Reign #153 of 335 · USC’s 4th reign
USC, 1973
299Days held
6Defenses
#98Longest of 335
#73Most defended of 335
How it started
January 1, 1973
Took the belt from Ohio State 42–17 at a neutral site on January 1, 1973.
USC was No. 1 in the AP poll going into that game, Ohio State was No. 3. While holding the belt: ranked in 9 of 9 poll weeks, best No. 1, 4 weeks at No. 1. The belt vs. the polls →
Head coach: John McKay · 2 reigns started, 581 days with the belt.
Defenses
The belt on the line, 6 times
September 15, 1973 · vs. Arkansas 17–0DefendedSeptember 22, 1973 · at Georgia Tech 23–6DefendedSeptember 29, 1973 · at Oklahoma 7–7Tie, belt keptOctober 6, 1973 · at Oregon State 21–7DefendedOctober 13, 1973 · vs. Washington State 46–35DefendedOctober 20, 1973 · vs. Oregon 31–10Defended
How it ended
October 27, 1973
Lost the belt to Notre Dame 14–23 on the road on October 27, 1973, after 299 days.