USC, Washington, Miami join Penn State in return to college football power

August 30, 2017 at 1:44AM
Southern California head coach Clay Helton yells to his team during the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Penn State Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ORG XMIT: NYOTK
Southern California head coach Clay Helton yells to his team during the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Penn State Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ORG XMIT: NYOTK (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Playing like it's 1999

Penn State is not the only tradition-rich football program on the rebound. Here are more examples of blue-blood programs that fell on hard times but now look back on track:

No. 4 USC

NCAA imposed steep sanctions in the Reggie Bush case, followed by Lane Kiffin's and Steve Sarkisian's coaching fiascos. Clay Helton, above, has the Trojans thinking about championships again.

No. 8 Washington

Huskies went 11-37 under Tyrone Willingham, including 0-12 in 2008. Chris Petersen, above, has resurrected program, leading the Huskies to the College Football Playoff last season.

No. 18 Miami

No program exuded as much confidence in 1980s and early '90s before hard times hit. Ex-Georgia coach Mark Richt, above, won nine games in his first season at the school last year.

Chip Scoggins

Washington head coach Chris Petersen stands on the field during a Peach Bowl NCAA college football practice in Atlanta, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016. Alabama and Washington will face off in the Peach Bowl football game Saturday. (AP Photo/David Goldman) ORG XMIT: GADG103
Washington head coach Chris Petersen stands on the field during a Peach Bowl NCAA college football practice in Atlanta, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016. Alabama and Washington will face off in the Peach Bowl football game Saturday. (AP Photo/David Goldman) ORG XMIT: GADG103 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Miami head coach Mark Richt looks on during practice on the first day of NCAA college football fall camp, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017 in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) ORG XMIT: OTK
Miami head coach Mark Richt looks on during practice on the first day of NCAA college football fall camp, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017 in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) ORG XMIT: OTK (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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