Trojans in the NFL: Week 17

29 days after USC finished the regular season, their alumni have done the same thing in The League. Sammy Knight, Troy Polamalu, LenDale White, Junior Seau, Lofa Tatupu, Brian Kelly, and Steve Smith all will continue playing in January. Hypothetically we could also see Mike Williams, Matt Cassell, David Kirtman, Oscar Lua, and Manuel Wright, but don't hold your breath.

Here's how Trojans fared in the final week of the NFL.

Carson Palmer (QB - Cincinnati) finished his rough season on a high note, clubbing the baby seal that is Miami. He ripped the Dolphin's D for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23-of-32 passing. He also gave up one interception in a 38-25 victory.

Willie McGinest (LB - Cleveland) had the best game of his season with two sacks and five tackles in a 20-7 victory over San Francisco.

Kenechi Udeze (DE - Minnesota) matched his best performance of the year with 8 tackles, but the Vikings fell to Denver 22-19 in overtime.

Junior Seau (LB - New England) made six tackles, one for a loss, in the Pat's historic 38-35 win over the Giants.

LenDale White (RB - Tennessee) ran 16 times for 45 yards and lost a fumble in a 16-10 victory over Indianapolis to put the Titans in the playoffs.

Steve Smith (WR - New York Giants) missed most of his rookie season with an injury, but finished with his best performance. He had three catches for 29 yards in the 38-35 loss to New England.

Billy Miller (TE - New Orleans) had three catches for 26 yards, but the Saints fell to Chicago 33-25.

Dwayne Jarrett (WR - Carolina) was credited for his first career career carry, going around the end for 11 yards in a 31-23 win over Tampa Bay. He hasn't caught a pass in six weeks, though.

Frostee Rucker (DT - Cincinnati) played for the first time in seven weeks and made 3 tackles in the victory over Miami.

Lofa Tatupu (LB - Seattle) made 3 tackles in a 44-41 loss to Atlanta.

Mike Patterson (DT - Philadelphia) had 3 tackles in a 17-9 win over Buffalo.

Brian Kelly (CB - Tampa Bay) made 3 tackles in the loss to Carolina.

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) had 2 tackles in a 42-28 loss to Houston.

Shaun Cody (DT - Detroit) made a tackle in a 34-13 loss to Green Bay.

Also Played: David Kirtman (RB - Seattle), Chris McFoy (WR - Oakland)