O/NSO: Saluting the 1972 USC National Champions edition

On3 imageby:Greg Katz•06/17/22
Sam Cunningham
Sam Cunningham dives for one of four touchdowns for USC in the 1973 Rose Bowl against Ohio State (Photo via Getty Images)

The Obvious: On Saturday evening inside Loker Stadium on Cromwell Field, the exclusive preseason Salute to Troy celebration returns to campus and among the activities – besides the enticing all-you-can-eat buffet - will be an accompanying program, which will include the introduction of the 2022 USC Trojans football team and coaches, the Trojans Marching Band and USC Song Girls, and special recognition of past teams and players. The Not So Obvious: Although Pete Carroll’s 2004 National Champions could make an argument as USC’s greatest team ever, most college football historians make a very strong and valid argument that the Trojans' greatest team - and one that is arguably college football greatest team ever - is the 1972 National Champions under College Football Hall of Fame coach John McKay. At Saturday night’s Salute to Troy, those in attendance will be treated to a celebration of the 1972 Trojans and seeing many of those surviving members of that fabulous team.

Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz