This week in Heisman history: Matt Leinart’s first-ever pass connects for a touchdown

USC will play its first home game in the newly renovated Coliseum — now named the United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — tomorrow night against Fresno State.

Exactly 16 years ago today, 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart — replacing 2002 Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer — made his debut as a starter at Auburn, Aug, 30, 2003. It’s hard to imagine a tougher venue for a quarterback to make his first start than Jordan Hare Stadium, but Leinart did just fine, leading the Trojans to a 23-0 win.

Here is Leinart’s first career pass, which went for a touchdown (an NCAA record at the time) and which kicked off the first of back-to-back USC national title-winning seasons: