2 2006 NCAA Football Rankings – Preseason (Aug. 27) ESPN February 15, 2008 Coaching changes After the 2005 season, defensive coordinator, Jethro Franklin, took an assistant coaching position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Idaho coach, Nick Holt, a former assistant at USC, was hired to replace him. Holt had previously served as linebackers coach for three years at USC.http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020906aaa.html https://archive.today/20120717062147/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020906aaa.html dead July 17, 2012 Nick Holt Returns To USC Football Staff As Defensive Coordinator And Defensive Line Coach University of Southern California February 9, 2006 February 15, 2008 Roster changes Although returning 11 starters from 2005, the team lost eleven players to the National Football League (NFL), including 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, Matt Leinart, and 2005 Heisman winner, Reggie Bush.http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042906aad.html Seven Trojans Taken In First Day Of NFL Draft USCTrojans.cstv.com April 29, 2005 August 21, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070807165956/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042906aad.html August 7, 2007 deadhttp://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/043006aaa.html Four More Trojans Selected On Second Day Of NFL Draft USCTrojans.cstv.com April 30, 2005 August 21, 2007 August 7, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070807165554/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/043006aaa.html dead Bush, who had one year left of eligibility, announced his plans to skip his senior season a week after the team's loss in the Rose Bowl.http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011206aaa.html https://archive.today/20120720082431/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011206aaa.html dead July 20, 2012 Reggie Bush Decides To Turn Pro USCTrojans.cstv.com January 12, 2006 August 21, 2007 Bush was eventually selected as the second pick in the 2006 NFL draft, while Leinart was the second Trojan selected in the first round. In all the team lost eight players on offense and three on defense. Recruiting The Trojans signed 25 recruits for the new class. Included in the top ranked class were four five-star recruits on defense, three five-star recruits on offense, and another thirteen four-star recruits. yes yes 2006 Kenny Ashley RB Venice, California Venice Senior High School 5 8 205 4.47 2006-01-28 3 4 74 Walker Ashley DT Eden Prairie, Minnesota Eden Prairie High 6 4 300 4.96 2006-02-03 3 40 David Ausberry WR Lemoore, California Lemoore High School 6 4 214 4.65 2006-01-07 5 4 Allen Bradford LB Colton, California Colton High School 6 0 220 4.55 2006-01-07 5 5 87 C.J. Gable S Sylmar, California Sylmar Senior High School 6 0 185 4.55 2006-01-19 5 5 84 Garrett Green QB Sherman Oaks, California Notre Dame High School 6 2 190 4.5 2006-02-01 3 3 78 Stanley Havili RB Salt Lake City, Utah Cottonwood High School 6 0 210 4.52 2006-01-14 4 4 71 Vidal Hazleton WR Chatham, Virginia Hargrave Military Academy 6 3 195 4.5 2005-12-30 5 5 93 Zack Heberer OL San Pedro, California San Pedro Senior High School 6 4 277 5.1 2005-06-12 4 4 77 Jamere Holland WR Woodland Hills, California William Howard Taft High School 6 1 175 4.35 2006-02-01 4 4 82 Stafon Johnson RB Los Angeles Susan Miller Dorsey High School 5 11 200 4.45 2006-01-27 5 5 90 Vincent Joseph DB Long Beach, California Polytechnic High School 5 9 175 4.5 2006-01-29 3 3 81 Butch Lewis OT Aurora, Colorado Regis Jesuit High School 6 6 280 5.0 2006-01-07 4 4 81 Taylor Mays S Seattle, Washington O'Dea High School 6 3 220 4.55 2005-08-14 5 5 92 Anthony McCoy TE Fresno, California Bullard High School 6 4 230 4.6 2005-12-09 4 4 79 Emmanuel Moody RB Coppell, Texas Coppell High School 6 0 190 4.5 2006-01-07 4 4 85 Michael Morgan LB Dallas, Texas Skyline High School 6 2 190 4.55 2006-01-31 4 4 82 Alex Parsons DT Irvine, California Woodbridge High School 6 4 255 4.85 2005-12-18 4 4 75 Travon Patterson WR Long Beach, California Polytechnic High School 5 9 165 4.45 2006-01-26 4 3 79 Antwine Perez S Camden, New Jersey Woodrow Wilson High School 6 1 200 4.5 