The Historic Football Rivalry: USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins

The annual football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins is more than just a contest between two universities; it's a deeply rooted tradition, a battle for city bragging rights, and a showcase of athletic prowess. Known by various names such as "The Los Angeles City Championship," "The Crosstown Showdown," or simply "the crosstown rivalry," this game captivates fans from Los Angeles and beyond. This article delves into the rich history, traditions, and key moments of this celebrated rivalry.

A Century of Clashes: The History of the Rivalry

The UCLA vs USC football rivalry goes back to almost a century of historical games; from 1929 to 2024, the UCLA Bruins have gone up against the USC Trojans for a battle of Los Angeles, as the renowned rivalry game is often called. The rivalry began in 1929, and since then, the two universities, separated by a mere ten miles, have engaged in a fierce competition that extends beyond the football field. They have been in the same athletic conference since 1928, when UCLA joined USC in the Pacific Coast Conference, a predecessor of the Pac-12 Conference. USC had joined the PCC in 1922. When the PCC broke up after the 1958-1959 season, USC and UCLA were charter members of the newly formed Athletic Association of Western Universities. The AAWU, with expansion, would become the Pac-8, Pac-10, and then the Pac-12 Conference.

As of the end of the 2023 college football season, USC leads 51-34-7 (record excludes two vacated USC wins due to NCAA penalty for violation of NCAA rules). There has been one overtime game in the series in 1996.

Early Years and the Victory Bell

The first game in 1929 saw USC dominate UCLA with a score of 76-0, setting the stage for a long and competitive series. The following year's game in 1930 ended with the rivalry's second largest gap - again a USC victory - at 52-0. The third largest gap came 81 years later, in 2011. A significant symbol of the rivalry emerged in 1939 with the introduction of the Victory Bell.

The Victory Bell: A Symbol of Triumph

The Victory Bell is the trophy that is awarded to the winner of the UCLA-USC football rivalry game. The Victory Bell is a 295-pound (134 kg) brass bell that originally rang atop a Southern Pacific railroad locomotive. The bell was given to the UCLA student body in 1939 as a gift from the school's alumni association. Initially, the UCLA cheerleaders rang the bell after each Bruin point. However, during the opening game of UCLA's 1941 season (through 1981, both schools used the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for home games), six members of USC's Trojan Knights (who were also members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity) infiltrated the Bruin rooting section, assisted in loading the bell aboard a truck headed back to Westwood, took the key to the truck, and escaped with the bell while UCLA's actual handlers went to find a replacement key. The bell remained hidden from UCLA students for more than a year, first in SigEp’s basement, then in the Hollywood Hills, Santa Ana, and other locations. At one point, it was even concealed beneath a haystack. Bruin students tried to locate the bell, but to no avail. A picture of the bell appeared in a USC periodical. Tension between UCLA and USC students rose as each started to play even more elaborate and disruptive pranks on the other.

Read also: Legacy of USC Alumni

When the bell is in UCLA's possession, the carriage is sandblasted and painted "True Blue." While in the possession of UCLA, the bell is safeguarded by the UCLA Rally Committee. During UCLA home games at the Rose Bowl and whenever UCLA faces USC at the L.A. Coliseum, it resides on the field in front of the student section. It is rung by members of the Rally Committee after each score. The Bruins also ring the bell using a rope attached to the handle, swinging the whole bell, as opposed to the Trojan style of attaching a rope to the tongue or clapper on the inside of the bell. The bell also makes special appearances at rallies and athletic events. It has been used to accompany the UCLA Band during halftime shows.

Before home games, when the bell is in USC's possession, it sits along Trousdale Parkway for fans to ring as they participate in the "Trojan Walk" to the L.A. Coliseum. During home games, and whenever USC faces UCLA at the Rose Bowl, the Victory Bell is displayed at the edge of the field for the first three quarters of the game. Members of the Trojan Knights ring the bell every time the Trojans score.

The first victory for UCLA in the series occurred after the agreement over the Victory Bell, making the Bruins the first winner of the trophy. The Bruins made their post-season appearance after the 1942 season in the Rose Bowl.

As of the 2023 season, USC leads 50-34-7 (record excludes two vacated USC wins due to NCAA penalty for violation of NCAA rules). Before the streak of seven Trojan wins, the Bruins had won the bell for the eight consecutive years from 1991-1998, the longest streak in the rivalry. There have been seven ties in the history of the series. In the event of a tie, the Victory Bell was retained by the last winner. With the institution of the overtime rule in FBS in 1996, the tie rule became obsolete.

