Stanford vs. USC: 7 Little-Known Facts About the California Rivalry

This weekend, No. 6 Stanford (7-0) visits USC (6-1) in one of the biggest matchups of the Pac-12 season.

Last year, the No. 16 Cardinal beat the Trojans 37-35 on a last-second field goal—but this year, the Trojans are looking for revenge.

The two schools, the only private schools in the Pac-12 Conference, have a lot of history together dating back to the early 20th century.

Let's take a look.

The Origins of the Rivalry

Stanford is USC's oldest rival, dating back to 1905.

That's 24 years before the USC-UCLA rivalry began.

The two schools have played annually since 1925, with a three-year gap occurring from 1943-1945 because of World War II.

Legends like Bill Walsh (pictured), John Elway, Jim Plunkett, Marcus Allen, O.J. Simpson and Ronnie Lott have all taken part in the storied rivalry. 

Trojans Hold the All-Time Edge

USC leads Stanford in head-to-head victories, 59-27-3.

Out of the original Pacific-8 schools—the current alignment minus Colorado, Utah and the Arizona schools—only Oregon State and Washington State have a worse record against the Trojans.

Heisman History

In 1982, Georgia's star running back Herschel Walker won the Heisman Trophy with Stanford's quarterback John Elway finishing second.

A year earlier, USC tailback Marcus Allen won the Heisman. The only Stanford player on the ballot?

Running back Darrin Nelson (pictured, with the Minnesota Vikings).

Nelson rushed for 4,033 career yards for the Cardinal.

Past Decade of Trojan Dominance

In the past 10 years, USC has had nine Heisman finalists, representing seven different players.

Of those finalists, quarterbacks Carson Palmer (pictured) and Matt Leinart and running back Reggie Bush won the top award in the country.

However, Bush's award was later vacated due to NCAA violations that occurred during his time at Southern California.

Recent Cardinal Success

Ever since USC's Rey Maualuga finished ninth in Heisman balloting in 2008, Stanford has taken the reins as the Pac-12's most represented school in the voting.

Since 2008, three different Cardinal players have been finalists: running back Toby Gerhart (pictured), fullback/linebacker Owen Marecic and current quarterback Andrew Luck.

Another Top 10 finish can be chalked up for the Cardinal, as Luck looks to be headed there yet again—and possibly back to The Farm with the trophy.

Rivalry Renewed

After years of terrible football, in 2007 Jim Harbaugh became the head coach at Stanford, where he brought a new culture to the lifeless Cardinal. 

Harbaugh (pictured) and Pete Carroll were two of the biggest personalities in the nation during their time at Stanford and USC respectively.

Once Harbaugh got to Palo Alto, he repeatedly took shots at Carroll. They seem to have paid off, as the Cardinal cracked the Trojans' armor in a 24-23 victory over the No. 1 Trojans. In that game, Stanford was a 41-point underdog.

Harbaugh left The Farm for the San Francisco 49ers after last season with a 2-1 record against Carroll and a 3-1 record against USC, which is now under the guidance of Lane Kiffin.

Not even coaching legend Bill Walsh was that successful against USC. He finished his time at Stanford 1-4 against the Trojans.

What's Your Deal?

In 2009, when Jim Harbaugh beat the Trojans in Southern California yet again, 55-21, it was the worst loss USC had suffered in 43 years.

The Cardinal led 28-21 after three quarters, but the fourth was a different story.

Running back Toby Gerhart led Stanford to three more touchdowns. Harbaugh (pictured) was as fired up as ever and decided to go for a two-point conversion after one of them.

After the game, USC head coach Pete Carroll had three words for Harbaugh: "What's your deal?"

That sentence goes hand in hand with Harbaugh's "no mercy" style of coaching that he employed in Palo Alto and now employs in San Francisco with the 49ers.

New Coaches, Same Rivalry

New Stanford head coach David Shaw (pictured) has done a very good job stepping in for Jim Harbaugh, the man who led the Cardinal back to the top of the Pac-10. 

In the new Pac-12, Shaw has led Stanford to a 7-0 record. On the field, he has arguably the best player in the nation, Andrew Luck, at quarterback.

At USC, Lane Kiffin is the new man in charge. In his second year as head coach of the Trojans, they have a 6-1 record. Kiffin has Matt Barkley, a top-tier quarterback, taking his snaps.

Stanford has an outside shot at a national championship.

USC is trying to get revenge for last year—and the year before that.

This Saturday, look for both young coaches to make their mark on the rivalry and show the other team just exactly what the deal is.