Gene Chizik's Auburn squad had two cracks at USC, in both 2002 and 2003. The Tigers lost both games. Here's a quick and dirty look at the two games.
2002
USC 24 Auburn 17
In Carson Palmer's senior season, he led the Trojans to a 24-17 with 23-32 passing with 1 TD and 2 INTs. He also rushed in for a TD from 1 yard out. Auburn held USC to 84 yards rushing on 37 attempts, but allowed 302 yards through the air.
Recap of the game here.
2003
USC 23 Auburn 0
Chizik's Tigers held USC to 123 yards rushing and 192 yards passing, but the offense was notably absent in the shutout. USC outgained Auburn 16-11 in first downs in the game. Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush were both very new to the USC offense.
Recap of the game here.
All in all, we can't learn much from this. Palmer was the quarterback in 2002, while Leinart was just getting started in 2003. Reggie Bush was a non-factor completely. I'm inclined to say: not much to learn from this one. The only advantage may simply be a matter of Chizik having seen them before. Then again, Norm Chow is gone, too. Shrug.
--PB--