USC Football: USC’s biggest enemies in the 1970’s
By Jason Elbaum
UCLA Bruins
The crosstown rivalry that became known as The Battle for the Victory Bell had some exciting editions throughout the 1970’s. Both teams had successful seasons during the decade and often met in the last game of the season with a Rose Bowl berth on the line.
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After three straight USC victories from 1972-1974, UCLA came into the 1975 game with a chance to reach the Rose Bowl while USC had the opportunity to play spoiler after losing three straight to Pac-8 opponents. In a game played the Friday night after Thanksgiving, UCLA pulled out close victory 25-22 and would go on to beat number one ranked Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.
The next season, John Robinson’s first at USC and coach Terry Donahue’s first at UCLA, the Rose Bowl was on the line for both teams.
The Trojans were able to avenge the previous year’s loss and win 24-14 in the Coliseum, which was the shared home venue of the crosstown rivals at the time.
The rivalry was dominated by USC during the last few years of the 70’s including a 29-27 Trojan victory in 1977 that blocked UCLA from a Rose Bowl berth. The 1978 matchup would decide a Rose Bowl berth, but the Trojans found a way to win a low-scoring affair 17-10.
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Overall, we are just scratching the surface in regards to the biggest rivals in USC football history. With such a long history and so much success, the Trojans have had many more rivals as the years have progressed.