Michigan Football: 5 most memorable Wolverine Bowl Games
By Joel Greer
January 1, 1948
Michigan 49, Southern Cal 0
34th Rose Bowl Game
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Michigan had a chip on its shoulder when it faced Southern Cal in the 1948 Rose Bowl. The Wolverines had completed the 1947 regular season 10-0 but were ranked No. 2 by the AP behind Notre Dame.
The Wolverines had a reason to complain. This Wolverine squad might have been one of the nation’s best ever.
Head coach Fritz Crisler had earlier introduced the iconic Michigan winged helmet. Next was the introduction of two-platoon football and the sleight of hand, single wing attack. Known as the :Mad Magicians”, Michigan piled up 394 points against just 53.
The Wolverines were 15-point Rose Bowl favorites in the Trojans’ backyard.
U-M’s Jack Weisenburger scored three one-yard rushing touchdowns, Bob Chappius tossed two touchdown passes, and Michigan outgained USC 491 to 144.
The Associated Press was so impressed by Michigan’s 49-0 win over Southern Cal, they decided to take an unprecedented “post-bowl” poll. This time, the Wolverines were winners 226-119, and headed back to Ann Arbor as National Champions.
Next: 56th Rose Bowl Game