Posted on December 6th, 2009 by Rick McMahan

As I emerge from the fog of a disappointing USC Trojan season, I wearily struggle to find some hope for the future.

Reaching deep into the abyss of my waning optimism, I think I have found that hope in the oddest of places.

Nine years ago, Pete Carroll took over a moribund USC Trojan team that had floundered under the tutelage of Paul Hackett.

That 2001 team wound up 6-6, and lost 10-6 to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Led by Carson Palmer, a highly touted prep quarterback out of Santa Margarita high school in Orange county, Ca., the Trojans shut out the UCLA Bruins 27-0 in a controversial game that was highlighted by excessive celebrations by the Trojans which rankled the sensibilities of Bruin nation.

However, the 2001 season, while it indicated hope for the future, was generally considered a disappointment.

After all, a 6-6 season should never be celebrated by fans of the men of Troy.

Fast forward to 2009.

In Pete Carroll’s ninth year at the helm, the Trojans have gone 8-4, and the season has been roundly described as a disappointment by the fans of USC.

Led by Matt Barkley, a much celebrated prep quarterback out of Mater Dei high school in Orange county, Ca., the Trojans beat UCLA 28-7 in a controversial game marred by UCLA’s irritation at excessive Trojan celebration.

Sound familiar?

Wait, it gets weirder.

USC is expected to be extended an invitation to the Poinsettia Bowl where they probably will meet…yep, you guessed it, Utah.

Hold on, I’m not finished.

Although Carson Palmer was a junior in 2001, his passing statistics almost mirror young Matt Barkley’s in 2009.

Palmer’s passing statistics in 2001:

221/377 (58.6%) for 2717 yards, 13 Passing TDs and 1 Rushing TD; with 12 Interceptions

Matt Barkley’s passing statistics for 2009:

184/315 (58.4%) for 2385 yards, 13 Passing TD’s and 1 Rushing TD; with 12 Interceptions.

Uncanny eh?

In 2002, Carson Palmer began the Trojan resurrection by leading the Trojans to 11-2 record and a convincing win over Iowa in the Orange bowl.

Oh yeah, Carson Palmer also picked up some personal hardware along the way.

You know, that little bronze guy who is straight arming an imagined foe and is named for some guy named “Heisman.”

Now, I am not suggesting that 2010 will be the year when Matt Barkley wins a Heisman trophy even though I would be ecstatic if he did.

But what I am suggesting is that history often repeats itself and with an extra year under his belt, I expect Matt Barkley, he of the abundant talent, to improve and along with that, elevate the Trojans back to elite status.

And if he wants to win a Heisman along the way, that alright too…

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