Coach Bo Schembechler’s 3^rd ranked Michigan Wolverines came to Pasadena with a record of 10-1, their only loss at Purdue.  They had defeated Ohio State 22-0 in their annual showdown to claim the trip.  Coming off the Victory Bell game with UCLA, the 2^nd ranked Southern Cal Trojans of coach John Robinson stood 9-1.  The Trojans used a hard-nosed defense & timely offense to claim a 14-6 win.  Both defenses controlled the early part of the game & the Wolverines knocked the Trojans’ All-American RB Ricky Bell out of the game with a head injury.   Michigan got on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run from All-American RB Rob Lytle but the conversion kick was blocked by Southern Cal's DT Walt Underwood & Michigan had a 6-0 lead.  The Trojans responded with an 80-yard drive capped by QB Vince Evans’ touchdown run on 4^th & 1 with just 1:28 left in the half.  Michigan managed just 4 first downs in the 2^nd half but still only trailed 7-6.  Early in the 4^th quarter, the Wolverines' All-Big Ten QB Rick Leach connected with All-Big Ten WR Jim Smith on a 32-yard completion to the Southern Cal 33-yard line.  The drive ended when Michigan turned the ball over on downs after Trojans' LB Eric Williams & All-American DT Gary Jeter each recorded tackles for loss.  Southern Cal's RB Charles White gave the Trojans a cushion when he scored on a 7-yard touchdown run with 3:00 left to play.  The Wolverines’ final drive ended when they ran out of downs & time at the Southern Cal 17-yard line.  For the Trojans, White finished with 114 yards rushing with his touchdown, Evans added 181 yards passing with his rushing touchdown & All-Pac 8 LB Rod Martin forced 2 fumbles as well as recorded a critical 4^th down sack of Leach.  Southern Cal finished the season 11-1; Pac 8 Champions & ranked 2^nd nationally while the Wolverines finished 10-2, Big Ten Co-Champs & ranked 3^rd nationally.  Michigan would play for The Belt again in 1979.