2005-09-25 5 4 91 Alfred Rowe LB Long Beach, California Polytechnic High School 6 1 195 4.5 2006-01-31 3 3 68 Derek Simmons DE Fairfield, California Armijo High School 6 4 270 4.9 2005-06-28 4 4 78 Joshua Tatum LB Oakland, California McClymonds Senior High School 6 1 220 4.6 2005-12-11 4 4 82 Gerald Washington TE Rancho Cucamonga, California Chaffey 6 6 253 4.6 2005-05-29 4 3 Shareece Wright CB Colton, California Colton High School 5 11 182 4.51 2005-12-31 4 4 76 yes 2006 2006 USC Football Commitment List Scout.com Football Recruiting: USC 2006 Player Commitments – USC usc 15 30 #1 #1 February 15, 2008 yes Pre-season honors Eleven Trojan players were named to pre-season national award watchlists. Sam Baker–Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy John David Booty–Maxwell Award Brian Cushing–Chuck Bednarik Award Fred Davis–John Mackey Award Lawrence Jackson–Lombardi Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Ted Hendricks Award, and Lott Trophy Dwayne Jarrett–Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award Ryan Kalil–Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, and Dave Rimington Trophy Oscar Lua–Chuck Bednarik Award Rey Maualuga–Butkus Award Keith Rivers–Chuck Bednarik Award and Butkus Award Steve Smith–Maxwell Award In addition to the awards, five players were named to various pre-season All-America teams. Playboy, Athlon, Lindy's, Street & Smith's, Rivals.com, and NationalChamps.Net each named Jarrett and Baker to their first teams, with Jarrett also named to Sporting News, Blue Ribbon's, Phil Steele's, and Collegefootballnews.com first teams. Both ESPN.com and Street & Smith named Jackson and Kalil to their first teams, and Jackson was additionally named to Sporting News Athlon, and Phil Steele's first teams. Rivers was named to various second teams.http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/usc/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/ark06rel.pdf NO. 3-RANKED USC FOOTBALL TRAVELS TO ARKANSAS FOR 2006 OPENER August 28, 2006 University of Southern California February 15, 2008 September 30, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070930055422/http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/usc/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/ark06rel.pdf dead Season right|thumb|275px|The 2006 Trojans in a huddle during a game against Stanford Roster American football positions Glossary of American football (as of August 21, 2006) Wide receivers  1 Patrick Turner – Sophomore  2 Steve Smith – Senior  7 Vidal Hazelton – Freshman  8 Dwayne Jarrett – Junior 9 David Ausberry – Freshman 17 Travon Patterson – Freshman 18 Jamere Holland – Freshman 19 Christian Allen – 10px|Redshirt Junior 24 Ben Malcolmson – 10px|Redshirt Senior 46 Sean Calcagnie – Freshman 47 Scott Stephens – Freshman 48 Brad Walker – Junior 80 Spencer Vigoren – Freshman 82 Chris McFoy – 10px|Redshirt Senior 85 Akeem Wade – Freshman Offensive line 50 Will Collins – 10px|Redshirt Junior 53 Jeff Byers – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 60 Drew Radovich – 10px|Redshirt Junior 62 Dominique Wise – 10px|Redshirt Senior 63 Travis Draper – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 66 Chilo Rachal – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 67 Ryan Kalil – Senior 68 Butch Lewis – Freshman 69 Matt Spanos – 10px|Redshirt Junior 70 Alatini Malu – 10px|Redshirt Junior 71 Charles Brown – 10px|Redshirt Freshman 73 Jonathan Richert – 10px|Redshirt Senior 74 Zack Heberer – Freshman 76 Nick Howell – 10px|Redshirt Freshman 77 Thomas Herring – 10px|Redshirt Freshman 78 Kyle Williams – 10px|Redshirt Senior 79 Sam Baker – 10px|Redshirt Junior Tight ends 83 Fred Davis – Junior 81 Gerald Washington – Junior 85 Cooper Stephenson – Freshman 86 Anthony McCoy – Freshman 87 Nick Vanderboom – 10px|Redshirt Senior 88 Jimmy Miller – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 89 Dale Thompson – Junior Quarterbacks  6 Mark Sanchez – 10px|Redshirt Freshman  9 Tyler Davis – Freshman 10 John David Booty – 10px|Redshirt Junior 15 Duron Sylvester – Freshman 16 Michael McDonald – 10px|Redshirt Junior Fullbacks 30 Mike Brittingham – 10px|Redshirt Senior 31 Stanley Havili – Freshman 35 Jody Adewale – 10px|Redshirt Junior 37 Ryan