Will USC take out frustrations on BC? Or will Eagles take advantage of down Trojans?

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Disappointing ‘09 will end in Emerald Bowl for USC

It was Christmas 2001, when Pete Carroll finished off his first season at Southern California with a thud.

A Trojans squad that needed a late-season winning streak to go 6-5, but featured Carson Palmer and Troy Polamalu, lost to Utah 10-6 in the Las Vegas Bowl.

The next season, USC re-established itself as a national power, starting a streak of seven seasons in which it won the Pac-10 and went to the Bowl Championship Series.

That run ended for the Trojans this season. USC finished 8-4 and in the middle of the Pac-10 pack. Instead of a prime date on the bowl schedule, the Trojans were shipped upstate to San Francisco where they will play Boston College in the Emerald Bowl on Dec. 26.

“There are a lot of things to look forward to with this game,” Carroll said. “We’re playing a team with a strong tradition and it looks like it’s a good matchup across the board.

“Also, we get to stay in California, and that’s good for our fans, as it will be easy for them to get to the game.

“Most of all, we get to play one more game this year. We’re disappointed with the way we played the last half of this season, so the Emerald Bowl gives us a chance to finish the year on a positive note.”

But how motivated will USC be to take out its frustrations on a BC team that comes in 8-4, but seems to be no match for even these not-so-mighty Trojans?

The Eagles beat only two teams that will play in bowls and neither would qualify as a heavyweight: Florida State and Central Michigan.

Against the three best Atlantic Coast Conference teams BC faced, the Eagles lost to Clemson, Virginia Tech and North Carolina by a combined 104-34.

Boston College can’t match up with USC’s talent and athleticism, but who knows what simply getting a crack at the Trojans might do for the Eagles.

They don’t want to hear about USC’s down year. Beating the Trojans, even in the Emerald Bowl, would go down as a big win for BC.

Just like it was for the Utes back in 2001.

The pre-New Year’s Day bowl picks:

Cowboys did not beat an FBS team with a winning record … FRESNO STATE 39-14.

Scarlet Knights have three-bowl winning streak … RUTGERS 24-17.

Golden Eagles are 3-0 in New Orleans Bowl … SOUTHERN MISS 34-21.

Cougars have played in last four Vegas bowls, going 2-2 … OREGON STATE 33-24.

Utes have won eight straight bowls, best current streak … CAL 27-21.

Wolf Pack is first NCAA team with three 1,000-yard rushers … NEVADA 45-28.

Maybe there are too many bowl games … OHIO 21-17.

Tar Heels sixth in nation in total defense; Pitt tops in sacks … PITTSBURGH 10-9.

Trojans come to play … USC 27-6.

Third Music City appearance for Wildcats in last four years … CLEMSON 35-21.

Remember what Aggies QB Jerrod Johnson did to good Texas D? … TEXAS A&M 42-35.

And the winner goes to the Final Four. Oops, wrong sport … UCLA 24-14.

‘Canes trying to make statement for next season … MIAMI 28-14.

Vandals playing on rival Boise State’s home turf … BOWLING GREEN 38-24.

Not your typical Holiday Bowl … NEBRASKA 14-10.

Thursday, Dec. 31
Sun Bowl
Stanford (plus vs. Oklahoma

Could be Toby Gerhart’s goodbye game for Cardinal … OKLAHOMA 31-24.

Rematch of Cougars 34-28 victory last season … HOUSTON 44-36.

Middies have lost three straight bowls, but been very competitive … MISSOURI 28-23.

Two mediocre teams destined to play dull game … IOWA STATE 14-10.

Hokies trying to win back some pride for ACC against SEC … VIRGINIA TECH 28-20.

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Last week of regular season: 7-4 (straight); 6-5 (vs. points).

Season: 216-60 (straight); 133-123-4 (vs. points).