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USC makes history with 1963 Rose Bowl showdown against Wisconsin

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 4:25 PM

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

USC makes history with 1963 Rose Bowl showdown against Wisconsin

Summary

In the 1963 Rose Bowl, USC faced Wisconsin in a significant 1-versus-2 matchup, marking a historic moment in college football. The Trojans secured the national championship with a 42-37 victory. This game highlighted the rarity of such high-stakes bowl games in the 1960s, as it took over 25 years since the inception of the Associated Press Poll for a No. 1 versus No. 2 bowl game to occur. The thrilling contest saw USC establish a commanding lead, only to witness Wisconsin mount a late comeback effort. The significance of this match transcended just one team, influencing the direction of college football's postseason.

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By the Numbers

•USC won the national championship by defeating Wisconsin 42-37
•The matchup marked the first No. 1 versus No. 2 bowl game
•USC led 42-14 early in the fourth quarter
•Wisconsin scored 23 points late but fell short
•The AP Poll had existed for 27 years before this game

Latest Updates

4:25 PMYahoo Sports — USC made a special kind of history at the Rose Bowl in 1960s

What they're saying

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The Associated Press Poll began in 1936. It took more than 25 years for college football to have a 1-versus-2 bowl. USC was in that bowl game
— Yahoo Sports

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