Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 5 Days

We are only 5 days away from the 2008 kickoff, and we would like to salute the greatest professional collegiate player to ever play the game, Reggie Bush. Sure, there's some controversy with Bush's alleged acceptance of improper benefits while at USC, but if the glove don't fit, then you must acquit. While Bush's legal troubles look messy and may have negative consequences for himself and the team, Bush was an absolute monster on the football field at USC.

We all remember the countless thrills Bush provided while returning punts, sprinting down the sideline and stopping on a dime or amazing dives into the end zone, seen below:

Reggie Bush is also dating Kim Kardashian. Must be nice...

We haven't had a game-breaker like Bush since he left USC, but hopefully one of the many 5-star recruits can man up and be that go-to guy when we really need them. Reggie Bush has been the most electrifying player in years and it was a privilege to watch him embarrass opponents live. Thanks for the memories, Reggie.

Get Ready for Notre Dame Week...

The last time USC traveled to South Bend to take on the Irish, the world witnessed one of the greatest college football games of all time. In an epic seesaw battle, the Trojans needed a last second score on the play that will forever be remembered as the "Bush Push" to triumph over the Irish. Trailing 31-28 late in the 4th quarter, USC first needed to convert a crucial 4th and 9 to setup Leinart's game-winning TD. The play was "82 Sluggo Win." Leinart saw a coverage he liked, audibled, and threw a perfect pass down the left sideline to a streaking Dwayne Jarrett. A couple of plays later, Leinart sneaked into the end zone as time expired and USC triumphed 34-31. Those two plays will go down as two of the most memorable moments in the history of USC Football.

Here is the clip of 4th and 9...

Fight On! Beat the Irish!(again)

Countdown to Kickoff: 5 Days

As we continue on our daily countdown towards the 2007 season, it's back to school time for all us Trojans, but more importantly, we are now just 5 days away from kicking off the season against the Idaho Vandals. You guys know who made #5 special here at USC, the guy who constantly wrecked the bruins of Westwood High (see video at the end of this post) - Reggie Bush...

Bush, a.k.a. "The President," had a highly publicized and well documented college career. He helped the Trojans to Back to Back National Championships in '03 and '04, restoring the glory back at USC. The 2005 Heisman Trophy winner skipped his senior season, after one of the most incredible single season performances in the history of college football in order to enter the 2006 NFL Draft, where he was drafted #2 overall by the New Orleans Saints. Bush also won the Walter Camp Player of Year Award, the Doak Walker Award (best RB), and was a unanimous All-American. He did everything that could possibly be done in college football, except of course winning 3 consecutive national titles (damn you Vince Young). Perhaps his most impressive accomplishment (allegedly) though, at least to me, is Kim Kardashian. You be the judge...

In the unfortunate event that you were unable to witness Reggie make a mockery of Westwood, this is what you missed...

Fight On!

Update: Trojans in the NFL

Week 1 of the NFL Pre-season continued on Friday with 4 games. The New England Patriots traveled to Tampa Bay where they lost to the Bucs 13-10. Former Trojan QB Matt Cassel got some action for the Patriots, completing 4 out of 7 passes for 32 yards and rushing 3 times for 13 yards. Patriots veteran LB Junior Seau didn't see any action but another former Trojan, LB Oscar Lua, led the team with 5 tackles.

Elsewhere, the New Orleans Saints 1st team offense appeared to be in mid-season form in their 13-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Former Trojan and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush was electrifying the few times he touched the ball and showed the versatility that made him so special last season. Bush finished with 2 carries for 15 yards and had 3 catches for 26 yards.

More games on the slate today highlighted by Carolina at the NY Giants, and Arizona at Oakland. I'll report on that tomorrow morning.

Fight On!

Update: Trojans in the NFL

The NFL's Pre-season got underway in Canton, Ohio last Sunday as the New Orleans Saints played the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame Game. If you didn't watch the game (like me), the Steelers won 20-7, but you didn't miss much. The starters for both teams didn't play much, maybe one possession apiece, but that's all. Former Trojans in the game included the Saints' Reggie Bush (2 carries, 8 yds.) and Troy Polamalu (no stats recorded, probably didn't even suit up).

Thursday featured two games: Cincinnati lost at Detroit 27-26, and Indianapolis lost at Dallas 23-10. Former Trojan and Heisman Trophy winning QB Carson Palmer had a nice day for the Bengals, completing 7 out of 10 passes for 93 yards. Former USC defensive lineman Shaun Cody got into the stat sheet for the Lions with 1 tackle. In the 2nd game, former Trojan safety Scott Ware played for the Colts and recorded 3 tackles and 1 assisted tackle against the Cowboys.

Friday's Week 1 Pre-season games featuring former Trojans include: New England @ Tampa Bay, Buffalo @ New Orleans, and St. Louis @ Minnesota. I'll have a roundup from those games before tomorrow morning.

Fight On, to our Trojans in the NFL!