The 1962 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California (USC) in the 1962 NCAA University Division football season. In their third year under head coach John McKay, the Trojans compiled an 11–0 record (4–0 against conference opponents), won the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU or Big 6) championship, and defeated Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. USC outscored their opponents 261 to 92, and finished first in both major polls, released prior to the bowls.
Junior quarterback Pete Beathard completed 54 of 107 passes for 989 yards with ten touchdown passes and only one interception. (Bill Nelsen also completed 36 of 80 passes for 682 yards and eight touchdown passes with two interceptions.) Willie Brown was the team's leading rusher with 574 rushing yards (and 291 receiving yards). Hal Bedsole was USC's leading receiver with 33 catches for 827 yards and 11 touchdowns. Bedsole was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Two USC players were selected by the Associated Press (AP) for the All-Coast team; end Bedsole and linebacker Damon Bame. Bedsole was a consensus All-American in 1962, while Bame received first-team honors from the AP.
Schedule
Game summaries
Duke
SMU
Statistics Receiving: Hal Bedsole 4 receptions, 112 yards, 2 TD2012 USC football media supplement.
California
Statistics Receiving: Hal Bedsole 6 receptions, 201 yards, 2 TD
Players The following players were members of the 1962 USC football team.1963 "El Rodeo" (USC yearbook), pages 206-209.
Damon Bame, linebacker Pete Beathard, quarterback Hal Bedsole, end Willie Brown, halfback John Brownwood, end Ron Butcher Mac Byrd Jay Clark Ken Del Conte, halfback Craig Fertig, quarterback Bill Fisk Mike Gale Stan Gonta Ron Heller Fred Hill Gary Hill Phil Hoover Hudson Houck, center Loran Hunt Tom Johnson Ernie Jones Randy Jones Gary Kirner, tackle Pete Lubisich, guard Tom Lupo Marv Marinovich, guard Rich McMahon Bill Nelsen, quarterback Gary Potter Ernie Pye John Ratliff, guard Lynn Reade Larry Sagouspe Armando Sanchez Denny Schmidt Ron Smedley Bob Svihus, tackle Toby Thurlow Gary Winslow Ben Wilson, fullback
Coaching staff and administration Head coach: John McKay Assistant coaches: Mel Hein, Mike Giddings, Raymond George, Dave Levy, Charlie Hall, Marv Goux, and Joe Margucci1963 "El Rodeo", page 211. Athletic director: Jess Hill1963 "El Rodeo", page 202. Senior manager: Mike Leddel Assistant team manager: Bob Kardashian
References
Further reading "Trojans 1962: John McKay's First National Championship", by Bill Block, iUniverse, 2012