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

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