[4][5][6] Since the two conferences agreed to match up in Pasadena, starting with the 1947 Rose Bowl, the Big Ten had won all six games.
[6] Stanford led 7 to 6 on a Harry Hugasian touchdown until late in the third quarter.
[7] Illinois running back Bill Tate rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns,[8] and was named Player of the Game.
It was the second Rose Bowl win for Illinois head coach Ray Eliot, the first was in 1947.
Stanford head coach Chuck Taylor became the first to play and coach in the Rose Bowl, having played as one of Stanford's undefeated Wow Boys eleven years earlier, in 1941.