Despite Washington leading in every major offensive statistical category (including over ten more minutes of time of possession along with producing 22 more offensive plays during the contest), Ohio State won the game, 28–23, to capture its eighth Rose Bowl championship in program history.
"The Melody of Life" was the theme chosen by Pasadena Tournament of Roses president Gerald Freeny.
George Halas (Great Lakes Navy), Randall McDaniel (Arizona State), Pop Warner (Stanford), and Vince Young (Texas) were inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame prior to the game.
[8] Washington secured its berth in the Rose Bowl with a victory over Utah in the Pac-12 Football Championship Game on November 30.
This was Ohio State's last game under head coach Urban Meyer, who announced his intent to retire on December 4.