From TributeToTroy

The 1972 national champions averaged 39 points per game and never trailed in the second half. In going 12-0-0, the Trojans scored 467 points, second most in school history. The defense intercepted 28 passes, limited their opponents to 2.5 yards per rush, and never gave up a run longer than 29 yards.

The roster was a perfect blend of talent, youth, and experience. Senior Mike Rae and sophomore Pat Haden handled the quarterback duties. Sophomore Anthony Davis rushed for 1,191 yards despite not starting until the eighth game. All-American fullback Sam Cunningham was an outstanding blocker and a tremendous leaper, especially in goal-line situations. Tight end Charles Young was equally adept blocking and receiving, while split ends Lynn Swann, Edesel Garrison and J.K. McKay were excellent pass catchers.

The defense was fast and strong. Sophomore linebacker Richard Wood burst onto the scene with 18 tackles in the season-opener on his way to garnering All-American honors. John Grant and Jeff Winans anchored the defensive line, while Artimus Parker, Charles Phillips and Charles Hinton led the secondary.

USC’s smallest margin of victory was nine points (versus Stanford). The Trojans beat No. 4-ranked Arkansas 31-10, No. 18 Washington 34-7, No. 14 UCLA 24-7, No.10 Notre Dame 45-23 and No. 3 Ohio State 42-17 in the 1973 Rose Bowl. USC was unanimously chosen No. 1 in the final AP and UPI polls, the first team to be so honored.

The 1972 team is considered to be John McKay’s finest at USC and one of the greatest college teams of all time.