Powdrell – 10px|Redshirt Senior 40 Brandon Hancock – 10px|Redshirt Senior 41 Thomas Williams – 10px|Redshirt Junior Running backs 13 Stafon Johnson – Freshman 21 Allen Bradford – Freshman 22 Desmond Reed – 10px|Redshirt Junior 23 Chauncey Washington – 10px|Redshirt Junior 25 C.J. Gable – Freshman 26 Emmanuel Moody – Freshman 27 Michael Coleman – Sophomore 29 John Griffin – 10px|Redshirt Junior 34 Hershel Dennis – 10px|Redshirt Senior Defensive line 44 Rashaad Goodrum – 10px|Redshirt Senior 49 Sedrick Ellis – 10px|Redshirt Junior 54 Jeff Schweiger – Junior 56 Alex Parsons – Freshman 64 Mike Davis – 10px|Redshirt Senior 75 Fili Moala – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 84 Kyle Moore – Sophomore 90 Derek Simmons – Freshman 91 Chris Barrett – 10px|Redshirt Junior 93 Lawrence Miles – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 94 Walker Lee Ashley – Freshman 95 Travis Tofi – 10px|Redshirt Senior 96 Lawrence Jackson – 10px|Redshirt Junior 97 Alex Morrow – 10px|Redshirt Junior 99 Averell Spicer – 10px|Redshirt Freshman Linebackers 10 Brian Cushing – Sophomore 37 Dan Deckas – Freshman 42 Dallas Sartz – 10px|Redshirt Senior 43 Kaluka Maiava – Sophomore 45 Oscar Lua – Senior 46 Michael Morgan – Freshman 47 Clay Matthews III – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 51 Joshua Tatum – Freshman 52 Luthur Brown – 10px|Redshirt Freshman 55 Keith Rivers – Junior 57 Nick Garratt – 10px|Redshirt Freshman 58 Rey Maualuga – Sophomore 59 Lou Ferrigno Jr. – 10px|Redshirt Senior Defensive backs  4 Kevin Ellison – Sophomore  6 Antwine Perez – Freshman  7 Cary Harris – Sophomore  9 Mozique McCurtis – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 14 Garrett Green – Freshman 15 Kevin Thomas – Sophomore 22 Jim Abbott – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 23 Vincent Joseph – Freshman 24 Shareece Wright – Freshman 25 Chase McWhorter – 10px|Redshirt Junior 26 Will Harris – Sophomore 27 Brent Yoshida – 10px|Redshirt Senior 28 Terrell Thomas – 10px|Redshirt Junior 29 Taylor Mays – Freshman 30 Jerry Williams – 10px|Redshirt Junior 31 Jamel Williams – 10px|Redshirt Junior 35 Justin Hart – 10px|Redshirt Freshman 36 Josh Pinkard – Junior 38 Robert Erickson – Freshman 39 Alfred Rowe – Freshman 48 Matthew Jordan – 10px|Redshirt Freshman Punters 16 Taylor Odegard – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore 44 Greg Woidneck – 10px|Redshirt Sophomore Kickers 17 Troy Van Blarcom – Sophomore 18 David Buehler – Sophomore 19 Mario Danelo – 10px|Redshirt Junior † Starter at position      Injured; will not play in 2006 The Trojans went into the 2006 campaign having suffered many season-ending injuries. Redshirt senior and 2003 starting fullback Brandon Hancock tore his knee ligaments in fall camp, ending his career. Hancock was expected to start at fullback. Redshirt senior running back and 2003 starter Hershel Dennis re-tore his knee ligaments in spring practice after initially tearing them during the 2005 FedEx Orange Bowl, finishing his time at USC unless he gets a sixth year of eligibility. Dennis was expected to compete for the starting tailback job with redshirt junior Chauncey Washington and a host of talented freshmen. Sophomore safety Will Harris suffered torn knee ligaments during the off-season while recovering from a 2005 knee injury and was not expected to return in 2006. Senior defensive end Rashaad Goodrum suffered a back and rib injury in 2005 and was not expected to play again for USC. Redshirt sophomore defensive end Lawrence Miles missed the season while recovering from shoulder surgery and was expected to miss the season. Redshirt senior walk-on linebacker Lou Ferrigno Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury in spring practice and is out of eligibility. Freshman wide receiver Jamere Holland was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. Freshman linebacker Joshua Tatum suffered a knee injury. Redshirt junior offensive lineman Matt Spanos was academically ineligible. By the Trojans' first game at Arkansas, the starting lineup had undergone some revisions from the expected one from the summer. True freshman tailback C.J. Gable beat out talented freshmen Emmanuel Moody, Allen Bradford, and Stafon Johnson along with upperclassmen