1974 Rose Bowl

The 1974 Rose Bowl was a college football game played on January 1, 1974, between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans. Held in Pasadena, California, it determined the national champion for the 1973 season. Michigan, ranked No. 4, was heavily favored, but USC, ranked No. 1, had a standout quarterback, Mike Rae. USC won convincingly, 14-6, showcasing their strong defense and strategic play. The game is remembered for USC’s upset victory, which cemented their national championship regardless of the final Associated Press poll, as the poll was released before the bowl games that year.