After defeating UCLA in a thrilling double overtime slugfest, Jerod Haase insisted that his team’s performance was not a statistical aberration, but rather a turning point. Three days later, his players vindicated him.
USC came into the year much heralded, returning almost everyone from a team that made the round of 32 in March and adding new depth. An offseason marred by FBI allegations turned into a slow start to the year for the Trojans, but they entered Maples having won five of six, including an easy victory against Cal just days before.
For nearly 30 minutes, Andy Enfield’s squad looked the part of a Top 25 team.