Desmond Reed and Michael Coleman for the starting job after junior Chauncey Washington was not ready to go due to injuries. Redshirt junior fullback Ryan Powdrell won the starting job after Hancock's season ended before it began. Redshirt junior Drew Radovich beat out Jeff Byers for the starter's job at left guard. Sophomore linebacker Brian Cushing was installed in Kyle Moore's starting spot at defensive end. Redshirt junior cornerback Terrell Thomas became the other starter with Kevin Thomas. Redshirt senior linebacker Oscar Lua was the first starting middle linebacker. Finally, redshirt sophomore walk-on Greg Woidneck won the starting punter's job. Coaching staff The Trojan team was coached by sixth-year head coach, Pete Carroll and his staff, most of whom returned from 2005.http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/usc/graphics/media-guides/06-footbl/01fbguide208.pdf Trojan Football 2006 2006 Football Media Guide University of Southern California February 16, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080224054017/http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/usc/graphics/media-guides/06-footbl/01fbguide208.pdf February 24, 2008 live thumb|right|250px|Head coach Pete Carroll Name Position Yearat USC Alma mater (year) Pete Carroll Head coach 6th Pacific (1973) Lane Kiffin Offensive coordinatorWide receiversRecruiting coordinator 6th Fresno State (1998) Steve Sarkisian Assistant head coachQuarterbacks 5th2001–2003,2005 – present BYU (1997) Nick Holt Defensive coordinatorDefensive line 4th2001–2003,2006 – present Pacific (1986) Todd McNair Running backsSpecial teams coordinator 3rd Temple Brennan Carroll Assistant head coachTight ends 5th Pittsburgh (2001) Ken Norton Jr. Linebackers 3rd UCLA (1988) Pat Ruel Offensive line 2nd Miami (1972) Rocky Seto Secondary 8th USC (1999) David Watson Defensive line 2nd Western Illinois (2001) Chris Carlisle Strength and conditioning 6th Chadron State (1985) Schedule 2006 AP Pacific September 2 5:45 p.m. w y y 6 Arkansas Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Fayetteville, AR ESPN 50–14 76,564 September 16 5:00 p.m. w y 4 Nebraska 19 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA College GameDay ABC 28–10 92,000 September 23 5:00 p.m. w y 3 Arizona Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ ABC 20–3 58,801 September 30 4:00 p.m. w y 3 Washington State Martin Stadium Pullman, WA TBS 28–22 35,117 October 7 12:30 p.m. w 3 Washington Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA FSN 26–20 90,282 October 14 5:00 p.m. w 3 Arizona State Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA ABC 28–21 91,126 October 28 12:30 p.m. l y 3 Oregon State Reser Stadium Corvallis, OR FSN 31–33 42,871 November 4 4:00 p.m. w y 9 Stanford Stanford Stadium Stanford, CA rivalry FSN 42–0 49,371 November 11 7:15 p.m. w y 7 Oregon 21 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA FSN 35–10 92,000 November 18 5:00 p.m. w 4 California 17 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA ABC 23–9 91,672 November 25 5:00 p.m. w y 3 Notre Dame 6 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA rivalry, College GameDay ABC 44–24 91,800 December 2 1:30 p.m. l y 2 UCLA Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA Victory Bell ABC 9–13 90,622 January 1, 2007, 2007 2:00 p.m. w y y 8 Michigan 3 Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl, College GameDay ABC 32–18 93,952 Rankings 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 15 4 7 6 (3) 3T (1) 3 (3) 3 (4) 4 (2) 2 (2) 3 (2) 2 (2) 3 (2) 2 (2) 2 (4) 3 (1) 2 2 (4) 3 2 2 (1) 3 2 3 (1) 2 3 2 3 3 9 9 9 8 7 7 7 7 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 8 7 7 5 4 4 Game summaries USC began the season with many impressive streaks intact despite having lost the 2006 Rose Bowl to Texas. 