Golden Eras and Memorable Games

USC began a rise to national prominence under Howard Jones in 1925. The Trojans began a major rivalry with Notre Dame in 1926. By the late 1930s, star players such as Kenny Washington, Jackie Robinson, and Bob Waterfield enabled UCLA to be competitive. With the hiring of Hall of Fame coach Henry "Red" Sanders, UCLA became the more dominant program in the 1950s and won their first and only National Championship in 1954. Sanders died suddenly of a heart attack before the 1959 season.

Read also: The Enduring USC Trojans

In 1960 John McKay, the winningest coach is USC football history, took over the struggling USC program. Upon the arrival of McKay, USC entered a new golden age in its storied history. During McKay's tenure, the Trojans won 8 conference titles, 5 Rose Bowls, produced two Heisman Trophy winners (Mike Garrett and O. J. Simpson) and won three national championships (1962, 1967, and 1972) and shared one (1974). Against UCLA, McKay was tough to beat, posting a 10-5-1 record against the Bruins between 1960 and 1975. For most seasons from the mid-1960s to the end of the 1970s, the two schools were the top powers on the West Coast with USC usually holding the top spot. In the 15 Rose Bowls played from 1966 to 1980, USC or UCLA played in 12 of them. Even with the rise of Don James' Washington Huskies in the 1980s and early 90s, UCLA or USC still went to the Rose Bowl seven times between 1981 and 1995.

The Bruins' unbeaten string ended in 1999 when the Trojans began their longest win streak, 7, against the Bruins, though two of those wins (2004 and 2005) are now vacated, cutting the USC streak to five. Pete Carroll was hired by USC in December 2000. During Carroll's tenure (2001-2009 seasons), USC was virtually unbeatable against its two most heated rivals, UCLA and Notre Dame.

Game Day Traditions and Rivalry Week

At UCLA, the week before the game is known as "Beat 'SC Week" (officially dubbed "Blue and Gold Week"). Both schools host a number of activities on their respective campuses during the week to promote school spirit. Also, both schools take steps to prevent vandalism of two major landmarks on campus: USC wraps its Trojan Shrine (better known as "Tommy Trojan") in bubble wrap and duct tape, while UCLA covers its Bruin Bear statue with tarp stating "THE BRUIN BEAR IS HIBERNATING. BEAT 'SC.", and more recently a $5000 wooden puzzle box. Groups of UCLA students known as "Bruin Bear Security Force" also camp out in Bruin Plaza, ostensibly to protect the Bruin Bear in the event of a prank, while the USC Trojan Knights hold a week-long vigil guarding Tommy Trojan with the sign "Don't Bruin your life".

Blood Bowl

ROTC "Blood Bowl" - The football rivalry extends to the military training units at both schools. The Naval and Army Officers Training Corps midshipmen and cadets at both universities compete in the annual "Blood Bowl" flag football game against each other, usually held the Friday before the official game, as a parallel to the varsity match. The name stems from the often rough and passionate play by the midshipmen and cadets representing school pride. After a 25-12 victory on December 3, 2010, by the Army Battalion, UCLA continues to lead the series all time versus USC 15-11.

Daily Bruin vs. Daily Trojan "Blood Bowl" - Staff of the Daily Bruin and Daily Trojan have competed in a flag football contest that is also called the "Blood Bowl".

The Band Bowl - From the 1950s until 2000 the UCLA Marching Band and the USC Marching Band played in a flag football contest called the "Band Bowl".

Other Rivalry Games

UCLA vs. USC Men's Ice Hockey - UCLA and USC have teams that compete in ACHA Division II club-level Ice hockey.

UCLA vs. USC Men's Rugby - UCLA and USC compete every year on the day after the football game.

We Run the City 5K - A 5 km rivalry run held the Sunday before the football game that benefits Special Olympics Southern California. Runners pledge their allegiance to their team upon registration. Registration is open to all fans, students, alumni, staff, and the community.

Starting with the 2008 season, the winners of a blood drive competition were announced during halftime, with the winners donating more blood to the American Red Cross.

