LSU football: 5 non-conference games that need to happen

Oct 11, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Southern California Trojans helmet during the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. The Trojans defeated the Wildcats 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

USC Trojans

Ever since the controversial finish to the 2003 college football season, a matchup between the LSU Tigers and the USC Trojans has been strongly desired by a large portion the Bayou Bengal fan base.

That season, the LSU football team took home the BCS National Championship, while USC was crowned the AP National Champion.

The No. 1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners got thrashed by Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship, dropping to No. 3 in the human polls right before the national title game. When the BCS rankings to determine the matchup for the national championship were released, however, controversy emerged.

The Tigers and the Sooners jumped USC in the BCS rankings, despite the Trojans being ranked No. 1 in both human polls. LSU defeated Oklahoma 21-14 in the BCS National Championship Game while USC defeated Michigan 28-14 in the Rose Bowl.

The rest is history.

While the controversial end to the 2003 season would likely be the biggest storyline, there are plenty of other reasons to make this game happen. For one, the two programs were among the most dominant of the 2000s. And from 2000-2010, only one other team (Florida) could make claim to two national championships.

Another storyline would be each team’s struggles since their latest championship. USC was hit with harsh NCAA sanctions in the wake of the Reggie Bush scandal, and has not won more than ten games since 2008. LSU reached the BCS National Championship following the 2011 season, but after being embarrassed by Alabama 21-0 in that game, the Tigers have yet to recover fully.

With both programs appearing to be on the rise once again, the two schools need to find a way to make this game happen.

Next: Clemson Tigers