27 straight home games (Pac-10 and school record) 23 straight Pac-10 games (Pac-10 and school record) 19 straight Pac-10 home games (Pac-10 and school record) 15 straight road games 11 straight Pac-10 road games 8 straight non-conference home games 5 straight non-conference road games 16 straight October games 16 straight November games 52 straight 20-point games Arkansas No. 6 Trojans 3 13 14 20 50 Razorbacks 0 7 0 7 14 left|250px|thumb|The Razorbacks take the field for their game against the visiting Trojans. Although both ESPN and Arkansas asked for the game to be moved,http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042406aab.html https://web.archive.org/web/20060513063204/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042406aab.html dead May 13, 2006 USC's 2006 Football Opener To Remain On Sept. 2 University of Southern California April 24, 2006 February 17, 2008 the Trojans opened their season playing at the Arkansas Razorbacks, who were led by ninth-year head coach Houston Nutt and by running back Darren McFadden. Although USC won the game in 2005, 70–17, this game looked to be closer as the Trojans had to replace two Heisman Trophy winners, Leinart and Bush. However, with John David Booty taking over for Leinart and C.J. Gable becoming the first true freshman to start at running back in USC history, the Trojans outmatched the Razorbacks. Although Razorback freshman quarterback, Mitch Mustain, ran for the first touchdown of his career and one Razorback running back ran for a touchdown, Booty threw three touchdowns, three Trojan running backs ran for a touchdown each, and Mario Danelo kicked two field goals to outscore them, 50–14. A crowd of 76,564, a record in Razorback Stadium, attended the game. With the win, the Trojans extended their record-setting streak of games where they scored at least 20 points to 53.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262450008 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022063032/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262450008 dead October 22, 2012 Minus Bush and Leinart, USC still steamrolls Arkansas ESPN September 2, 2006 February 17, 2008 Nebraska No. 19 Cornhuskers 3 0 0 7 10 No. 4 Trojans 7 7 7 7 28 The Nebraska Cornhuskers, led by second-year head coach Bill Callahan, traveled to face the Trojans in the Coliseum, where the Trojans held a 27-home-game winning streak. Although the Cornhuskers had an early 3–0 lead, three unanswered touchdown passes by Booty gave the Trojans a 21–3 lead in the third quarter. Although quarterback Zac Taylor ran for a touchdown to cut the Trojans' lead, a rushing touchdown by Chauncey Washington sealed the win for the Trojans, 28–10. During the game, wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, with two receiving touchdowns, became USC's all-time leader in touchdown receptions, with 31. With the win, the Trojans extended their streak of games where they scored at least 20 points to 54 and extended their Pac-10-record home winning streak to 28.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262590030 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022063038/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262590030 dead October 22, 2012 Jarrett, now USC career leader, catches two TDs; Trojans triumph September 16, 2006 ESPN February 17, 2008 Arizona No. 3 Trojans 0 3 7 10 20 Wildcats 0 0 0 3 3 The Trojans next traveled to face the Arizona Wildcats, led by third-year head coach, Mike Stoops. Both offenses struggled early in the game, and the Trojans took a 3–0 lead before half-time. The Trojans finally increased their lead in the third quarter when Jarrett scored the first touchdown of the game to tie the Pac-10 record for career receiving touchdowns with 32. A fourth-quarter field goal by the Wildcats brought them within a touchdown, but the Trojans answered with a Danelo field goal. Emmanuel Moody ran for the last score of the game to give the Trojans a 20–3 win and extend their streak of games where they scored at least 20 points to 55.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262660012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022063047/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262660012 dead October 22, 2012 With offense struggling, defense carries USC to victory September 23, 2006 ESPN February 17, 2008 With the conference win, the Trojans increased their winning streak over conference foes to 24 games. The win did not come without a price, however, as the Trojans, who had already lost fullbacks, Brandon Hancock and Ryan Powdrell to season-ending injuries, lost freshman fullback, Stanley Havili, to an ankle injury.Wolf, Scott Havili suffers leg break