What Is 2008 USC Trojans football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2008 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 10–2 record and ranked No. 6 in the final AP Poll.

Key Facts

The 2008 USC Trojans finished the season with a 10–2 record
They were ranked No. 6 in the final AP Poll
Head coach Pete Carroll led the team in his 8th season
USC played home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
The team won the Emerald Bowl against Boston College, 24–13

Overview

The 2008 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Pacific-10 Conference, the team was led by head coach Pete Carroll in his eighth year at the helm and played its home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

USC entered the season ranked No. 5 in the preseason AP Poll and maintained a top-10 ranking for most of the year. Despite high expectations, the Trojans suffered two losses but rebounded to finish strong, culminating in a victory in the Emerald Bowl.

Record: The team finished the season with a 10–2 overall record and a 7–2 mark in Pac-10 play, placing second in the conference standings.
Ranking: USC ended the season ranked No. 6 in the final Associated Press (AP) Poll, reflecting their consistent performance throughout the year.
Head Coach: Pete Carroll, in his eighth season, continued to build on USC’s national prominence, guiding the program through a competitive schedule.
Stadium: The Trojans played their home games at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which has a capacity of over 93,000 and is one of college football’s iconic venues.
Bowl Game: USC defeated Boston College 24–13 in the Emerald Bowl on December 27, 2008, in San Francisco, securing their final win of the season.

Season Performance

The 2008 campaign featured a mix of dominant wins and narrow defeats, showcasing both the team’s strengths and areas for improvement. Quarterback Mark Sanchez emerged as a leader, throwing for 3,206 yards and 34 touchdowns, while the defense remained a key pillar of the team’s success.

Offensive Output: USC averaged 36.8 points per game, ranking 12th nationally in scoring offense, fueled by a balanced attack between run and pass.
Defensive Strength: The defense allowed just 17.2 points per game, ranking 7th in the nation, anchored by future NFL players like Rey Maualuga.
Key Loss: The Trojans suffered a 31–17 defeat to Oregon on October 11, ending their undefeated start and knocking them out of national title contention.
Notable Win: A 45–23 victory over Notre Dame in November highlighted the team’s resilience and offensive firepower in a rivalry matchup.
Emerald Bowl: In their postseason appearance, USC overcame Boston College 24–13, with Sanchez throwing for two touchdowns and the defense forcing three turnovers.
Player Development: The season saw standout performances from future NFL talents, including linebacker Rey Maualuga, who won the Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2008.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2008 USC Trojans compare to previous seasons in key statistical categories:

Season	Record	Final AP Rank	Points Per Game	Points Allowed
2008	10–2	No. 6	36.8	17.2
2007	11–2	No. 3	39.4	19.5
2006	11–2	No. 5	44.4	19.6
2005	11–2	No. 4	41.4	19.1
2004	13–1	No. 1	42.6	16.4

The 2008 season marked a slight dip in offensive production compared to the powerhouse years of 2004–2006, but the defense improved significantly. Despite not winning the national title, USC remained among the nation’s elite programs under Pete Carroll’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2008 USC Trojans season was significant for maintaining the program’s national relevance during a transitional period. It showcased the development of future NFL talent and reinforced USC’s reputation for consistent excellence.

Program Stability: The 10-win season demonstrated USC’s ability to remain competitive despite increased scrutiny and NCAA investigations looming in later years.
Quarterback Development: Mark Sanchez’s breakout year positioned him as a top NFL draft prospect, eventually selected 5th overall in 2009.
Defensive Excellence: Rey Maualuga’s Lott Trophy win underscored the team’s defensive dominance and player development success.
Bowl Success: The Emerald Bowl victory extended USC’s streak of consecutive winning seasons and postseason appearances to 13 years.
Recruiting Momentum: Strong performances helped maintain USC’s elite recruiting status, bringing in top-tier talent for future seasons.
Legacy Building: The season contributed to Pete Carroll’s legacy as one of college football’s premier coaches before his departure to the NFL in 2010.

Overall, the 2008 season exemplified USC’s football tradition—high expectations, strong execution, and national prominence—even without a national championship.