Why does USC hold up two fingers in football?

By Jason Bolton May 20, 2023 11:49

Photo by Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

As a football fan, you may have noticed that the University of Southern California (USC) football team holds up two fingers before the start of every game. This gesture has become a tradition for the team and its fans, but have you ever wondered why they do it?

The two fingers represent USC's successful past and its commitment to excellence in the future. USC football has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 1900s. The team has won 11 national championships, produced seven Heisman Trophy winners, and has had countless players go on to successful careers in the NFL. Holding up two fingers is a way for the team to honor this history and the players who helped build the program into what it is today.

But it's not just about the past for USC football. The two fingers also represent the team's commitment to excellence in the future. USC has a reputation for recruiting some of the best high school football players in the country, and the team's coaching staff is known for their dedication to developing these players into successful athletes. Holding up two fingers is a way for the team to remind themselves and their fans that they are always striving for greatness and looking towards the future.

In addition to its commitment to excellence on the field, USC football is also known for its innovative approach to the sport. The team has a history of using cutting-edge technology and training techniques to give its players an edge over the competition. USC was one of the first teams to use virtual reality technology to help its quarterbacks improve their decision-making skills, and the team has also used advanced analytics to analyze game film and develop strategies for success.

Of course, with great success comes great expectations, and USC football is no exception. The team and its fans have very high expectations for each season, and anything less than a conference championship or national championship can be seen as a disappointment. This pressure to perform at a high level can be both a blessing and a curse for the team. On one hand, it motivates the players and coaches to work harder and strive for greatness. On the other hand, it can lead to a culture of perfectionism that can be difficult to maintain.

Despite the challenges of living up to expectations, USC football remains a respected and feared team in college football. The team's dedication to excellence and innovative approach to the sport have helped it stay competitive even during times of transition and change. Whether you're a fan of USC football or just a lover of the sport, there's no denying the impact that this program has had on the game and the players who have been a part of it.

In conclusion, holding up two fingers before a USC football game is a symbol of the team's successful past and its commitment to excellence in the future. It's a way for the team to honor its history and the players who helped build the program into what it is today, while also reminding themselves and their fans that they are always striving for greatness. And with its innovative approach to the sport and dedication to developing the best players, there's no doubt that USC football will continue to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.