Offensive lineman Kyle Murphy was a diehard USC fan growing up in Southern California's Orange County -- Trojan territory -- during the Pete Carroll era. As a five-star recruit coming out of high school in 2012, he strongly considered signing there. But Murphy ultimately chose Stanford, and he's now feeling better about his upcoming holiday trip home because of that decision.
"People can't talk crap anymore," the senior said with a smile. "I have a winning record against USC now, so I can show them [three Pac-12 championship] rings and my 3-2 record against them."
Murphy is satisfied after the Cardinal's 41-22 Pac-12 championship game victory.