LOS ANGELES -- During the height of the Pete Carroll era, there was so much energy, enthusiasm, and attention paid the USC Trojans, it's almost as if the Men of Troy had become the college version of "America's team."

With unprecedented regular sellouts in the mammoth Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Hollywood celebs like Henry Winkler, Will Ferrell and Snoop Dog on the sidelines, and a fan base that seemed to stretch beyond the city limits of L.A. to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the Trojans reached a popularity level that seemed to extend well into the stratosphere.

Not that the Trojans didn't have their detractors during the Carroll era, but the electricity emanating from the storied Coliseum was so magical that even down-the-freeway Disneyland was envious.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Already an Insider? Sign in below:

• Username
• Password
• Sign In with Facebook

• ESPN The Magazine subscribers

  Activate your Insider account »

• Need more information?

  View Insider Benefits »

... or become an today

• 1 Year Membership - $3.33 a month

  Includes a 1 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine - Over 62% off the regular monthly price!

• 2 Year Membership - $2.50 a month (Best Value)

  Includes a 2 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine - Over72% off the regular monthly price!

• Monthly Membership - $8.95 a month
• 

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email
• Subscribe

Greg Katz | email

Columnist, WeAreSC.com

• Follow
• Archive

• USC Trojans columnist
• Football Writers Association member
• Joined ESPN.com in 2011