Ducks Wire editor Zachary Neel unveiled something he referred to as “national approval ratings” the other day. How much are various Pac-12 football programs loved, hated, or ignored by the rest of the nation and the rest of the conference?
When USC football is adrift, as it was under Paul Hackett, or when the Trojans are irrelevant, as they were for the non-Sam Darnold portion of the Clay Helton era, people don’t care about the Men of Troy.
When USC is good, though? All the hate comes pouring out. When the hate flows, the Trojans know they’re doing what they are supposed to be doing (or are at least coming close).
“Jealousy is the cousin of hate, and in this case, those two feelings are very closely related. The USC Trojans have been among the preeminent teams and brands in the world of college football since its inception. With 11 national championships and eight Heisman Trophy winners in school history, it’s easy to see why people dislike the Trojans. Nobody likes to root for the best of the best, and for decades, that’s who USC has been.
“The Trojans will let you know about it, as well. With the flashy Hollywood backdrop and the braggadocious Los Angeles style, I think USC and its fans are happy to draw ire from the rest of the nation. They know that most of the college football world is against them, and often is rooting for their downfall. They wouldn’t have it any other way.”
No we would not. Facts only.
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