Rose Bowl Game

Rose Bowl History

The Rose Bowl game history is an iconic cornerstone within American college football, etching a legacy of tradition, rivalry, and sporting excellence since its inception. Rooted in history and revered as "The Granddaddy of Them All," this annual extravaganza has long been a New Year's Day highlight, hosted at the iconic Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California. From its inception in 1902 as the Tournament East–West football game to its evolution as a defining postseason event, the Rose Bowl has woven itself into the fabric of American sports culture.

The genesis of the Rose Bowl was marked by the inaugural clash in 1902, featuring the formidable 1901 Michigan team against Stanford University. Michigan's dominance set the tone, but it was the subsequent years that solidified its status as a pivotal sporting spectacle. Following its establishment, the game underwent various transformations, briefly deviating from football to accommodate diverse events due to lopsided outcomes. However, on January 1, 1916, football returned for good, marking the beginning of an enduring annual tradition.

The Rose Bowl's historical significance transcends mere sporting prowess. It intertwines with the fabric of American heritage, forming an integral part of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association's "America's New Year Celebration." Beyond the gridiron battles, the game remains entwined with the illustrious Rose Parade, further cementing its place in the tapestry of national celebration.

Notably, the Rose Bowl stadium, inaugurated in 1923, emerged as the enduring stage for this spectacle. With a seating capacity that once reigned as the nation's largest, it remains an emblem of football history, witnessing legendary clashes and storied moments that have etched themselves into the annals of college football lore.

Throughout its storied history, the Rose Bowl's team selections and conference alignments have undergone evolution, mirroring the changes and challenges faced by collegiate football. From early matchups between Pacific Coast Conference representatives and Eastern contenders to agreements between prestigious conferences, the game's significance transcends the gridiron, representing a synthesis of sportsmanship, competition, and tradition.

The Rose Bowl has weathered wartime challenges, expanded its reach into the Bowl Championship Series era, and seamlessly transitioned into the College Football Playoff landscape. It continues to embody the essence of tradition while embracing the dynamism of modern collegiate football, remaining a beacon of sporting excellence and pageantry, captivating audiences annually with its rich history and enduring legacy.

Rose Bowl Game Schedule 2023

The 2024 Rose Bowl, slated to unfold on January 1, is poised to elevate college football history once again. This edition guarantees a riveting showdown between elite teams, maintaining the tradition of gridiron excellence at Pasadena's iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in California. As the 110th annual event, this clash is a pivotal semifinal of the 2023-24 College Football Playoff. With the 4th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide facing off against the 1st ranked Michigan Wolverines, the stage is set for an intense battle. The game's anticipation soars high, promising another chapter of thrilling football action and cementing its legacy in the 2023 FBS season.

Rose Bowl Game Time

Rose Bowl game 2023 is set to stage an epic clash between two college football giants, Alabama and Michigan, on January 1 2024. This highly anticipated showdown, a semifinal of the 2023-24 College Football Playoff, will kick off at 2:00 p.m. PST, determining a contender for the prestigious 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship at Houston's NRG Stadium. ESPN will broadcast this thrilling encounter, marking the pinnacle of the 2023 FBS football season. With high stakes and grandeur, the Rose Bowl's 110th annual event promises gridiron brilliance, concluding the season in spectacular fashion.

Rose Bowl Teams Qualified for 2023

The 2023 Rose Bowl is set to host a thrilling showdown between two college football powerhouses: the undefeated Big Ten champion, Michigan, and the one-loss SEC champion, Alabama. This anticipated clash marks the sixth encounter between the two esteemed teams, their most recent meeting occurring in the 2020 Citrus Bowl, where Alabama secured victory with a score of 35–16. With Alabama holding a 3-2 lead in the overall series, anticipation is high for this faceoff.

Alabama will don their white jerseys, while Michigan will proudly sport their distinctive blue jerseys, setting the stage for a riveting showdown at the historic Rose Bowl. This eagerly awaited matchup promises gridiron brilliance, pitting two storied programs against each other in pursuit of Rose Bowl glory.

