Stanford's Frank Wilton had been the goat of the 1927 Rose Bowl: with Stanford leading 7–0 late in the game, an Alabama defender broke through the line and blocked his punt, setting up the Tide's tying touchdown.
In the 1928 game, Wilton again made a critical error, losing the ball after being hit on his own 20 yard line, allowing Pittsburgh's Jimmy Hagan to run the fumble in for a touchdown.
Walt Heinecke of Stanford blocked Allen Booth's point after attempt, holding Pitt's lead to 6–0.
Later in the game, Wilton had his redemption when teammate Spud Lewis fumbled a yard from the goal.
[2] The capacity of the Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium was increased to 76,000, adding 19,000 seats.