What Is 2014 USC Trojans football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 8-6 record under head coach Steve Sarkisian. They played in the Pac-12 Conference and lost to Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Key Facts

The 2014 USC Trojans finished with an 8-6 overall record and 6-3 in Pac-12 play.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian led the team in his first season after Lane Kiffin's dismissal.
Quarterback duo of Cody Kessler and Max Browne started games, with Kessler throwing for 3,322 yards and 32 TDs.
USC played home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic 93,607-seat stadium.
The team lost 45-42 to Fresno State in the 2014 Las Vegas Bowl on December 20, 2014.

Overview

The 2014 USC Trojans football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Pac-12 Conference. It marked the first season under head coach Steve Sarkisian, who took over after the mid-season dismissal of Lane Kiffin in 2013. The team played its home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and finished the regular season with a winning record, earning a bowl berth.

Despite high expectations and a top-25 preseason ranking, the Trojans faced inconsistency throughout the season. They defeated rivals UCLA and Notre Dame but suffered key losses to Arizona and Stanford. The year concluded with a close defeat in the Las Vegas Bowl, highlighting both offensive firepower and defensive vulnerabilities.

Record: The team finished with an 8-6 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Pac-12 Conference play, placing third in the South Division.
Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian became the permanent head coach in January 2014 after serving as interim following Kiffin’s firing during the 2013 season.
Stadium: USC played all home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which has a seating capacity of 93,607 and opened in 1923.
Quarterback Play: Cody Kessler started 10 games, throwing for 3,322 yards and 32 touchdowns, while Max Browne started two games.
Bowl Game: The Trojans lost 45-42 to Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 20, 2014, at Sam Boyd Stadium in Nevada.

Season Performance Breakdown

The 2014 season featured a mix of offensive success and defensive struggles, with USC averaging over 35 points per game but allowing key opponents to score in bunches. The team showed resilience in close games and had moments of national relevance, particularly during a four-game winning streak mid-season.

Offensive Output: The Trojans averaged 35.6 points per game, ranking 28th nationally, powered by a strong passing attack led by Kessler.
Defensive Struggles: USC allowed 31.9 points per game, among the worst in the Pac-12, contributing to losses against Stanford and Arizona.
Rivalry Wins: USC defeated UCLA 35-14 and Notre Dame 31-28, preserving key streaks and boosting fan morale.
Key Injuries: Starting linebacker Hayes Pullard missed time, and defensive back Josh Shaw was suspended after a scandal involving a failed drug test.
Recruiting Class: The 2014 class ranked in the top 10 nationally, including future NFL players like Leonard Williams and Su’a Cravens.
Notable Game: A 59-0 shutout of Idaho State showcased offensive depth, with six different players scoring touchdowns.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2014 USC Trojans’ key statistics against select Pac-12 teams and national averages:

Team	Points Per Game	Points Allowed	Passing Yards	Win-Loss Record
USC Trojans	35.6	31.9	298.4	8-6
Stanford	33.8	17.2	194.6	11-3
Oregon	45.6	24.5	286.2	13-2
Arizona	38.2	28.9	312.1	10-4
National Avg.	27.8	27.8	227.3	N/A

The table illustrates that while USC’s offense ranked above average nationally, its defense lagged behind elite Pac-12 teams like Stanford. The high-scoring nature of the games reflected Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy but exposed weaknesses in consistency. Despite a losing record in bowl games under Sarkisian, the 2014 season laid groundwork for future recruiting and program stability.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a transitional year for USC football, bridging the post-Eligibility Sanctions era with a new coaching identity. It highlighted both the promise of young talent and the challenges of maintaining national prominence without consistent defensive performance.

Program Stability: Sarkisian’s first full season brought much-needed continuity after three coaching changes in four years.
Quarterback Development: Cody Kessler’s breakout season signaled USC’s return to strong QB play, influencing future recruiting.
Defensive Talent: Players like Leonard Williams and Su’a Cravens gained national attention, with Williams becoming a top-5 NFL Draft pick.
Bowl Relevance: Earning a bowl berth maintained USC’s streak of postseason appearances, critical for fan engagement and TV exposure.
Recruiting Momentum: The 2014 class helped restore USC’s reputation as a talent pipeline, especially in Southern California.
Future Implications: The season set the stage for improved performance in 2015, including a top-10 finish and a Cotton Bowl victory.

Ultimately, the 2014 USC Trojans served as a foundation for future success, balancing growing pains with glimpses of championship potential.