From TributeToTroy

Paul Hackett was replaced by Pete Carroll, who came with 26 years of college and pro coaching experience (including head coaching stints with the NFL's New England Patriots and New York Jets).

Carroll's first squad in 2001 started slowly (at 1-4 and then 2-5), but rebounded by winning its final four regular-season games (and its last five Pac-10 contests), including a 27-0 home shutout over UCLA, to earn a spot in the 2001 Las Vegas Bowl.

Although the Trojans finished 6-6, the losses were by a combined 29 points. Five were by five points or less (the first time that happened in a USC season), including twice when opponents kicked field goals in the final 12 seconds (once at the gun), also a USC first. Hampered by injuries to its tailback corps, the Trojans rushed for an all-time low 1,052 yards. However, safety Troy Polamalu earned All-American honors.

Then, in 2002, USC harkened back to its dominating glory days. USC closed its campaign with an 8-game winning streak (getting at least 400 yards of total offense and 30 points in each game). In fact, some said the Trojans were playing the best ball in the nation by year's end. Troy went 11-2 overall, earned a No. 4 final ranking, won a share of the Pac-10 championship (going 7-1), scored decisive wins over UCLA and Notre Dame (for the first time in the same season since 1981) and posted an impressive victory in the BCS' 2003 Orange Bowl...all while playing what was ranked as the nation's toughest schedule.

It was USC's most wins and highest final ranking since 1979. The Trojans finished in the nation's Top 20 in nearly every team statistical category and led the Pac-10 in scoring offense and defense. No opposing runner gained 100 yards versus USC. Not only did Polamalu repeat as an All-American, but quarterback Carson Palmer--the Pac-10's career passing and total offense leader who set 33 USC and Pac-10 records--became Troy's fifth Heisman Trophy winner. Kareem Kelly set USC's career reception record.

TROJAN TIMELINE

• Early Years (1888-1924)
• Thundering Herd (1925-1940)
• Forties & Fifties (1941-1959)
• Glory Years, Part I (1960-1975)
• Glory Years, Part II (1976-1982)
• Wilderness Years (1983-2001)
• Return to Glory (2002-present)