Ep 1. Trojan War

In the season 3 premiere episode of ESPN's 30 For 30, entitled "Trojan War," viewers are taken back to the early 2000s when college football was dominated by two powerhouse programs: the University of Southern California Trojans and the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

At the heart of this episode is the story of how then-USC head coach Pete Carroll turned a struggling program into a national championship contender in just a few short years. Carroll's charismatic leadership, innovative coaching techniques, and relentless recruiting strategies attracted some of the best talent in the country to USC, and by 2005, the Trojans were considered one of the greatest teams in college football history.

But as the Trojans' star continued to rise, rumors began to swirl about possible NCAA violations and under-the-table payments to players. Eventually, these allegations came to a head in the form of an NCAA investigation that would forever alter the landscape of college football.

Through candid interviews with many of the key players involved in this saga, "Trojan War" paints a compelling picture of the pressures that come with running a major college football program, the intense rivalries and loyalties that shape the sport, and the ethical dilemmas that arise when success is measured solely by wins and losses.

Along the way, viewers will also get an inside look at some of the most memorable moments from USC's historic run, including the thrilling "Bush Push" game against Notre Dame, the heartbreaking loss to Texas in the 2006 Rose Bowl, and the controversial title game against Texas in 2005 that many USC fans still maintain was stolen from them by a biased officiating crew.

More than just a sports documentary, "Trojan War" is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between athletics and ethics, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the ongoing debates about paying college athletes, the role of big money in collegiate athletics, and the changing face of sports in America.