12 PAC... First Game

The University of Utah recently joined the old PAC 10, along with Colorado, to form the 12 PAC (as they call it in California). The Utes traveled to LA to play USC at the Colliseum for the first 12 PAC game, a rather historical event, especially if the Utes could win! My son, the world's greatest USC fan, got me tickets to the game for my birthday. So, with a couple friends of his, off we went to the big game.

First we wondered across the USC campus, where the world's largest tailgate party was happening... since the stadium is dry, the campus became the bar... tons of booze... very cool!
And the USC marching band entertained the fans.





Well primed, we headed into the stadium... quite impressive.


The Trojan Marching Band once again entertained...


The Trojan horse galloped around the field...


Then the Trojans took the field to a chorus of cheers...


And the Utes took the field to a chorus of boos... and some cheers (actually quite a few Ute fans in attendance)...


A popular button on USC fans stated simply... "What is a Ute?". Well, they were about to find out as the battle began...


As day turned to night, the Colliseum flame was ignited...


I feared a 72-3 USC victory; however, the Utes gave 'em quite a battle... down to the last 20 seconds, tons of drama, and only a blocked field goal prevented a tie game in regulation. USC emerged victorious, but the Trojan players were soon running across the field and welcoming a worthy opponent to the new league.

A great game, a great time, and we went out for Asian food afterwards.