USC Conquest: Bruin Bear Burned By The Wayside

The Trojan marching band was playing, the Song Girls were dancing and students came out in large bunches to pile up the entire McCarthy Quad in anticipation for this weekend's Crosstown Showdown.

Heather McDonald, author of My Inappropriate Life, and Steve Rannazzisi from FX's The League played emcee for the occasion, but once the Spirit of Troy Marching Band came storming over from the Campus Center, the party really kicked off in grand fashion.

Better late than never! #Conquest2013 pic.twitter.com/5Peblc4Drz

— Vanessa Gomez (@GomezVanessa11) November 26, 2013

Fun night of #Conquest2013 complete with USC twerkathon and @jasonderulo pic.twitter.com/nrIGzKtozv

— Cynthia Tice (@theCynthesizerr) November 26, 2013

Who's the joker on the stage? #imhilarious #conquest2013 #fucla pic.twitter.com/TYTevlbgcR

— Marks Hall (@MarksBallers) November 26, 2013

Before the DJ known as Joker took the stage to introduce the real celebrity, Jason Derulo (sporting a Marqise Lee jersey), USC Athletics celebrated 125 Years of Excellence by honoring its finest student-athletes on campus.

The swimming and diving, women's soccer, women's and men's volleyball and baseball programs were the first of the bunch to reach center stage and ask for support from the enthused student body.

Then came the crown jewel for the sake of this pep rally, the USC football program. Led by interim head coach Ed Orgeron along with quarterback Cody Kessler and linebacker Hayes Pullard, this large gathering of players was greeted by quite the heartfelt applause.

The players promised fans they would work hard this week in practice and in turn, expect the Coliseum to be loud and proud just like two weeks ago against Stanford.

It was great running into @CodyKessler6 during #Conquest2013! Good luck on Saturday! #FightOn #BeatTheBruins pic.twitter.com/SWSZUHO4mm

— Juliana Porter (@juliana_porter) November 26, 2013

Got all the Senior Football Players Autographs and the 2 Hosts Heather&Steven!! #Conquest2013… http://t.co/vqxnfw33Hs

— Samantha R. (@SammyZRodri) November 26, 2013

The bRuin! The bRuin! The bRuin's on fire! We don't need no water... pic.twitter.com/4aUoFHuJ3O

— USC Football News (@USCFootballNews) November 26, 2013

The USC Concerts Committee made this years closing act quite the crowning achievement, sending everyone home with confidence to Fight On during this festive time of year before watching USC football.

Burnin' that bear. Beat the Bruins!!! #Conquest2013 #FUCLA #USC #fighton @ McCarthy Quad http://t.co/GoL5iNeZ1w

— Melanie Avila (@melluhh) November 26, 2013

Fireworks at USC! #conquest2013 🎆🎉 @ McCarthy Quad http://t.co/ejKpf6hhax

— Amanda McParlane (@commandainchief) November 26, 2013

More from Conquest Chronicles:

• Orgeron Motivated To Avenge Last Season's Loss To UCLA
• USC vs. UCLA: Rivalry Week Has Arrived
• USC vs. Colorado Unfiltered Highlights
• AP Poll Released: USC and UCLA Await CrossTown Showdown
• Best Plays From USC's 47-29 Victory Over Colorado

And one fun note for the road from an observant USC Song Girl...

it goes without saying that everyone's pissed @jasonderulo never said his name #Conquest2013 #jasonderulo

— Morgan Muhonen (@morganmuhonen) November 26, 2013