The 104th Rose Bowl Game

On January 1, 2018, the University of Georgia (UGA) Bulldogs and the University of Oklahoma Sooners, battled it out in Pasadena, California at the 104th Rose Bowl Game. The game was a thrilling matchup with five lead changes that saw the Bulldogs ultimately emerge victorious in double overtime.

Preparing for the Rose Bowl Game

Before the 2018 Rose Bowl Game, fans arrived early at the Rose Bowl stadium and throughout Pasadena setting up elaborate tailgate parties. The atmosphere was electric, with both Georgia and Oklahoma fans eager to witness their teams compete on one of college football's grandest stages. The excitement only intensified throughout the day, leading up to what would become one of the most thrilling games in Rose Bowl history.

The Rose Parade Flyover

Held every January 1st in Pasadena, California, the Rose Parade features an mix of floats covered in intricate floral designs, marching bands, and equestrian units, all making their way down the iconic Colorado Boulevard. As the parade began, a B-2 Stealth Bomber, accompanied by two F-35 Lightning IIs, soared over the parade route. The U.S. Air Force flyover, coupled with the parade below, marked the beginning of a day filled with excitement and anticipation for what would be a historic clash between Georgia and Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl Stadium later in the day.

The Rose Bowl Game Stealth Bomber Flyover

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flew overhead at the conclusion of the National Anthem and was captured by local Los Angeles aerial photographer Mark Holtzman. The aerial image shows the stealth bomber above the Rose Bowl Stadium, where a large American flag is proudly displayed on the field below, flanked by red, white and blue stars, and the stands filled with fans draped in Georgia Bulldogs red and Oklahoma Sooners crimson.

The Teams: Oklahoma & Georgia

The UGA Bulldogs

The Bulldogs demonstrated their prowess in college football throughout the year, entering the 104th Rose Bowl Game with a 12-1 record. Their remarkable season included a significant rematch victory against Auburn in the SEC Championship game. As the Bulldogs prepared to face the Oklahoma Sooners, they aimed to extend their winning streak and secure a spot in the National Championship Game. With a strong defense and dynamic offense, Georgia was poised to challenge Oklahoma's high-scoring team in what promised to be an unforgettable clash at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

The Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners entered the 2018 Rose Bowl Game with an equally impressive 12-1 record, highlighted by key victories over the Texas Longhorns and TCU, which secured their place in the Big 12 championship game. The Sooners' potent offense, led by Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, averaged 45 points per game, setting the stage for an exciting showdown against Georgia's formidable Bulldogs defense. With the National Championship Game on the line, Oklahoma's high-scoring prowess promised to challenge Georgia's strategy and put their defense to the test.

Game Summary

The 2018 Rose Bowl Game was a monumental event in college football history. It was the first Rose Bowl Game to ever go into overtime, where the two teams battled fiercely through five lead changes. Ultimately the Bulldogs emerged victorious, claiming their first Rose Bowl win since 1943, and set a record as the highest-scoring Rose Bowl Game ever with a 54-48 final score.

The 104th Rose Bowl Game will be remembered as one of college football's all-time classics. Oklahoma took a commanding 31-17 lead in the first half, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Baker Mayfield. However, Georgia's offense roared back in the second half, with Jake Fromm orchestrating three touchdowns in the third quarter to seize their first lead. In a dramatic fourth quarter, Oklahoma regained the lead with a 46-yard scoop-and-score, but Georgia's defense forced two crucial punts, pushing the game into overtime. In the first overtime, both teams exchanged touchdowns. The second overtime saw Georgia's Lorenzo Carter block an Oklahoma field goal attempt, setting the stage for Sony Michel's game-winning touchdown, sealing a 54-48 victory for the Bulldogs, marking their first national title since 1980.

The win earned Georgia a spot in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game against Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, and was a thrilling conclusion to the 2017-2018 college football season.

Rose Bowl History and Tradition

The Rose Bowl, often referred to as the "Granddaddy" of all bowl games, holds the distinction of being the oldest college bowl game still in existence. Its origins trace back to 1902 with the inaugural match-up between Stanford University and the University of Michigan. Held every year on January 1st at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, the game has become a cornerstone of American sports tradition. The 104th Rose Bowl Game, featuring a thrilling showdown between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Oklahoma Sooners, culminated in a dramatic double-overtime victory that further solidified the Rose Bowl's status as one of the most celebrated and significant sporting events in college football.

The 104th Rose Bowl Game showcased the best of college football. With Georgia's Bulldogs defense and Oklahoma's explosive offense, the game delivered an unforgettable spectacle filled with dramatic lead changes and a nail-biting double overtime. The Bulldogs' victory with a 54-48 score not only earned them a place in the National Championship Game but also marked their first Rose Bowl win since 1943, making it a historic day for Georgia fans.

To see more photos of the 104th Rose Bowl Game, click here.