1998 Rose Bowl

The 1998 Rose Bowl was a college football bowl game played on January 1, 1998 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. It was the 84th Rose Bowl Game. The game featured Michigan beating Washington State by a score of 21–16. The ending of the game is controversial. On Washington State's final drive, the Cougars got a first down at midfield even though Washington State WR Nian Taylor possibly interfered with Michigan CB Charles Woodson on a 3rd down pass play. On the next play, Washington State completed a hook-and-ladder first down inbounds, temporarily stopping the clock with two seconds remaining. When the first down markers were reset the clock was started back up. WSU immediately hiked and then spiked the football. The officials ruled that time had expired. Brian Griese was named the Rose Bowl Player of the Game. This was the last year that the Rose Bowl was not part of the Bowl Championship Series. This was also the last year that the game was not branded with corporate sponsorship.