Definition
The 2009 Rose Bowl was the 95th edition of the Rose Bowl Game, an annual college football bowl game traditionally played on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. It featured the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) Nittany Lions.
Overview
The contest took place on January 1, 2009, at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena. It served as a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game for the 2008 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Penn State defeated USC by a score of 38–24, securing the team’s first Rose Bowl victory since the 1995 edition. The game was broadcast nationally on ESPN and attracted an estimated 16.8 million television viewers in the United States.
Etymology/Origin
The term “Rose Bowl” originates from the Rose Parade and the annual football game inaugurated in 1902, named for the city’s long‑standing association with roses. The “2009” qualifier denotes the calendar year in which the particular edition of the game was played; despite being part of the 2008 football season, the game is identified by its New Year’s Day date.
Characteristics
- Date & Venue: January 1, 2009; Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California.
- Attendance: 93,923 spectators, a near‑capacity crowd.
- Teams:
- University of Southern California Trojans (Pacific‑12 Conference champion, 12–1 record).
- Pennsylvania State University Nittany Lions (Big Ten Conference champion, 11–2 record).
- Coaches: Pete Carroll (USC) and Joe Paterno (Penn State).
- Final Score: Penn State 38, USC 24.
- Scoring Summary: Penn State opened with a 12‑point first quarter, led 24‑7 at halftime, and extended the lead in the second half despite a late USC rally.
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark, who completed 23 of 37 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns, and added 31 rushing yards.
- Key Plays:
- Penn State’s 34‑yard touchdown pass from Clark to Deon Butler early in the second quarter.
- USC’s 53‑yard touchdown reception by Damian Williams in the fourth quarter.
- Statistical Highlights: Penn State amassed 440 total yards (254 passing, 186 rushing) while limiting USC to 334 yards. Both teams recorded 1 turnover; Penn State’s defense forced three USC fumbles.
- Broadcast & Media: Televised by ESPN with commentary by Mike Patrick, Ron Franklin, and Chris Fowler. The national anthem was performed by the Pasadena City College marching band.
- Economic Impact: The event contributed an estimated $100 million to the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and related expenditures.
Related Topics
- Rose Bowl Game – The historic annual college football postseason game first played in 1902.
- Bowl Championship Series (BCS) – The system used from 1998 to 2013 to determine the national champion and major bowl matchups.
- 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season – The season culminating in the 2009 Rose Bowl and other bowl games.
- Penn State Nittany Lions football – The university’s football program, its Rose Bowl history, and the 2008 season.
- USC Trojans football – The university’s football program and its participation in the 2009 Rose Bowl.
- College football bowl games – Postseason games in American college football, of which the Rose Bowl is one of the “New Year’s Six.”