HOT CORNER

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What: “A Season to Remember.�

From: Bayview Productions, USC Video Department.

Price: $19.95 (VHS and DVD). Available at the USC bookstore and www.usctrojans.com.

In the closing seconds of USC’s 31-point victory over UCLA in football, Trojan Coach Pete Carroll experiences a career first -- a ride off the field on the shoulders of two players.

“I’ve been dreaming about that for a long time since I’ve been coaching,� Carroll later tells his team in the locker room.

The 2002 season turned into a dream for Carroll and USC fans, one that is well-documented in this one-hour program.

Produced by Dennis Kirkpatrick, the video has highlights from each game, including the radio calls from broadcasters Pete Arbogast and Paul McDonald.

There is also a segment on quarterback Carson Palmer winning the Heisman Trophy and interviews with many Trojan greats, including Marcus Allen, Ronnie Lott and Pat Haden, with their thoughts on the resurgence of the program.

USC went 11-2, its best season since 1979, and won the Orange Bowl.

What makes the video more than just a highlight show is the behind-the-scenes footage from Joe Schrimpl, USC’s video coordinator, and his staff.

You’ll understand after watching Carroll speak to the team before, during and after games why players seem so eager to play for him. His passion and enthusiasm are remarkable.

Following USC’s victory over Arizona State, Carroll, while congratulating the team, reminds the players of the challenges in the coming weeks -- UCLA and Notre Dame.

There will be no discussion of the game the previous season with the Bruins, only developing the mind-set of victory.

“We are going to own L.A. again,� he says to roaring approval.

-- Hans Tesselaar