Rose Bowl Game Tickets

For the Rose Bowl Game, tickets are available for purchase through authorized channels, granting access to witness college football's prestigious clash at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Secure your seats and be part of the electrifying atmosphere as top-tier teams vie for gridiron supremacy in this celebrated annual tradition. Availability and details can be found via official Rose Bowl ticketing outlets.

Rose Bowl Location: Rose Bowl Stadium

The iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, situated in Pasadena, California, serves as the revered venue for the annual Rose Bowl Game in American college football. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark and California Historic Civil Engineering landmark, this outdoor athletic stadium opened its gates in October 1922. With a contemporary seating capacity of 92,542 in an all-seated configuration, it ranks among the world's largest stadiums, hosting renowned events such as the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl games. Nestled 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, the Rose Bowl stands as a historic sporting hub, notably serving as the home stadium for the UCLA Bruins football team since 1982 and hosting pivotal soccer matches, marking its indelible mark in sporting history.

Rose Bowl Records

Team Performances:

• Most points scored: 59 by Oregon vs. Florida State (2015)

• Most points scored by a losing team: 49 by Penn State vs. USC (2017)

• Most points scored by both teams: 102, Georgia (54) vs. Oklahoma (48) (2018)

• Most points scored in a half: 41 (second half), Oregon vs. Florida State (2015)

• Most points scored in a half by both teams: 56 by Oregon vs. Wisconsin (2012) and Utah vs. Ohio State (2022)

• Fewest points allowed: 0, Washington vs. Iowa (1982)

• Largest margin of victory: 49 by Michigan vs. Stanford (1902) and Michigan vs. USC (1948)

• Most first downs: 33 by USC vs. Penn State (2017)

• Rushing yards: 503 by Michigan vs. Stanford (1902)

• Passing yards: 573 by Ohio State vs. Utah (2022)

• Total yards: 683 by Ohio State vs. Utah (2022)

Individual Performances:

Total offense: 583 by C. J. Stroud, Ohio State vs. Utah (2022)

Touchdowns: 6 by C. J. Stroud, Ohio State vs. Utah (2022)

Rushing yards: 247 by Charles White, USC vs. Ohio State (1980)

Rushing TDs: 5 by Neil Snow, Michigan vs. Stanford (1902)

Passing yards: 573 by C. J. Stroud, Ohio State vs. Utah (2022)

Passing TDs: 6 by C. J. Stroud, Ohio State vs. Utah (2022)

Receptions: 15 by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State vs. Utah (2022)

Receiving yards: 347 by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State vs. Utah (2022)

Receiving TDs: 3 by Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State vs. Utah (2022)

All-purpose Yards: 368 by Christian McCaffrey, Stanford vs. Iowa (2016)

Tackles: 17 by John Boyett, Oregon vs. Wisconsin (2012)

Sacks: 3 by Kenny Rowe, Oregon vs. Ohio State (2010)

Interceptions: 3 by Bill Paulman, Stanford vs. SMU (1936)

Long Plays:

Longest touchdown run: 91 by De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon vs. Wisconsin (2012)

Longest touchdown pass: 88 by Sean Clifford to KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State vs. Utah (2023)

Longest kickoff return: 103 by Al Hoisch, UCLA vs. Illinois (1947)

Longest punt return: 86 by Aramis Dandoy, USC vs. Ohio State (1955)

Longest interception return: 78 by Elmer Layden, Notre Dame vs. Stanford (1925)

Longest fumble return: 58 by Tony Washington, Oregon vs. Florida State (2015)

Longest punt: 73 by Don Bracken, Michigan vs. Washington (1981)

Longest field goal: 55 by Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia vs. Oklahoma (2018)

Rose Bowl Winner List

The Rose Bowl Winners list includes memorable clashes dating back to 1902, showcasing dominant performances. Teams like USC, Michigan, and Stanford claimed victories in the early years. Notable matchups featured USC's triumphs over Penn State in 1923 and Pittsburgh in 1933. UCLA, Ohio State, and Washington exhibited prowess in later years. USC held a dominant streak in the '70s, while UCLA and Washington made their mark in the '80s. Alabama, Oregon, and Wisconsin secured notable victories in recent years. Michigan's triumph over Notre Dame in 2021 added another chapter to this storied history, highlighting their prowess in this prestigious college football event.