USC stripped of 2004 BCS title

The hits just keep coming for a USC Trojan program already reeling from a two-year postseason ban and a loss of thirty scholarships over three seasons:

The Bowl Championship Series stripped Southern California of its 2004 title on Monday, leaving that season without a BCS champion.

The announcement was no surprise. BCS officials had said USC was in danger of having its championship vacated after the Trojans were hit with heavy NCAA sanctions last year for rules violations committed during the 2004 and '05 seasons.

"The BCS alerted us today that their presidents have voted to vacate USC's 2005 BCS championship game victory," USC athletic director Pat Haden said. "This was not an unexpected outcome. We will comply with all requirements mandated by the result of this BCS vote."

The NCAA ruled star tailback Reggie Bush received improper extra benefits during those seasons and was ineligible when he played.

USC was also awarded the AP national championship that year, but will not have to vacate that title. Unfortunately for Auburn and Utah fans, the BCS will not retroactively name either of their schools the 2004 champion even though both schools went undefeated.

Speaking of traditional football powerhouses in a world of hurt right now, what is going on with Ohio State? First Head Coach Jim Tressel resigns, and now their star quarterback is leaving the team. Stay tuned...