Southern Cal, noticeably uninspired, last December suffered probably the most embarrassing loss in the school's modern-day football history.
A few days after the 24-7 defeat by Fresno State in the Freedom Bowl, Southern Cal coach Larry Smith was fired.The Trojans return to Anaheim Stadium Dec. 30, again facing a decided underdog, Utah.
Coach John Robinson said he doesn't believe Southern Cal will lack motivation for its second consecutive appearance.
"We both started poorly and finished strong, and I think both teams are anxious to keep playing," he said of the Trojans and Utes. "We would play a game in January somewhere if we could find one to play.
" . . . A lot was made about last year and kind of a negative response from SC, but this is a different year and that isn't even remotely relevant to this year . . ."