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USC Makes Orange Bowl History, Defeats Oklahoma

Jan 05, 2005



USC HISTORY: Wide receiver Steve Smith #2 of the USC Trojans celebrates with teammate David Kirtman #37 after catching a 33-yard touchdown pass against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second quarter during the FedEx Orange Bowl 2005 National Championship at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The University of Southern California Trojans made history on Tuesday night, defeating the Oklahoma Sooners 55-19 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, becoming only the second team to ever stay in the No. 1 spot all season.

“I think we proved tonight that we are the No. 1 team in the country without a doubt,” USC quarterback Matt Leinart told CBS. “No doubt.”

The Trojans end the season 13-0 overall. Although they didn’t get to play in the Bowl, The University of Auburn Tigers were also undefeated, which was the scenario USC faced last season.

This year, both Oklahoma and USC were undefeated coming into the bowl and many expected it to be one of the most exciting games of the season. But a series of Sooner turnovers early in the first half quickly turned the momentum of the game over to the Trojans, who lead 38-10 by halftime.

Oklahoma looked strong on its first drive of the game. But the game’s momentum changed when, with a 7-7 tie, Sooner Mark Bradley fumbled a punt. USC had trouble picking up the ball as well, but when they finally got it they found themselves on the 6-yard line, in position for an easy touchdown.

Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Matt Leinart, set an Orange Bowl record with five touchdown passes for USC. Oklahoma’s defense looked weak and, for various periods of the game, Leinart almost seemed to pass at will.

Leinart went 18-for-35, passing for 332 yards in what may be his farewell to college football as he might sign professionally after the next NFL draft.

Oklahoma’s Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Jason White had a decent game, aside from throwing three interceptions, at least one of which was the receiver’s fault. White went 24-for-36, passing for 244 yards and two touchdowns.

The USC defense was particularly aggressive, sacking White twice. The defense was all over Sooner star running back, freshman Adrian Peterson. Peterson broke Ron Dayne’s NCAA freshman rushing record, but was held to 82 yards on 25 carriers in Tuesday’s game.

Oklahoma freshman Garret Hartley did hit his first career field goal.

Copyright 2004 - The Epoch Times