Twas the Night Before Christmas: USC Style

Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Twas the night before Christmas and all though LANot a creature was stirring, not even at McKay.The helmets were hung in the locker room with careIn hopes that Pete Carroll would soon reappear.

The athletes were nestled all snug in their bedsWhiles visions of crystal footballs danced in their heads.And certainly not El Paso, because let’s be realSpending New Year’s Eve there is not a good deal.

When in the Coliseum there arose such a clatterThe team rose from their beds to see what was the matter.Away to the field they flew like a flashTo see what had caused such a tremendous crash.

The Coliseum lights shone on glistening seatsAnd the players just knew they were in for a treat.When, what to their wondering eyes should appearBut a new defensive coordinator that made them all cheer.

After the season’s struggles, they wanted a changeBut this coach crashing the field was really quite strange.More rapid than Marqise Lee, support for him cameAnd he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

Now Williams! Now Breslin! Now McDonald and Robey!On Pullard! On Dawson! On Uko and Bailey!To the top of the McKay Center, and then Heritage Hall2013 will be better, now dash away all!

2012 was a problem, but it has come to an endAnd new success is waiting just around the bend.So up to the campus, this new coach, he flewWith a book full of plays, and a new scheme too.

Then in a twinkling the new coach settled inHe brought with him a plan that could help this team win.The players peaked into his office and saw trophies abound,And in his big, comfy chair, their new coach turned around.

He was decked in cardinal and gold, from his head to his toesWith a whistle around his neck and his cap pulled low.Reels full of film were strewn over the placeAnd a serious look plastered on his face.

With eyes that meant business and a piercing gazeHe looked upon his new players and thought of the waysHe could turn them into champions, certified beastsNo longer would they play soft, not in the least.

The players watched as he chewed on the cap of his pen,And beckoned them inside for introductions right then.The team knew right away this guy was legitWith a brilliant football mind and plenty of wit.

They stayed and talked with him long into the nightAnd knew that next year things would be alright.A wink of his eye and a nod of his headLet them know now they had nothing to dread.

Soon the talking was over and it was time for more workBut before they left he turned to them with a jerk.“Fellas, I have something to sayBefore it’s time to send you on your way.

“Next year will be better, next year will be fun.Our road to victory has only just begun!This team will be back on top and it won’t take too long.Merry Christmas to all, and remember, Fight On!”