1978 Rose Bowl

The 1978 Rose Bowl was a college football bowl game played on January 2, 1978. It was the 64th Rose Bowl Game. The Washington Huskies, champions of the Pacific-8 Conference, defeated the Michigan Wolverines, champions of the Big Ten Conference, 27–20. Washington quarterback Warren Moon was named the Rose Bowl Player of the Game.

Teams

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan began the season ranked #2, and rose to #1 after four games. However, a stunning 16–0 loss at Minnesota dropped them to #6. A 14–6 win over #4 Ohio State gave the Wolverines the Big Ten title and they came into the Rose Bowl ranked #4.

Washington Huskies

Washington stumbled out of the gate, losing three of their first four games. They then won the rest of their games except for a 20–12 loss at UCLA. The Huskies earned the Rose Bowl berth when UCLA lost its final game on a last second field goal to USC, 29–27.

Scoring

First quarter

• Washington - Warren Moon, 2-yard run (Steve Robbins kick)

Second quarter

• Washington - Steve Robbins, 30-yard field goal
• Washington - Warren Moon, 1-yard run (Steve Robbins kick)

Third quarter

• Washington - Spider Gaines, 28-yard pass from Warren Moon (Steve Robbins kick)
• Michigan - Curt Stephenson, 76 yard pass from Rick Leach (Gregg Willner kick)
• Washington - Steve Robbins, 18-yard field goal

Fourth quarter

• Michigan - Russell Davis, 2-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)
• Michigan - Stan Edwards, 32-yard pass from Rick Leach (kick failed)

Aftermath

With Notre Dame beating #1 Texas early on New Year's Day, Michigan had hopes that a dominant win over Washington would boost the Wolverines to the top ranking in the country. The Huskies' dramatic upset ended those hopes, and Notre Dame was voted #1 among five one-loss teams; Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, and Penn State were the others.

References

External links

• Summary at Rosebowlhistory.org
• Summary at Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History