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30 Biggest USC Football Wins of the 21st Century

USC tailback Reggie Bush scores the go ahead touchdown late in the fourth qauter as Arizona States Josh Barrett, left, and Mike Davis Jr. give chase at Sun Devil Stadium Saturday in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
USC tailback Reggie Bush scores the go ahead touchdown late in the fourth qauter as Arizona States Josh Barrett, left, and Mike Davis Jr. give chase at Sun Devil Stadium Saturday in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) /
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BOULDER, CO – SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Southern California Trojans waits for an open receiver against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second quarter September 14, 2002, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. USC defeated Colorada 40-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Southern California Trojans waits for an open receiver against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second quarter September 14, 2002, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. USC defeated Colorada 40-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

28. USC 40, Colorado 3 (2002)

Among the pantheon of dominant USC wins, you’ll find the Trojans’ 40-3 dismembering of the defending Big 12 Champion Colorado Buffaloes in 2002.

The Buffs, fresh off of a Fiesta Bowl berth and a notable national championship game snub, limped into their Week 3 meeting with USC after an opening week loss to rival Colorado State.

Carroll’s Trojans were the most unruly of visitors, holding a Chris Brown-led offense to just 61 yards of total offense in Boulder. In fact, Colorado had just four first downs.

Meanwhile, Carson Palmer continued his strong start to his eventual Heisman Trophy winning campaign, throwing for 244 yards. USC led 20-0 at the half and added on in the third quarter, seeing Folsom Field turn into a cavernous array of empty benches.

With the win, the Trojans went to Manhattan, Kan. the following week to play Kansas State with a No. 11 next to their name.

Though they lost twice in the next three games, USC’s display at Colorado was far more indicative of what was to come. They won the season’s final eight games to finish 4th in the AP Poll.

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