What Is 1960 USC Trojans football team

Overview

The 1960 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California during the 1960 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU), the team struggled under head coach Don Clark, who was in his third year leading the program.

Despite high expectations, the Trojans posted a disappointing 1–8 overall record, with their only victory coming against Stanford. The team's offensive struggles were evident, averaging just 6.9 points per game, one of the lowest in the nation.

• Season record: The 1960 USC Trojans finished with a 1–8 overall record and 1–4 in AAWU conference play, marking one of the worst seasons in program history.
• Head coach:Don Clark served as head coach from 1957 to 1960, and the 1960 season was his final year, ending with a cumulative 10–28–2 record.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue USC has used since 1923.
• Only win: The team’s sole victory came on October 22, 1960, defeating Stanford 10–0 in front of 45,109 fans.
• Scoring output: USC scored just 62 points all season, averaging 6.9 points per game, while allowing 181 points (20.1 per game).

Performance & Season Details

The 1960 season was marked by offensive ineptitude and defensive lapses, as the Trojans failed to score more than 14 points in any game. Their schedule included matchups against regional rivals and conference opponents, none of which resulted in victories except for Stanford.

• Season opener: USC lost their first game to Georgia 14–13 in Athens, setting a tone of close but costly defeats.
• Key player: Quarterback Jim Conroy started multiple games, but the offense lacked consistency and depth.
• Defensive struggles: The team allowed 20 or more points in seven of nine games, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
• Notable loss: A 34–7 defeat to rival UCLA ended the season and contributed to Don Clark’s dismissal.
• Conference finish: USC tied for last in the AAWU, behind California, Stanford, and Washington State.
• Attendance: Average attendance at the Coliseum was around 45,000, reflecting continued fan support despite poor results.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1960 season to other years in USC football history highlights its struggles:

The table illustrates how the 1960 season stands out for its poor performance. While later years under coaches like John McKay brought success, 1960 remains a low point. The team’s scoring differential of –119 underscores the imbalance between offense and defense. In contrast, by 1962, USC had improved significantly, setting the stage for future dominance.

Why It Matters

Though the 1960 season was forgettable on the field, it played a pivotal role in USC football’s evolution. The poor results led to a coaching change and ultimately paved the way for a new era of success.

• Coaching change: Don Clark was replaced by John McKay in 1961, who went on to win four national titles.
• Program turning point: The 1960 season marked the end of a struggling era and the beginning of a rebuild.
• Recruiting shift: Poor performance highlighted the need for better talent evaluation and development.
• Fan expectations: The season tested fan loyalty but also reinforced long-term support for the program.
• Historical context: It serves as a benchmark for measuring future improvement and resilience.
• Legacy: Despite the record, the 1960 team is remembered as a catalyst for USC’s rise in the 1960s and 1970s.

The 1960 USC Trojans may not be remembered for wins, but their season was instrumental in shaping one of college football’s most storied programs. The transition that followed redefined USC football for decades to come.