Michigan in the Sugar Bowl: My Most Vivid Bowl Memory

For someone who has been to hundreds of sporting events, this is one I'll never forget.

The well-stocked charter bus pulled onto Hollywood Boulevard somewhere near 6 a.m. This group of four Michigan freshman was about to experience a journey we'd like to forget. As the bus headed to Pasadena, I somehow recalled the short-skirted bus driver asking for an inventory of sorts. Parade tickets? Check. Box lunch? Check. Instructions to our way home? Check.

Our grandstand seats at the parade were sandwiched between a funeral home and a doctor's office. When the Michigan band played The Victors, we could barely see or hear seven-seconds worth.

Last night's headache was one thing, but a restricted view at the Rose Parade was another. Thank heavens for the flask my buddy had cleverly stashed in his backpack. After all, the Pasadena weather was surprisingly frigid for New Year's morning. The predicted warm, sunny day never materialized.

Coach Bo Schembechler was bringing his first Michigan team into the game with the Southern Cal Trojans. Michigan earned the Rose Bowl berth by upsetting the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes to conclude the 1969 season.

The Southern Cal Trojans earned their spot with a huge victory over crosstown rival UCLA.  

After another bus ride and a short walk over the golf course, we began to realize we were part of something special. Just taking our seats, we caught our first glimpse of the white Trojan horse, the Michigan cheerleaders and the well known Southern Cal card section.

It wasn't long before the fairy tale scene turned sour.

Michigan's inability to move the ball in its first possession told us we'd be in for a tough day.

Moments later, a late flag drew attention to the Michigan bench where a short-haired assistant was screaming at an official. Not to be seen was our beloved Bo who (unknown to the crowd) was in a local hospital suffering from a heart attack.

Little did we know that Bo would become one of the great coaches in college football history. 

Whether his presence at the game would have prevented Michigan's 10-3 loss really didn't matter.