Stadiums and Traditions

For a number of years, the schools shared the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as their home stadium until UCLA moved to the Rose Bowl for the 1982 season. Each school alternated as the "home" team for the game, with home fans on the north side of the Coliseum and visiting fans on the south (press box) side. Until the 1983 meeting where the visiting UCLA team wore their white jerseys, players on both teams wore their home football jerseys for the game. An NCAA rule change for the 1983 season required the visiting team specifically to wear white jerseys.

Beginning in the 1984 season, when the game was played at the Rose Bowl for the second time, the visiting fans moved to the end-zone visitor sections of each respective stadium. Starting in 2006, the coaches at the time, USC coach Pete Carroll and UCLA coach Karl Dorrell, expressed an interest in restarting the tradition of both teams wearing primary colored home jerseys. At the time, the NCAA football rules Article 3. a. stated, "Players of opposing teams shall wear jerseys of contrasting colors, and the visiting team shall wear white jerseys." USC coach Pete Carroll said he would be willing to lose two timeouts during the game so that the USC team could wear their cardinal jerseys for the UCLA-USC football game on December 6, 2008. It was determined before the 2008 game that the visiting school would only lose one timeout for incorrect equipment.

Rose Bowl Implications and Conference Championships

Until the Rose Bowl Game became part of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and later the College Football Playoff (CFP), a berth in the Rose Bowl to face the Big Ten Conference champion was the ultimate goal that was awarded to the then-Pacific-10 conference champion. Through the 2016 season, USC has appeared in the Rose Bowl 34 times and UCLA has appeared 12 times. During the BCS era (1998-2013), the Rose Bowl was the destination for the first-place Big Ten and Pac-12 teams, should either fail to qualify for the BCS championship game. UCLA was the first Pac-10 team to appear in a BCS bowl, the 1999 Rose Bowl, their last conference championship year. USC has appeared in six BCS bowl games, winning the BCS championship in 2005.

Before the Pac-10 expanded in 2011 and became the Pac-12, the Rose Bowl and conference championship were on the line for both teams 20 times and at least one team 37 times. Following expansion and the division of the conference into two football divisions, with UCLA and USC both in the South Division, the division title and a berth in the Pac-12 Championship Game have been on the line for at least one team twice.

Key Matchups and Turning Points

1929: USC's dominant 76-0 victory marked the beginning of the rivalry.
1967: USC's 21-20 win over UCLA in the Rose Bowl helped them clinch a national championship.
1982: UCLA's 20-19 victory ended a period of USC dominance.
1991-1998: UCLA achieved its longest winning streak in the series, winning eight consecutive games.
2006: UCLA's 13-9 victory snapped USC's five-game winning streak.
2012: UCLA ended another USC five-game winning streak with a 38-28 victory.

Recent History (2010-Present)

2010: USC 28, UCLA 14
2011: USC 50, UCLA 0
2012: UCLA 38, USC 28
2013: UCLA 35, USC 14
2014: UCLA 38, USC 20
2015: USC 40, UCLA 21
2016: USC 36, UCLA 14
2017: USC 28, UCLA 23
2018: UCLA 34, USC 27
2019: USC 52, UCLA 35
2020: USC 43, UCLA 38
2021: UCLA 62, USC 33
2022: USC 48, UCLA 45
2023: UCLA 38, USC 20
2024: USC 19, UCLA 13

The Crosstown Cup

The Crosstown Cup, formerly the Lexus Gauntlet, the Crosstown Gauntlet, and the SoCal BMW Crosstown Cup, is the name given to a competition between UCLA and USC in the 19 NCAA-sanctioned varsity sports in which both compete. (Although slightly different scoring rules were in effect in the different versions of the competition.) In 2003, 2005, and 2007 UCLA won the Lexus Gauntlet Trophy, while USC won the trophy in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009 (the first back-to-back win). After the 2009 season, Lexus stopped sponsoring the award. The competition was renamed the Crosstown Gauntlet, which USC won in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014, and UCLA won in 2013. In 2015, due to new sponsorship, the competition became the SoCal BMW Crosstown Cup. It was won by UCLA in 2015 and USC in 2016, when the sponsorship arrangement concluded. The competition has since been known simply as the Crosstown Cup.

