1983 Rose Bowl

Dokie Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 65 yards and the Bruins took it in from there on a two-yard run by Kevin Nelson.

[7] UCLA won 31–27, overcoming a 21–0 deficit,[8] in what stood as one of the greatest comebacks in Bruin football history until the 2005 Sun Bowl.

The Wolverines did not lose again until the final regular season game, falling at rival Ohio State 24–14 after having already clinched the Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl berth.

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena became UCLA's home stadium this season, after decades at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Head coach Terry Donahue made a promise that UCLA would end their season in the Rose Bowl game.

[9] UCLA opened with 4 straight wins, was tied by Arizona 24–24, then won another three games before a seemingly crushing loss at Washington 10–7.

The Bruins beat the Trojans 20–19, when after USC scored a touchdown on the final play of the game, Karl Morgan sacked Scott Tinsley on the two-point conversion attempt to preserve the win.

The story of the day that overshadowed these circumstances however, was The Play, with Cal defeating Stanford in the Big Game.

In addition, a hard hit by UCLA defensive back Don Rogers separated Michigan QB Steve Smith's shoulder and knocked him out of the game.

Don Rogers would set an interception record in next year's game, as UCLA repeated as champions.