USC Football to Play Hawaii in 2012-2013

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

This isn't the first time Carroll has done this. USC played in Hawai'i in 2005 and will do so again in 2010. That means that only the 2006 recruiting class did not go to Honolulu—no wonder they haven't won a title since.

I wonder what a conversation between Carroll and a recruit sounds like.

Carroll: I assure you that you will be attending one of the best programs in America.

Mom & Dad: What about academics?

Recruit: Mom, we talk about academics later, okay? So, I know you are a big deal and all, but Florida has said I will start my freshman year, can you promise that?

Carroll: Well, I can promise we will give you a chance, but I can't promise you we will just give you the position.

Recruit: Well....

Carroll: Have I told you we are going to play our season opener in Hawai'i in 2010 and 2013.

Recruit: Really? So, where do I sign?

But back to reality, these trips to Hawai'i are what separate Carroll from most of the other coaches. He thinks like a 20-year old male, he knows what they want and he gives it to them.

Think about this for a second, a coach and an athletic director are trying to fill out their 2012 schedule and they have a choice of playing either Hawai'i in September or Wyoming in November. I mean, is there really any decision to make?

These games will not make headlines, they will not get the attention of most people—unless USC loses, knock on wood—but these are the little things that make a championship team. Give them a treat, a trip to Hawaii, and they will repay you when you need them to—a foggy, rainy night in Corvallis or Pullman or Berkley; you get the idea.

The genius of Pete Carroll is simple enough, as simple as simple math.

Early season trip to Hawai'i = happy players. Happy players = great season.

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