The Valley Cats, one of college football's most storied programs, rose from obscurity to national prominence in the early 1970s. Led by coach Pat Hill, the team's Cinderella story captivated the nation with its improbable run to the 1974 Sugar Bowl.

With a roster of talented but relatively unknown players, Valley Cats coaches made bold recruiting moves and developed innovative schemes that confounded opponents. The team's success was fueled by an unheralded defense that stifled opposing offenses, allowing only one touchdown allowed in their entire 10-game schedule.

But the Cats' meteoric rise came crashing down with a dismal 12-1 record in 1974. A disappointing loss to Notre Dame and subsequent subpar performances on offense siphoned momentum from the team's remarkable run. Pat Hill was ultimately sacked by USC, ending his tenure as Valley Cats head coach after one season.

The program would not return to prominence until the 1980s with a new coaching staff and roster rebuild.