Definition
The 1944 Rose Bowl was the 30th edition of the annual college football postseason game known as the Rose Bowl, played on January 1, 1944, at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California.
Overview
The contest featured the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, representing the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), against the Washington State College Cougars, also a PCC member. USC defeated Washington State by a margin of 29–0. The game occurred during World War II, a period in which many collegiate athletic programs faced player shortages and travel restrictions. Despite the wartime context, the event attracted an attendance of approximately 84,000 spectators and was broadcast nationally on radio.
Key details of the 1944 Rose Bowl include:
- Date: January 1, 1944
- Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
- Teams: USC Trojans (home) vs. Washington State Cougars (visitor)
- Final Score: USC 29, Washington State 0
- Coaches: Jeff Miller (USC), Phil Stagg (Washington State)
- MVP (retroactive selection): Fullback John Ferrara (USC)
- Attendance: ~84,000
- Broadcast: National radio coverage via NBC
The game marked USC’s third Rose Bowl victory and contributed to the Trojans’ reputation as a dominant program in the early 1940s. It was also notable for being played under strict wartime rationing measures; for example, travel for fans was limited, and the event was used to promote war bond purchases.
Etymology/Origin
The term “1944 Rose Bowl” combines the calendar year in which the game was played (1944) with the name of the longstanding postseason college football event, the Rose Bowl. The Rose Bowl itself originated in 1902 and became an annual fixture from 1916 onward, traditionally scheduled on New Year’s Day.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | January 1, 1944, kickoff at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time |
| Location | Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California (capacity ~84,000 at the time) |
| Participating Conferences | Pacific Coast Conference (both teams) |
| Scoring Summary | USC: 7 (1st Q), 7 (2nd Q), 7 (3rd Q), 8 (4th Q); Washington State: 0 |
| Key Players | USC: John Ferrara (fullback), Jim Woolfolk (quarterback); Washington State: no scoring players |
| Wartime Adjustments | Military personnel given priority tickets; portion of proceeds directed to war‑effort charities |
| Historical Significance | Demonstrated continuity of American sporting traditions during wartime; contributed to USC’s Rose Bowl legacy |
Related Topics
- Rose Bowl Game – The broader annual college football bowl game held in Pasadena.
- College Football during World War II – The impact of the war on player availability, scheduling, and attendance.
- USC Trojans football – The football program of the University of Southern California, multiple Rose Bowl participants.
- Washington State Cougars football – The football program of Washington State University, Rose Bowl participant in 1944.
- Pacific Coast Conference – The predecessor to the modern Pac‑12 Conference, governing body for the participating teams.
- Pasadena, California – Host city of the Rose Bowl stadium and associated New Year’s Day festivities.