The Rose Parade occurred this morning. It’s not the first time I’d watched it, but it’s the first time I’d write a post about it.

Officially known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, it has been a cherished New Year’s Day tradition in Pasadena, California, since 1890. Conceived by members of Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club, the event was designed to showcase Southern California’s mild winter climate and abundance of blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the harsh winters experienced by their East Coast counterparts. The inaugural parade featured a procession of flower-adorned carriages, followed by various games and competitions, including chariot races and jousting. 

As the event grew in popularity, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association was established in 1895 to oversee its organization. Over the years, the parade has evolved to include elaborate floats covered entirely in flowers, marching bands, and equestrian units, attracting millions of viewers both in person and through broadcasts. The Rose Parade has become synonymous with New Year’s Day celebrations, symbolizing renewal and the beauty of life. 

Complementing the parade is the Rose Bowl Game, a postseason college football bowl game that began in 1902. Originally conceived as a way to help fund the parade, the game has grown into a prestigious sporting event, often referred to as “The Granddaddy of Them All” due to its status as the oldest operating bowl game. It occurs after the Parade.

Traditionally, the game featured teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. However, with the advent of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, the Rose Bowl has occasionally served as a semifinal or quarterfinal site, hosting top teams from across the nation. 

Today’s Rose Bowl game serves as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup between the No. 1 Oregon Ducks and the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes. Oregon, boasting an undefeated 13–0 record and a Big Ten Championship in their inaugural season in the conference, earned a first-round bye in the new 12-team CFP format. Ohio State, with an 11–2 record, secured their spot by defeating Tennessee 42–17 in the first round. This game marks the 12th meeting between these two storied programs and their third encounter in the Rose Bowl, with Ohio State having won the previous two Rose Bowl matchups in 1958 and 2010. 

The 2025 Rose Bowl continues the tradition of pairing top-tier college football teams in a historic and picturesque setting, embodying the spirit of competition and celebration that has defined the Tournament of Roses for over a century.

For a visual glimpse into the excitement surrounding this year’s game, you might enjoy watching both teams’ arrival for the 2025 Rose Bowl:

The Two Teams in the Rose Parade?

The teams playing in the Rose Bowl traditionally participate in the Rose Parade. Each team is often represented by its marching band and cheerleaders, adding a festive and competitive spirit to the procession. This is a cherished tradition that connects the pageantry of the parade to the excitement of the game. The Oregon Ducks and the Ohio State Buckeyes will likely make memorable appearances with their bands and mascots showcasing school pride.

I took some photos of the Rose Parade, but didn’t stay to watch it all for the Teams’ appearances. Enjoy the photos:

Who Will Win This Game?

Predicting the outcome of a game like this is always exciting but challenging, as both teams are powerhouse programs with rich histories.

While Oregon might have the statistical advantage as the higher-ranked team, Ohio State’s history of stepping up in critical moments, the “underdog with a legacy” narrative, makes them a serious contender. This game could easily come down to the wire, with turnovers, coaching decisions, and clutch plays deciding the winner.

It’ll definitely be a game worth watching, filled with high energy and unforgettable plays. Let’s see if the Ducks soar or the Buckeyes upset the odds.

The Two SoCal Teams 

Meanwhile, the two SoCal Teams, USC and UCLA, both had eventful seasons, each facing unique challenges and opportunities.

USC Trojans:

The Trojans finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, including a 4-5 mark in their inaugural Big Ten campaign.  A pivotal moment came with a 19-13 win over crosstown rival UCLA on November 23, 2024, played at the Rose Bowl. This victory secured USC’s bowl eligibility, culminating in a thrilling 35-31 victory over Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 27, 2024. The win provided a positive end to USC’s season. 

UCLA Bruins:

The Bruins concluded their season with a 5-7 overall record, including a 3-6 record in Big Ten play.  Despite a strong effort, UCLA fell to USC in their final game, missing the opportunity to achieve bowl eligibility. 

In summary, while both teams had moments of promise, USC managed to extend their season with a bowl appearance and victory, whereas UCLA narrowly missed postseason play.

For a closer look at the intense rivalry game between USC and UCLA, you might find this highlight reel insightful:

Note:

Unfortunately, the scheduled games for Notre Dame vs Georgia Sugar Bowl game has been postponed due to the New Orleans incident. Game will now be played on Thursday.

Our condolences to all the families of those killed in the attack.

Stop Press

Ohio won. See the highlights below: