1946 Rose Bowl Game USC vs Alabama

The 1946 Rose Bowl, played on January 1, 1946, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, was a significant contest in college football history. It featured a clash between the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide, representing the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and the USC Trojans, champions of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC).

Alabama entered the game with a 9-0 record and a strong national ranking, while USC was considered the underdog despite a solid season. The game marked Alabama's sixth Rose Bowl appearance and the final under head coach Frank Thomas.

Alabama dominated the game, defeating USC 34-14. Its offense, led by quarterback Harry Gilmer, proved too much for the Trojans. Gilmer's passing and running prowess were instrumental in the Tide's victory. In the first half, Alabama established a commanding lead, and it never relinquished control.

This Rose Bowl is also noteworthy for being the last one before the Big Ten and the PCC (now the Pac-12) entered into an exclusive agreement to have their champions consistently meet in it, solidifying the game's status as a premier college football event.

✦ 1946 Rose Bowl

Coach Cravath and the USC team were invited for a third straight year to the Rose Bowl game
scheduled for January 1, 1946. Their opponent this time would be the Alabama Crimson Tide, still
coached by Frank Thomas. The Crimson Tide dominated the game as they led at the half 20–0,
allowing the Trojans very little offense as USC had negative 24 yards in the first half. USC didn't
make a first down until the third quarter, and at that point, it was too late as they were down 27–0.
Bama had its stars shine as Quarterback Harry Gilmer threw for one touchdown and ran in another,
rushing for 116 yards on 16 carries. Hal Self scored twice, once on a one-yard run and a 24-yard run
scamper. And the Tide defense was stifling! Alabama out-gained USC 351 to 41 yards. The final
score was Alabama 34, USC 14.