USC

1969 Trojans
(Authentic Reproduction)
 

Closing the decade with an award winning performance would be difficult for John McKay having to follow the production of a 9-1-1 season and a Heisman Trophy winner in 1968, after the 1967 consensus 10-1 National Championship team and a defense for the ages. The offense was far from shabby in '67 as Ron Yary, their huge offensive tackle was awarded the Outland Trophy. As McKay said after spring practice of 1969, "What we have here are a bunch of suspects" in his usual humorous manner. O.J. Simpson and the entire starting backfield were gone but as always, there were stars. On defense, wild man Mike Battle headed he secondary, already known for the pranks that would bring notoriety when he later played for the Jets; later to be infamous Al Cowlings ("You know me, this is A.C., A.C., everyone knows me.") at defensive tackle; All America Sandy Durko at safety; All America defensive end Jimmy Gunn. Sophs Tody Smith (Bubba's brother) and Charlie Weaver were unknown but were marked as stars of the future. On offense, it was assumed that "if he's recovered from knee surgery" Mike Holmgren, yes the same Super Bowl winning coach Mike Holmgren, would quarterback the team and Clarence Davis who would run so well for the 1970's Raiders, would have to replace the departed '68 backfield. With Bob Chandler and Bob Klein at the ends, and John Vella and Gerry Mullins manning the offensive line, pro prospects abounded and then delivered as the '69 squad tore through its entire schedule except for a 14-14 tie against Notre Dame. Avenging the previous Rose Bowl's loss to National Champion Ohio State, the Trojans held on to defeat Michigan 10-3, more than answering the critics who felt that the loss of Simpson and Company would leave the Men Of Troy mired in mediocrity. As many teams did, the 100th Anniversary of the first college football game was celebrated on the USC helmet. The gold football-shaped decal held a maroon "100" outlined in white on the maroon shell for a clean, beautiful appearance that clearly marked the finest of 100 years of college football.

If interested in any of these USC helmets please click on the photos below.