Game Day Experience at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

For those attending the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, several services and amenities are available to enhance the experience:

Accessibility Services

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum can accommodate guests in wheelchairs or with restricted mobility. The Coliseum features multiple areas at Street level that do not require ramps or lifts to access. Situated at a midpoint between field level and the uppermost rows of the Coliseum, these areas can be accessed directly through accessible tunnels, which lead into the seating area of the Coliseum. People who require accessible seating because of a disability are permitted to purchase tickets for accessible seats. Tickets for accessible seats may be sold to individuals who require accessible seating themselves or to someone purchasing on their behalf. People with disabilities who do not require the specific features of accessible seating but merely prefer them are not entitled to purchase accessible seats. Drop-off and pick-up for guests with disabilities should be made on Exposition Park Drive after entering from South Figueroa at W. ADA accessible parking is available in Expo Park. Marked ADA spaces may not be reserved in advance are subject to availability based on arrival. Event parking permit holders may park in ADA spaces, provided they have a valid ADA placard to do so. Due to an extremely high demand for accessible parking, Expo Park is unfortunately unable to accommodate all of our guests, so please arrive early to ensure that you have a space in a lot. Please arrive with your state issued placard and identification, and parking personnel will guide you to your parking area. It is recommended that guests with disabilities take the Metro E (Expo) Line to the Expo Park/USC stop on Exposition Boulevard when visiting the Coliseum. Every gate has a priority line for guests with mobility impairments up until 30 minutes before the start of the event. Gate 29 is the Coliseum’s designated ADA entrance. Accessible Services Kiosks are conveniently located inside the stadium at Section 109A, Gate 23 and Gate 29. Additional assistance is also available at the West Administration Building across from Tunnel 11. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum provides closed captioning services for all major events. The service provides text of all public address announcements during the game. You can access the service from your browser on any smart phone or mobile device. Data rates may apply. To access the service from your mobile device go to www.CaptionedText.com and enter Confirmation: 2650 (for English) at the top of the page. If you need assistance during an event, please text to (213) 263-4007. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 14 days prior to the event. Service animals are welcome inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times unless either the handler is unable because of a disability to use a harness, leash, or other tether would interfere with the service animals safe, effective performance of work or tasks, in which case the service animal must be otherwise under the handler´s control (e.g., voice control, signals, or other effective means). If you intend to bring a service animal to the building, please notify your ticket representative at the time of purchase so that an aisle seat may be reserved for you if available. An animal relief area is provided at Gate 16 and Gate 33 in the Olympic Plaza. Guests with service animals are responsible for cleaning up after their animals and for their appropriate behavior toward other guests and Coliseum personnel at all times. A failure to do may result in the animal’s removal from the stadium.

General Assistance

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is proud to provide assistance inside the stadium for guests with special needs. This service is free and can be requested through Customer Service. Disabled assistance is available upon request at all entry gates. So that we may assist multiple guests, please be aware that our staff will not remain with you during the event, and you are not allowed to remain in the wheelchair during the event.

Alcohol Policy

Guests may not possess or purchase more than two (2) alcoholic beverages at a time. Shots may not be served at any time. Caps will be removed from all bottles. All concession stands and portable units will stop serving alcohol at least thirty minutes before the end of the event, at the end of the third quarter during football and at the 70th minute during soccer matches. Alcohol of any kind may not be brought into or removed from the Coliseum. Any guest who is determined to be deliberately concealing alcohol while entering the Coliseum will not be permitted to enter the building. A person exhibiting visible signs of impairment will not be permitted into the Coliseum. Alcohol will not be served to any underage person or visibly impaired guest. The Coliseum does not accept Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDLs), including those issued in California.

Prohibited Items

Service dogs or service-dogs-in-training for guests with disabilities are allowed. All other animals are prohibited. Bottles and cans of any kind are prohibited inside the Coliseum. The Coliseum does allow factory sealed bottles of water, 17 oz. or less (limit two per person) and non-metallic, refillable containers (must be empty upon entry).