LA Daily News September 17, 2006 Washington State No. 3 Trojans 7 7 7 7 28 Cougars 3 0 9 10 22 The Trojans next traveled to face the Washington State Cougars, led by fourth-year head coach, Bill Doba, and quarterback, Alex Brink. Although Jarrett came into the game tied for the Pac-10 career record of receiving touchdowns, he would sit out the game with an ankle injury. Steve Smith took his place, however, and scored two touchdowns to lead the Trojans in the 28–22 win. Although the Cougars lost their only lead in the first quarter, they had a chance to score and tie the game on the final play of the game before Brink's pass was intercepted. The Trojans continued their conference winning streak and moved to 25 games and increased their streak of scoring 20 points to 56 games.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262730265 https://web.archive.org/web/20120403173135/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262730265 dead April 3, 2012 Smith stars in Jarrett's absence as No. 3 USC survives ESPN September 30, 2006 February 17, 2008 Washington Huskies 3 7 3 7 20 No. 3 Trojans 7 10 6 3 26 The Washington, led by first-year head coach, Tyrone Willingham, and quarterback, Isaiah Stanback, next visited the Trojans. Willingham was the last coach to beat the Trojans at the Coliseum in 2001 with Stanford, but the Huskies were large underdogs. Despite this, the Huskies kept the game close, as, after two early Trojan touchdowns, their only other scores came from four Danelo field goals. The Huskies scored on two Stanback touchdown passes and two field goals, but the time clock ran out during their final drive, giving the Trojans a 26–20 win. With the win, the Trojans continued their home winning streak, their conference winning streak, and their streak of games scoring over 20 points.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262800030 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022063106/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262800030 dead October 22, 2012 Clock runs out on Huskies' upset bid; USC survives ESPN October 7, 2006 February 18, 2008 Arizona State Sun Devils 0 7 14 0 21 No. 3 Trojans 14 7 0 7 28 The Arizona State Sun Devils, led by sixth-year head coach, Dirk Koetter, and quarterback, Rudy Carpenter, next visited the Trojans. Though the Sun Devils started the season with three wins, they had been blown out in both of their next two games and were a three touchdown underdog to the Trojans.https://www.espn.com/college-football/preview?gameId=262870030 ASU looks to avenge difficult loss to Trojans ESPN October 14, 2006 February 19, 2008 The Trojans dominated the first half with three touchdowns before the Sun Devils could score. Their third touchdown, a pass to Jarrett, made him the Pac-10 leader in career touchdown receptions with 33. The Sun Devils, however, finally answered with a rushing touchdown before half-time. The Sun Devils tied the game in the third quarter with Carpenter's touchdown pass and a returned interception for a touchdown, however, Chauncey Washington ran for the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give the final score of 28–21 in favor of the Trojans. Once again scoring over 20 points, they won another home conference game to extend their streaks.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262870030 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022074549/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262870030 dead October 22, 2012 USC avoids collapse, survives ASU to stay unbeaten ESPN October 14, 2006 February 19, 2008 Oregon State No. 3 Trojans 0 10 7 14 31 Beavers 7 9 17 0 33 The Trojans next visited the Oregon State Beavers, led by head coach, Mike Riley. The Beavers took an early lead, and, after the Trojans tied the game, scored three field goals to take a nine-point lead. A Danelo field goal at the end of the first half brought the Trojans within six points at half-time. The Beavers took control of the game in the second half, passing for a touchdown, returning a punt for a touchdown, and kicking another field goal to take a 33–10 lead. The Trojans finally answered at the end of the third quarter to bring their deficit to 16 points. In the fourth quarter, Booty threw his second touchdown of the game, and, after a two-point conversion, brought the score to 33–25 in favor of the Beavers. Booty threw his third touchdown of the game with seven seconds remaining, however, their second two-point conversion attempt was batted away by the Beavers to preserve their 33–31 win. Though the Trojans continued their streak of games scoring over 20 points, they ended their streaks of, among others, 38 wins in the regular season, 27 wins against Pac-10 opponents, and 18 wins on the road.