1939 USC Trojans football team  The 1939 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California (USC) in the 1939 college football season. The Trojans defeated the Tennessee Volunteers in the 1940 Rose Bowl, scoring the only points achieved on the Volunteers all season, ending their 23-game win streak. USC finished third in the final AP Poll, which was conducted before bowl season. They were crowned as national champions by the Dickinson System, which is designated as an NCAA "major selector" of national champions. The following players were drafted into professional football following last season.