RoT Madness, Elite 8: Voting for USC Football Legends

The Ultimate Trojan is in sight as RoT Madness enters the Elite 8, featuring the top USC football player from each region in cross-positional battles. Voting is now open.

The gloves are off now. Sweet 16 voting determined the winner of each positional region in the RoT Madness tournament. Now the Elite 8 will separate the field in a free-for-all for Final Four places.

Keyshawn Johnson and Adoree’ Jackson just squeaked into the next round. Can they engineer upset victories over two tournament favorites in Ronnie Lott and Marcus Allen?

What factors will play into determining a winner between Heisman quarterback Matt Leinart and offensive line legend Ron Yary?

Does Junior Seau’s decisive win over Richard Wood in the linebacker bracket give him a beeline for the title tilt? Could The Big Cat Leonart Williams stand in his way?

Ready, set, vote!

No. 1 Ronnie Lott vs. No. 1 Keyshawn Johnson

In their primes, who wouldn’t have paid money to see Ronnie Lott and Keyshawn Johnson go at each other?

Ronnie Lott was so dominant at his position, he was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Century in 2015.

Keyshawn Johnson defined dominance at the wide receiver position for USC. He was the first ever Trojan receiver to earn unanimous All-American honors — and remains one of just two to have achieved that feat.

Elite 8 Matchup:

No. 1 Matt Leinart vs. No. 1 Ron Yary

It’s easier to make a list of things Matt Leinart didn’t win as a Trojan, than to list all of his many accomplishments — both individual and team.

For legendary tackle Ron Yary, it’s simple enough to sum up his accolades — College Football Hall of Famer. NFL Hall of Famer. USC Hall of Famer. Or just, Hall of Famer.

Both players are worthy of a Final Four place, representing two of the most important positions on the field.

Elite 8 Matchup: Matt Leinart vs. Ron Yary

No. 1 Marcus Allen vs. No. 2 Adoree’ Jackson

Only one non-No.1 seed made it into the Elite 8, a distinction held by Adoree’ Jackson.

As a reward, he gets to face the top running back in the bracket — Heisman winner, CFB Hall of Famer and NFL Hall of Famer Marcus Allen.

In terms of sheer accomplishments, it’s tough to beat Allen. But Jackson could make it interesting on sheer ability alone.

USC’s second ever Thorpe Award winner and first All-American cornerback, Jackson’s electric playmaking ability could be the great equalizer.

Elite 8 Matchup: Marcus Allen vs. Adoree' Jackson

No. 1 Junior Seau vs. No. 1 Leonard Williams

Junior Seau had the iconic jersey. Leonard Williams had the iconic hair. Something else has to separate the two fierce defenders in the Elite 8.

Seau was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1989 and went on to a heralded NFL career.

Williams was a two-time All-American on the defensive line and is the the early stages of a bright pro career himself.

Elite 8 Matchup: Junior Seau vs. Leonard Williams

Polls will be open until Wednesday, April 5th at 6:00 p.m. Pacific, after which results will be posted on ReignofTroy.com.