On January 1, 2018, the University of Georgia (UGA) and the University of Oklahoma battled it out in Pasadena, California at the 104th Rose Bowl Game. This was a huge event for both teams and their fans as they competed to take home the College Football Playoff Semifinal victory. Both teams were loaded with talent and the game was a thrilling one to watch.
Preparing for the Game
The atmosphere in Pasadena on game day was electric. Fans were filled with excitement as they made their way into the stadium, eager to see which team would come out on top. From tailgating to pre-game festivities, there was plenty for fans to do before kickoff. Even though this was a neutral site game, UGA and Oklahoma fans were both out in full force, showing their support for their respective teams.
Spirited fans from The University of Georgia Bulldogs and The University of Oklahoma Sooners crowded into the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2018 for an unforgettable match-up in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
The Rose Parade Flyover
The 2018 Rose Parade was a truly magnificent spectacle for the visiting UGA and Oklahoma fans. The celebration began with floats decorated with stunning floral displays, marching bands, and equestrian units making their way down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. The excitement of the morning was further heightened by the appearance of a B-2 Stealth Bomber and F-35 Lightning IIs which flew over the parade route at the start of the event. This spectacular flyover brought an added touch of grandeur to an already remarkable event - one that will be remembered by those in attendance for years to come.
An aerial photograph of three United States Air Force aircraft, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and two F-35 Lightning IIs, soaring above the start of the 2018 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California
The Rose Bowl Game Stealth Bomber Flyover
The 2018 Rose Bowl Flyover was an awe-inspiring sight for the spectators gathered in Pasadena to witness the 104th Rose Bowl Game. The U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flew silently overhead at the conclusion of the National Anthem, its iconic shape creating an unforgettable moment for all those in attendance. It was one of many special moments throughout the day that kicked off 2018 with a true celebration of the American spirit and tradition.
A stealth bomber soaring gracefully over the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California while an immense American flag is proudly waved on the field with thousands of college football fans who came to bear witness to the 2018 Rose Bowl Game between The University of Georgia Bulldogs and The University of Oklahoma Sooners.
The Teams: Oklahoma & Georgia
The UGA Bulldogs
The University of Georgia has long been known for its competitive performance in college football. With a 12-1 record coming into the 104th Rose Bowl Game, including an impressive rematch win against Auburn in the SEC Championship game, UGA was looking to extend their winning streak with a victory over the Oklahoma Sooners.
The Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners have also had an impressive record, having gone 12-1 this season with wins over the Texas Longhorns and TCU that helped cement their place in the Big 12 championship game and earned them a spot in the Rose Bowl. Their dynamic offense has scored an average of 45 points per game throughout their season, so they were sure to give UGA’s defense a run for its money when they faced off on New Year's Day.
The Outcome of the Game
In what turned out to be a thrilling battle between two talented teams, UGA eventually emerged victorious by a score of 54-48 in double overtime, making it the highest-scoring Rose Bowl Game in history. It was an instant classic that will live on in college football history books as one of the greatest bowl games ever played. After several nail-biting moments throughout regulation, UGA finally put together enough offense and defense late in overtime to clinch their first Rose Bowl victory since 1943.
Rose Bowl History and Tradition
This year marks the 104th edition of the iconic Rose Bowl Game—the oldest college bowl game still played today—which first started in 1902 as a competition between Stanford University and the University of Michigan. Since then, it has become one of America’s most beloved sporting events, steeped in tradition and legacy. Every January 1st since 1923, teams representing two premiere American universities have come together to compete against each other for collegiate bragging rights on the field of play at Pasadena's historic stadium—the "Granddaddy" of all bowl games!
UGA & Oklahoma fans enter the Rose Bowl Stadium, located in Pasadena, California, one of the most iconic stadiums in all of college football.
The 104th Rose Bowl Game will go down as one of college football’s all-time classics! Both UGA and Oklahoma showed tremendous heart throughout this highly contested battle that went down right until double overtime when UGA ultimately emerged victorious by a score of 54-48! For UGA fans, it was especially sweet since it has been 75 years since they have won a Rose Bowl matchup! Fans from both sides will remember this incredible game for many years to come! Go Dawgs! Boomer Sooner!
To see more photos of the 104th Rose Bowl Game, click here.
-
GEORGIA
GEORGIA
The Georgia Redcoat Marching Band stands out in the Rose Bowl stadium as they spell out 'GEORGIA' in formation, providing a visual representation of the pride and passion of their loyal fans that filled the stands on New Year's Day 2018 for the 104th Rose Bowl Game.
-
OU
OU
The vibrant crimson and cream University of Oklahoma Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band creates a powerful statement as they spell out 'OU' on the field of the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium - the backdrop for an unforgettable, Rose Bowl record-breaking 54-48 semifinal College Football Playoff match-up.