1967 USC Vs. UCLA Football Game - Legacy

Legacy

The 1967 USC Trojan football team has been named one of the best teams of the 20th century by the Sporting News and college football historian Richard Whittingham.

Number 1 ranked USC would be heavily favored over a rebuilding 3–6 UCLA team again in 1968. UCLA took an early lead and trailed only 21–16 midway through the 4th quarter when they had a first and goal inside the USC 5 yard line. But UCLA fumbled and USC, led by Simpson who would win the Heisman Trophy, scored a clinching touchdown to win 28–16. Ironically, UCLA kicker Zenon Andrusyshyn was 3 for 3 on field goals and 1 of 1 on extra points. One week later USC would drop to #2 in the polls after being tied by Notre Dame, 21–21. The Trojans then lost to Ohio State 27–16 in a 1 vs. 2 matchup in the Rose Bowl. In 1969 both teams would be undefeated with the Rose Bowl on the line again. USC would prevail 14–12. The loss in 1969 reportedly affected UCLA coach Tommy Prothro more than the 1967 loss. USC would get a 10–2–1 record against UCLA through the 1970s, and would win all six matchups in that period where the Rose Bowl was on the line for both teams. The Trojans would win three more National championships in 1972, 1974, and 1978. The 1972 Trojan team also was named one of the best teams of the 20th century. The Trojans would regain the top position again in college football in the 21st century.

Since that meeting UCLA would come close to a national championship in 1976, 1980, 1988 with a two week #1 ranking, and 1998, with a season-ending loss in Miami keeping them out of the first BCS championship. They did beat top ranked Ohio State in the 1976 Rose Bowl, and later won 3 Rose Bowls in 4 years in the early 1980s.

In a 1995 vote of the greatest moments in Los Angeles sports history, O.J. Simpson's touchdown run ranked #5. The 1965 UCLA defeat of USC in the UCLA-USC rivalry game to get to the Rose Bowl ranked #35. Bob Stiles stop of Bob Apisa on the goal line to defeat Michigan State in the 1966 Rose Bowl ranked #26.