Trip down memory lane to 2006 when UCLA upset USC 13-9

December 2, 2006, is the day. UCLA at 6-5 was heading to a regular bowl game. But the opportunity to play USC always had the Bruins pumped up regardless of record. USC on the other hand was 10-1 and on their way to a national title game with a win. They were 10.5-point favorites and UCLA had a backup quarterback starting in unsung hero Patrick Cowan.

Cowan was starting the game after Ben Olson who was highly touted transfer from BYU was injured that year. The Rose Bowl was packed with over 90,000 fans at the game. USC-UCLA rivalry always brought out the best crowds and tailgates. The game started out as a boring back and forth without much offense until late in the first quarter UCLA got the crowd rocking with a 91-yard touchdown drive. 

UCLA would stumble a bit in the second quarter by getting a holding call in the end zone for a safety. Then with USC receiving the ball after the safety, they drove down the field for a touchdown to take a 9-7 lead. UCLA would stumble into half with a drive that didn’t do much and the deficit would be 9-7 at half. But this was considered a win for them as their blitzes were working.

The third quarter started out similar to the first quarter as not much offense. Until Cowan finally found a groove and was hitting receivers for a good gain leading a scoring drive that ended in a Justin Medlock field goal. UCLA would lead 10-9 at the end of the third quarter as their defense continued to shut the Trojans offense down.

The fourth quarter would then be filled with fireworks. UCLA defense once again would steal the show as they saved the offense after a fumble. USC would go for it on a 4th and 2 and the defense all won their gaps and forced a four-yard loss. The UCLA offense would get the ball all the way down to the USC two-yard line before a mishap forcing a sack and a field goal. Medlock would give UCLA a 13-9 lead.

As the game was winding down UCLA was playing with fire. USC was bound to breakout and score. A 13-9 lead couldn’t hold up right? With the game on the line Cowan took off and was blasted by Rey Maualuga. Firing up both teams and how Cowan got up from that hit will forever be unknown. The hit could be heard from everywhere in the stadium and on video.

USC now with a chance to win the game drives up the field with ease. They get all the way down to the UCLA 20-yard line. Until one of the best plays in the school’s history is made by Eric McNeal. As John David Booty goes to pass, he tips the ball and turns around and intercepts it. Leading to UCLA getting the ball back and winning the game.

This was one of the best games UCLA has had in its history. They knew there wasn’t many odds of getting a better bowl game. But they played with pride knowing it was USC. Now it will forever be sketched in the history books and talked about.