Trojans, Wolverines Back in Rose Bowl

LOS ANGELES — There was no celebrating a traditional matchup in the Rose Bowl — at least by the participants. USC of the Pac-10 and Michigan of the Big Ten will meet New Year's Day in the granddaddy of 'em all, with each playing in the game for the third time in four years.

Both had hoped to be in Glendale, Ariz., a week later, playing for the national title. That honor goes to Ohio State and Florida — ranked 1–2 in the final Bowl Championship Series standings released yesterday.

In The Associated Press poll, which is not used in the BCS standings, Florida also passed Michigan into second, but held just a three-point advantage. The Trojans fell from second to eighth.

So USC will oppose Michigan in the Rose Bowl for the eighth time. The Trojans have a 5–2 record against the Wolverines in the game including a 28–14 triumph three years ago, when they were bypassed for the BCS title game but won a piece of the national championship.

Michigan lost to Texas 38-37 in the Rose Bowl two years ago, and USC was beaten by the Longhorns 41–38 in Pasadena last year that determined the national champion.

In other bowls, Big 12 champion Oklahoma will meet unbeaten Boise State in the Fiesta on January 1.

Big East champion Louisville will play ACC champion Wake Forest in the Orange on January 2.

LSU will take Florida's spot in the Sugar and play Notre Dame on January 3.

For the first time in the BCS's eight-year history, the championship matchup was a mystery heading into selection Sunday.