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263010204 https://web.archive.org/web/20080929075346/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263010204 dead September 29, 2008 Three and out: Beavers stun USC; BCS race wide open ESPN October 28, 2006 February 19, 2008 Stanford left|thumb|275px|Booty (#10) leading a drive against the Stanford Cardinal No. 9 Trojans 7 21 7 7 42 Cardinal 0 0 0 0 0 Oregon left|thumb|275px|The Coliseum during the 2006 USC-UO game #21 Oregon at #7 USC No. 21 Oregon 0 0 3 7 No. 7 USC 0 14 14 7 November 11 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles 10:15 p.m. EST yes Q2 USC Gable 2 yard run (Danelo kick) USC 7–0 Q2 USC Washington 5 yard run (Danelo kick) USC 14–0 Q3 ORE Martinez 22 yard field goal USC 14–3 Q3 USC Washington 2 yard run (Danelo kick) USC 21–3 Q3 USC Washington 43 yard run (Danelo kick) USC 28–3 Q4 ORE Stewart 8 yard pass from Leaf (Martinez kick) USC 28–10 Q4 USC Jarrett 12 yard pass from Booty (Danelo kick) USC 35–10 yes ESPN. Retrieved 2014-Jul-27. California No. 17 Bears 2 7 0 0 9 No. 4 Trojans 3 3 3 14 23 Notre Dame No. 6 Notre Dame 3 7 7 7 No. 3 USC 14 7 7 16 November 25 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles 8:00 p.m. EST yes 1 8:38 USC Dwayne Jarrett 9-yard pass from John David Booty (Mario Danelo kick) USC 7-0 1 5:16 USC Dwayne Jarrett 5-yard pass from John David Booty (Mario Danelo kick) USC 14-3 1 0:36 ND Carl Gioia 27-yard field goal USC 14-3 2 11:37 USC John David Booty 1-yard run (Mario Danelo kick) USC 21-3 2 7:20 ND Marcus Freeman 7-yard pass from Brady Quinn (Carl Gioia kick) USC 21-10 3 10:03 USC Chauncey Washington 2-yard run (Mario Danelo kick) USC 28-10 3 1:57 ND Rhema McKnight 2-yard pass from Brady Quinn (Carl Gioia kick) USC 28-17 4 11:43 USC Mario Danelo 34-yard field goal USC 31-17 4 8:21 USC Dwayne Jarrett 43-yard pass from John David Booty (kick failed) USC 37-17 4 3:39 ND Jeff Samardzija 2-yard pass from Brady Quinn (Carl Gioia kick) USC 37-24 4 3:31 USC Brian Cushing 42-yard kickoff return (Mario Danelo kick) USC 44-24 yes Notre Dame visited the Coliseum with a four-game losing streak to the Trojans, however an eight-game winning streak in the season. After the epic 2005 game, the Irish thought they might break the losing streak, and would be assured of a BCS Bowl game. With a win, the Trojans knew that they would still be in the national title hunt. The game started with the Irish receiving the ball and Brady Quinn throwing a quick 38-yard pass to Rhema McKnight. The Irish drive stalled afterwards and turned the ball over after Quinn's fourth down pass flew errantly into the endzone. The Trojans took over and quarterback John David Booty led them on a 61-yard drive that ended with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Dwayne Jarrett. After the next Irish drive ended with a punt and a return by the Trojans to the Irish 26, Booty completed another touchdown pass to Jarrett to put the Trojans ahead 14–0. On the ensuing Irish drive, Quinn and Darius Walker brought the Irish downfield, allowing Carl Gioia to kick a field goal. The first quarter ended with the Trojans winning 14–3. In the first drive of the second quarter, Booty led the Trojans to the Irish 1-yard line where he snuck the ball in for USC's third touchdown of the game. On the ensuing drive for the Irish, on a third down, Quinn scrambled for 59-yards, Notre Dame's longest run of the season, to bring the Irish to the USC 17-yard line. Four plays later, a Darius Walker fumble was recovered by the Trojans giving them the ball back. The Irish defense, however, held the Trojans for the first time forcing a punt. The punt was partially blocked giving the Irish the ball back on the 7-yard line. On the next play, Quinn threw a