... 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, 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 g...

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