As Clay Helton walked off the Coliseum field for what could have been the last time, fans serenaded him with boos and chants of “Fire Helton.” USC’s headstrong head coach responded by holding up the Trojans’ trademark “V” for victory after a third straight defeat, the act of a man who believes he will be fighting on beyond this turbulent season.
Helton’s boss, athletic director Lynn Swann, had already made his way up the tunnel Saturday night after USC’s 24-17 loss to No. 3 Notre Dame, a result that meant the Trojans would finish at 5-7 with their first losing season since 2000.