Other Information

Baby changing areas are available at all Street level restrooms; and in Men’s and Women’s restrooms on the Upper Concourse level at sections 1-2, 11-12, 14-15, 17-18, 22-23, 26-27.Bag Check areas will be made available on a first-come-first-serve basis on South Lawn (near Gate 23). These measures are designed to promote public safety while encouraging guests to limit the items they bring into the venue to create a more efficient screening and entry process. We ask that all items are visible when entering the venue. All approved bags are subject to inspection upon entry. To maintain a family atmosphere, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum management reserves the right to prohibit any signs, banners, or similar items at any time. The Coliseum Box Office is located at Gate 29, across from the California Science Center. Free 15-minute parking is located adjacent to the Box Office while you purchase your tickets. On game days, additional box office locations can be found at Gate 1 and Gate 19. All USC Football games (both Home and Away) will be broadcast live on USC’s Flagship Station, ESPN Radio 710, and the Trojan Radio Network. Check www.usctrojans.com for updates. Pre-game radio show will be broadcast live from the Trojan Fan Fest starting four hours prior to kickoff. Bus and oversized vehicle parking is by reservation only. Availability is very limited and there is a fee to park. Contact USC Game Management at 213-740-4174 for more information. Guests are allowed to bring still cameras provided they do not have detachable lenses and do not interfere with other guests’ view of the event. Camera lenses are limited to 3-inches. Video cameras and tripods are not permitted. All commercial use of photographs depicting game action are allowed only through a licensing agreement. Child ID bands are available at customer service locations. It is suggested that the band, ticket stubs, a nametag and/or any other additional information be pinned to the clothing of any young child that might require assistance. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum provides closed captioning services for all major events. The service provides text of all public address announcements during the game. You can access the service from your browser on any smart phone or mobile device. Data rates may apply. To access the service from your mobile device go to www.CaptionedText.com and enter Confirmation: 2650 at the top of the page. If you need assistance during an event, please text to (213) 263-4007. It is a violation to stand in Tunnels or sit in Aisles per LAFD Fire Code 4701.4.1.3. Please keep all aisles and tunnels clear of obstructions. Your cooperation is appreciated. Only authorized personnel with proper credentials will be permitted on the field before, during, and after a game. Any unauthorized person going on to the field will be removed and subject to ejection and/or arrest. Ice chests, coolers and other open beverages are not permitted inside the Coliseum. Costumes are permitted and must be appropriate as determined by Stadium personnel and security services. Masks or other costume pieces that in any way obscure the face are prohibited from entry. Guests will be asked to remove their costumes upon arrival at the gates to clear the screening process. Coliseum management asks guests not to wear derogatory, profane or offensive clothing. Guests with improper clothing may be asked to remove the item, cover up the item or leave the venue. Elevators are located at Tunnel 5 and Tunnel 9 to assist persons with disabilities with access to the upper concourse and Scholarship Club Tower. Additional elevators are located inside the Founders Suites lobby and next to Tunnel 6 for media and press box access. Escalators are located near Tunnels 4, 11 and 19. Escalators will reverse direction at the end of the third quarter. For the safety and security of our guests, re-entry is not allowed at any event. We want all our guests to enjoy the event. Please remember to be considerate of those seated near you, cheer constructively and be mindful of good sportsmanship. Behavior that is disruptive to others may result in ejection from the stadium. Fans are encouraged to report inappropriate behavior. For assistance call or text 213-263-4007. First aid stations are located on the Street Level Concourse at Gate 1 and adjacent to Gate 16, and on the Upper Concourse level between Upper Tunnels 17-18. Please contact the nearest usher or security officer if medical attention is needed. Footballs landing in the stands as a result of play must be returned to the playing field. A Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum staff member will identify themselves and request the ball returned to the field of play. Failure to do so can result in removal from the venue. On Game Days, look for USC Trojans, the official USC Football souvenir magazine as you enter the Coliseum. The game program offers fans up-to-date information, game previews, colorful features, interviews, rosters, depth charts, stats, and much more! USC Football kickoff times are subject to change for television broadcasts. Visit usctrojans.com for updates. Gates 1, 4, 8, 19, 23, and 28 will open for guests 90 minutes prior to kickoff (open time subject to change). Gate 28 is a USC Student entrance only. The use of laser pointers is strictly prohibited and will result in ejection from the venue.

The Future of the Rivalry in the Big Ten Conference

The intensity and history of the rivalry between USC and UCLA doesn't need to be debated; there is no embellishment or exaggeration of the level of passion involved in this rivalry. Situated in Los Angeles, California, the two schools are roughly ten miles apart, showcasing the vibrant educational landscape of the city anchored by these highly regarded universities. The annual clash between the two institutions is a highly anticipated event on the college football calendar, drawing excitement from fans nationwide, particularly those who reside in California and along the West Coast. This rivalry will continue for future years as both teams now play in the Big Ten conference. Both teams are among the multiple fierce in-state rivals in the Big Ten, ensuring they face off against each other every season as they are protected rivals.

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