touchdown to Marcus Freeman. The next two drives by the Trojans both ended when Booty threw an interception, but the Irish couldn't capitalize on either, turning the ball over on downs two more times. The half ended with the Trojans leading 21–10. The second half began with a Trojan drive of 65-yards capped with a Chauncey Washington 2-yard touchdown run. The only other score of the third quarter came on Notre Dame's second drive of 58-yards, when Quinn hit Rhema McKnight for a 2-yard touchdown pass on fourth down. The fourth quarter began with the Trojans driving to an eventual 32-yard field goal by Mario Danelo. After the Irish were held, Booty threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Dwayne Jarrett to give the Trojans a 37–17 lead (Danelo missed the extra point). Quinn drove the Irish 78-yards and threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Samardzija to put the Irish deficit to 13 points. However, the onside kick attempt, was recovered by Brian Cushing, who ran it back to give the Trojans a 20-point lead again. Notre Dame's last drive would end on another failed fourth down attempt, giving the Trojans the 44–24 win.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263290030&confId=null https://web.archive.org/web/20070302204821/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263290030&confId=null dead March 2, 2007 ESPN USC delivers BCS statement with sound beating of Irish November 25, 2006 November 25, 2006 UCLA No. 2 Trojans 2 7 0 0 9 Bruins 7 0 3 3 13 UCLA's defensive performance snapped USC's NCAA-record streak of 63 consecutive 20-point games.USC Trojan Football Media Guide, USC Athletic Department, July 2007. Michigan No. 8 Trojans 3 0 16 13 32 No. 3 Wolverines 0 3 0 15 18 In the month leading to the Rose Bowl, starting kicker Troy Van Blarcom was dismissed by the university because of his grades, leaving all duties to Mario Danelo.Adam Maya, Two USC players ineligible for Rose Bowl https://web.archive.org/web/20070930180631/http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/homepage/article_1395848.php September 30, 2007 , The Orange County Register, December 22, 2006. The Rose Bowl crowd marked USC's 11th sell out, a single season school record. Legacy USC is the first team to win five Pac-10 championships in a row, although the Trojans shared the 2002 championship with Washington Statehttp://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263220030 https://archive.today/20130103082218/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263220030 dead January 3, 2013 #4 USC beats No. 17 California 23–9 to win 5th Pac-10 Title Associated Press November 19, 2006 and the 2006 championship with California. USC's popularity continued to remain high, setting a school record with 11 sold-out games over the season and a total attendance of 995,778, shy of the all-time record set in 2005 of 1,037,565—attributable to the smaller stadiums at away games in the 2006 season. At the end of the 2006 season, with only Dwayne Jarrett departing early for the NFL and returning many of the starters from the 2006 team, major media sources projected the 2007 USC Trojans football team as the presumptive pre-season No. 1 team and national title contender for the 2007 season.Stewart Mandel, Early look at '07, CNNSI.com, January 16, 2007.Mark Schlabach, Trojans, Wolverines top revised look at 2007, ESPN.com, January 22, 2007.Mark Schlabach, Look for USC, West Virginia to play in '07 title game, ESPN.com, February 23, 2007. 2006 team players in the NFL Sam Baker Fred Davis Sedrick Ellis Ryan Kalil Lawrence Jackson Dwayne Jarrett Oscar Lua Chris McFoy Ryan Powdrell Drew Radovich Chilo Rachal Keith Rivers Dallas Sartz Steve Smith Matt Spanos Terrell Thomas Chauncey Washington Kyle Williams Thomas Williams David Buehler Brian Cushing Taylor Mays Kevin Ellison Cary Harris Kaluka Maiava Clay Matthews III Rey Maualuga Fili Moala Kyle Moore Mark Sanchez Patrick Turner Deaths USC placekicker Mario Danelo was found dead at the bottom of a cliff in San Pedro, California, on the night of January 6, 2007. References External links USC Category:USC Trojans football seasons Category:Pac-12 Conference football champion seasons Category:Rose Bowl champion seasons USC Trojans football