STRIKE UP THE FIELD GOAL

It bills itself as the “Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe.” Its mission: exhort the USC football team to victory, delight its fans and torment all things UCLA. The USC Trojan Marching Band does it all while playing its pompous fight song, “Fight On,” over and over again. There’s a method to the music. A fan could sit blindfolded in the Coliseum and decipher a rough play-by-play account simply by listening to the band. A Trojan cheat sheet:

“Tribute to Troy”: One of three versions played during timeouts and after good defensive plays by USC.

“Another One Bites the Dust”: USC sacks opposing quarterback.

“Imperial March” from “Star Wars” (a.k.a. “Darth Vader theme”): Tuba section dislikes penalty call against USC.

“All Right Now”: USC recovers fumble or makes interception.

“Charge”: USC faces a third-down situation.

“Fight On” (short version): First down, USC.

“William Tell Overture”: Beginning of the fourth quarter.

“Fight On” (long version): USC field goal.

“Fight On” (long version) followed by “Conquest” (short version): Touchdown, USC.

“Conquest” (long version): Victory, USC.