USC/Alabama Notes Part 2

In 1978, much of what happened regarding USC and Alabama the year before was reversed.

First of all, USC played at Alabama, was the underdog and led by running back Charles White’s brilliance (so many great backs played at USC, Orenthal James “O.J.” Simpson and Anthony Davis to name two) won the game.

USC lost a game at Arizona State while Alabama also had just one loss (of course it was vs USC) but they had the shot vs unbeaten, top ranked Penn State, a team coached by Joe Paterno.

While both Alabama (vs Penn State in the Sugar Bowl) and USC (vs Michigan in the Rose Bowl) won on January 1st (it was January 1st in 1979), the more recognized Associated Press poll voted Alabama its winner while the United Press International poll chose USC.

Tonight I “choose” Alabama, but not to cover: Alabama 29 USC 21.

Charles White was on the Sports Illustrated Cover after leading USC to victory at Alabama in 1978, The teams shared the mythical national title that season.