Rose Bowl football history: H2H, records, top matchups and more ahead of Ohio State vs. Oregon matchup

Legendary broadcaster Keith Jackson nicknamed the Rose Bowl "The Grandaddy of them All." He wasn't kidding. The historically significant bowl game, dating back to 1902, is always must-see football.

The Rose Bowl is even more than that. Ultimately, it's a game, it's a parade, it's an institution. Here's a look at the history of the Rose Bowl ahead of this year's Big Ten showdown.

Rose Bowl football History

Oregon's Dan Lanning seeks to beat Ohio State for the second time this season. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

While the Rose Bowl did begin in 1902, its annual series didn't start until 1916. Historically, the game has been a battle of the champions of the Big 10 and the Pac 12.

That format existed from 1947 until 2024. How wonderfully ironic then that the Ohio State/Oregon battle is one that could have been played under the old format until Oregon moved to the Big Ten.

During the early years of the Rose Bowl, it was a West vs. East type format as the Rose Bowl brought out legendary programs like Notre Dame, Alabama and Tennessee from the East.

In 1942, the game was moved because of World War II. There were fears of a Japanese attack and for a year, the Rose Bowl was played in Durham, North Carolina.

Given the size of the Rose Bowl stadium and the age of the game, the Rose Bowl is undoubtedly the best-attended bowl game of all. Attendance for the game rose to above 100,000 in 1950. The stadium's capacity has been limited so the last game of over 100,000 fans was in 1998.

Notable matchups in the history of the Rose Bowl

1926: Alabama vs. Washington

This game was dubbed "The game that changed the South." Believe it or not, southern teams weren't early college football powers.

This was Alabama's first bowl game and many thought the Tide would be slaughtered by a superior foe. But Alabama's 20-19 win changed college football forever.

1961: No. 6 Washington vs. No. 1 Minnesota

Washington spoiled Minnesota's national title in a 17-7 update. But local CalTech students had the biggest laugh. At halftime, they somehow engineered a switch of cards to be held by the Washington band.

Instead of spelling out HUSKIES and showing the Washington State mascot, the band's cards ultimately spelled out BEAVERS and showed the CalTech mascot.

1963: No. 1 USC vs. No. 2 Wisconsin

John McKay and USC won a true national title battle, but not without suspense. They led 42-14 at the start of the fourth quarter but had to withstand 23 unanswered points from Wisconsin to hang on 42-37.

1969: No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 2 USC

The Buckeyes took down the Trojans, a team that featured Heisman-winning RB OJ Simpson. Simpson had 171 rushing yards, including an 80-yard scoring jaunt, but Ohio State forced five turnovers and won 27-16.

1998: No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 8 Washington State

This was the final season with over 100,000 fans and helped bring about the BCS system. Michigan edged out the Cougars 21-16, but the ultimate national champion was still up for hot debate. That situation became unpalatable to the powers that be in college football.

2002: No. 1 Miami vs. No. 4 Nebraska

In this BCS title game, Miami shredded Nebraska 37-14. The Hurricanes led 34-0 at halftime, so the game wasn't even as close as the final score. Miami was a clear No. 1 and there was no debate.

2006: No. 1 USC vs. No. 2 Texas

A BCS title game classic. Vince Young's last-second scramble lifted Texas over USC with Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. Texas' exciting 41-38 victory was one of the most memorable bowl games of that season or any other.

2018: No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Georgia

The Rose Bowl has hosted several semifinals in the current CFP format. None were better than the 2018 game, which Georgia won 54-48 in double overtime. A blocked field goal and a Sony Mischel 27-yard run sent Georgia on to the national title game.

Ohio State vs. Oregon H2H

Ohio State holds a 9-2 all-time series lead over Oregon, but the Ducks have won the last two matchups. Those two wins include the meeting on Oct. 12, which lifted Oregon to the top of the Big Ten standings.

These two teams played for the national championship in January 2015, with Ohio State rolling 42-20. They also met twice before in the Rose Bowl, with Ohio State winning 10-7 in 1958 and 26-17 in 2010.

Ohio State is a two-point favorite in this year's game. That's certainly interesting, given Oregon is the higher seed and the team with the much shorter travel journey for the game in Pasadena.

What do you think of the OSU/Oregon clash? Share your thoughts and predictions below in our comments section!