Flashback #25: Northwestern Plays In Rose Bowl (1996)

As of 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these "flashbacks" have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary page.

January 2, 1996 - Northwestern plays in the Rose Bowl

It had been 23-straight losing season for the Wildcats as they entered the 1995 season.

Marred by decades of futility, things began to change in the Wildcats first game of that Rose Bowl season.

Northwestern defeated No. 9 Notre Dame 17-15 in South Bend, putting the school in the AP poll for the first time since 1971. Their ranking didn't last long, however, as the Wildcats dropped their next game to Miami University.

The Wildcats, coached by Gary Barnett, wouldn't lose another game for the rest of the regular season -- going a perfect 8-0 in the Big Ten. Their 10-1 record earned them a spot in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1949.

Facing off against the USC Trojans in Pasadena, the Wildcats trailed 31-26 heading into the fourth quarter. That is until running back Darnell Autry scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, putting Northwestern up 32-31 after a failed two-point conversion.

The Trojans, however, would add a touchdown and a field goal en route to a 42-31 win. Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson was the game's most valuable player with two touchdown receptions.

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary »