What Is 1951 USC Trojans football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1951 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California during the 1951 college football season, finishing with a 5–5–1 record under head coach Jeff Cravath, who was in his ninth season.

Key Facts

The 1951 USC Trojans finished with a 5–5–1 overall record
Head coach Jeff Cravath led the team in his ninth season
The team played in the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC)
USC scored 192 points while allowing 183 points
Home games were played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

Overview

The 1951 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California during the 1951 NCAA college football season. Competing as a member of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the team was led by head coach Jeff Cravath, who was in his ninth year at the helm. The Trojans played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue that has hosted USC football since 1923.

This season marked a transitional period for the program, as the team posted a .500 record, finishing with a 5–5–1 overall mark and a 3–3 record in conference play. Despite not achieving a winning season, the 1951 campaign featured notable offensive output and competitive matchups against regional rivals. The team’s performance reflected both strengths and inconsistencies across the season.

Record: The Trojans finished the 1951 season with a 5–5–1 overall record, including three wins in the Pacific Coast Conference.
Head Coach: Jeff Cravath was in his ninth season as head coach, having led USC since 1943 and previously guiding the team to a Rose Bowl victory in 1944.
Stadium: All home games were played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which had a seating capacity of over 100,000 at the time.
Scoring: USC scored a total of 192 points during the season while allowing 183 points, indicating a closely balanced team performance.
Conference: As a member of the Pacific Coast Conference, USC competed against schools such as UCLA, California, and Oregon State.

How It Works

The structure of college football in 1951 involved weekly matchups, conference standings, and end-of-season rankings, though the national championship was determined by polls rather than a playoff system. The 1951 USC Trojans operated within this framework, scheduling a mix of conference and independent opponents.

Season Format: The NCAA did not have a postseason playoff; instead, the national champion was awarded based on final AP and Coaches Poll rankings.
Recruiting: USC relied on regional talent from Southern California high schools, a strategy that had built the program’s reputation since the 1920s.
Game Strategy: The 1951 team emphasized a balanced offensive attack, utilizing both the run and pass under Cravath’s coaching philosophy.
Player Eligibility: NCAA rules at the time limited players to four seasons of varsity competition, with no redshirt years as seen in modern football.
Media Coverage: Games were broadcast on local radio stations, and national exposure was limited compared to today’s television-driven model.
Training Methods: Practices focused on fundamentals, with limited use of film study and no formal strength and conditioning programs like those used today.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1951 USC Trojans with other notable seasons in program history:

Season	Record	Conference	Head Coach	Final Ranking
1951	5–5–1	PCC	Jeff Cravath	Unranked
1948	8–2	PCC	Jeff Cravath	#5 (AP)
1952	11–1	PCC	Jess Hill	#3 (AP)
1962	11–1	Independent	John McKay	#2 (AP)
1974	10–1–1	Pac-8	John Robinson	#2 (AP)

The 1951 season stands out as a middling year between more successful campaigns. While not a championship contender, it helped lay the groundwork for future improvements, especially under new leadership that followed Cravath’s tenure.

Why It Matters

The 1951 season is a snapshot of USC football during a formative era, reflecting the evolution of college football in the postwar period. Though not a standout year, it provides context for understanding the program’s long-term trajectory and coaching transitions.

Historical Context: The 1951 team played during a time when college football was gaining national popularity but lacked modern media exposure.
Coaching Legacy: Jeff Cravath’s tenure ended after the 1950 season, though he returned in 1951 before being replaced by Jess Hill in 1952.
Player Development: Several players from the 1951 roster went on to play professionally or serve in leadership roles after graduation.
Conference Impact: USC’s performance in the PCC influenced future scheduling and competitive balance within the conference.
Program Identity: The season reinforced USC’s identity as a competitive West Coast program despite inconsistent results.
Evolution of the Game: Comparing 1951 to later decades highlights changes in rules, training, and fan engagement in college football.

Overall, the 1951 USC Trojans season may not be remembered for championships, but it remains a factual milestone in the university’s storied football history.