Matt Leinart 2004 Heisman Season in Review
|
Continuing to forge USC's developing reputation as the new "Quarterback U," QB Matt Leinart
became the sixth Trojan to win the Heisman Trophy after the 2004 season. the junior signal-caller
led the Trojans to an undefeated season and a BCS championship with a thrashing of the
Oklahoma Sooners in the Orange Bowl. By also having led the Trojans to a national
championship in 2003, Leinart became only the third quarterback to lead his team to consecutive
national titles.
Besides leading USC to a 13-0 record, Leinart completed 65% of his passes for 3,322 yards and
33 touchdowns. Not only did Leinart post excellent stats, but he saved his best performances for
USC’s staunchest opponents. Against the Trojans’ four opponents in the final 2004 rankings, (Va.
Tech, Cal, Ariz. St. and Oklahoma) Leinart threw for 992 yarts, 14 TD’s and only one interception.
Leinart returned for his senior season. Despite another stellar performance, Leinart was unable
to lead USC to another national title and finished third in the Heisman voting (USC’s Bush won).
Leinart was drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
|
|
