The Rose Bowl, USC-UCLA Rivalry, and the great Ohio State Football Team
There was a time when almost every year USC vs. UCLA meant a Rose Bowl berth to the winner. But in recent years it has been all about how big a bowl USC was headed toward and if UCLA could spoil it. As of late, both schools have been playing at other bowl games besides the Rose Bowl.
The Rose Bowl Game has been a sellout attraction every year since 1947. Now, as part of the Bowl Championship Series, the Rose Bowl has hosted the National Championship Game between the top two teams in the nation in 2002 and 2006.
The Rose Bowl Game History
“The "grand-daddy of all bowl games," as it’s often called, originated as an extra added attraction to Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade.
The game was first played in 1902, pitting Michigan against Stanford, but after Michigan’s 49-0 win over Stanford, Tournament of Roses officials did not stage another game until 1916, when instead of a football game, chariot races were held.“ Source: Rose Bowl History
I’m not sure about watching chariot races, but I do like Ben Hur.
But, I digress.
Although it’s not final yet, as the Big Ten Champions, Ohio State will find itself playing in the 2010 Rose Bowl game. On Friday, January 1, 2010, after a 13 year hiatus, 8th ranked Ohio State will play either 7th ranked Oregon or 13th ranked Oregon State. This final decision will be the result of tonight’s “Civil War” game.
Although I won’t be able to attend the Rose Bowl game, I’ll be watching it on ABC, as this year will be the last that they’re hosting it.
On that final note, I’ll leave with one of my favorite scenes from childhood:
On a personal note, I played the tuba in high school and always dreamed of dotting the “I.”
And if you’re a college football lover, Ohio State is one of the greatest college teams in history.
