1979 USC Trojans football team

The 1979 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California (USC) in the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fourth year under head coach John Robinson, the Trojans compiled an 11–0–1 record (6–0–1 against conference opponents), won the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) championship, and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 389 to 171. The team was ranked #2 in both the final AP Poll and the final UPI Coaches Poll.

Quarterback Paul McDonald led the team in passing, completing 164 of 264 passes for 2,223 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. Charles White led the team in rushing with 332 carries for 2,050 yards and 19 touchdowns. Dan Garcia led the team in receiving with 29 catches for 492 yards and three touchdowns.

The team was named national champion by the College Football Researchers Association, an NCAA-designated major selector.

At Oregon State
Paul McDonald completed eight of nine passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns in just one half of action while Charles White watched from the sidelines with an injured shoulder. McDonald led the Trojans to touchdowns on their first five possessions before he and the rest of USC starters sat for the second half.

Stanford

 * Charles White 32 rushes, 221 yards

Rose Bowl (vs. Ohio State)

 * Charles White 39 rushes, 247 yards

1979 team players in the NFL

 * Marcus Allen
 * Chip Banks
 * Hoby Brenner
 * Joey Browner
 * Brad Budde
 * Steve Busick
 * Ray Butler
 * Dennis Johnson
 * Myron Lapka
 * Ronnie Lott
 * Jeff Fisher
 * Chris Foote
 * Roy Foster
 * Bruce Matthews
 * Paul McDonald
 * Larry McGrew
 * Don Mosebar
 * Anthony Muñoz
 * Eric Scoggins
 * Dennis Smith
 * Keith Van Horne
 * Charles White

Awards and honors

 * Brad Budde, Lombardi Award
 * Charles White, Heisman Trophy
 * Charles White, Maxwell Award
 * Charles White, Walter Camp Award