What Is 1987 USC Trojans football team

Overview

The 1987 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing in the Pacific-10 Conference, the team was led by fifth-year head coach Larry Smith and played its home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The season was marked by a dramatic upset victory and a mixed performance that led to a postseason bowl appearance. Despite a losing streak late in the year, the team showed resilience and competitive spirit throughout the season.

• Overall record: The 1987 USC Trojans finished the season with a 7–5 win-loss record, including a 5–3 mark in conference play.
• Key victory: The team defeated the then-No. 1 ranked UCLA Bruins 17–10, marking one of the most significant upsets of the season.
• Head coach: Larry Smith served as head coach, continuing his tenure that began in 1983 and culminating in his final season at USC.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue with a capacity of over 90,000.
• Postseason: The Trojans were invited to the 1987 Freedom Bowl, where they lost 17–3 to the LSU Tigers on December 29, 1987.

Season Highlights

The 1987 campaign featured several pivotal moments that defined the team's identity and performance. From conference battles to national rankings, the season was filled with dramatic swings in momentum.

• Early momentum: USC began the season strong, winning four of its first six games, including a 23–21 victory over Stanford.
• UCLA rivalry: The 17–10 win over No. 1 UCLA was a defining moment, snapping a two-game losing streak to the Bruins and boosting national attention.
• Defensive struggles: The team allowed an average of 23.8 points per game, ranking 78th nationally in scoring defense.
• Offensive output: USC averaged 25.2 points per game, led by quarterback Rod Williams and running back Ricky Ervins.
• Bowl appearance: The Freedom Bowl matchup against LSU was the team’s first bowl game since 1985, ending a two-year postseason drought.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 season can be better understood by comparing it to the previous and following years in terms of records, key players, and outcomes.

This comparison shows that the 1987 season was a moderate improvement over 1986 but fell short of the success seen in 1985. The Freedom Bowl appearance marked a return to postseason play, though the loss to LSU highlighted areas needing improvement. The team’s performance laid groundwork for future seasons under Smith’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 1987 USC Trojans season holds historical significance within the program’s broader narrative, reflecting both challenges and moments of triumph during a transitional era.

• Program continuity: Larry Smith’s leadership provided stability during a period of moderate performance and roster turnover.
• Rivalry legacy: The win over No. 1 UCLA remains one of the most memorable upsets in the storied rivalry.
• Bowl relevance: Returning to a bowl game after a two-year absence helped maintain USC’s national profile.
• Player development: Future NFL players like Ricky Ervins began establishing their reputations during this season.
• Defensive concerns: The team’s struggles on defense prompted coaching adjustments in subsequent years.
• Historical context: The 1987 season is remembered as a bridge between stronger campaigns in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.

While not one of USC’s most decorated seasons, the 1987 campaign contributed to the enduring legacy of Trojan football, showcasing resilience and competitive fire against top-tier opponents.