We were told that we had to get to the Coliseum when the gates opened at 6am to secure a spot, so 4 of us set off from the valley in our rented RV at 4:30 in the morning. We arrived around 5:30, got in when the gates open, and found the spot where we would spend the next 12 hours.

It was my first trip to the Coliseum, and it was really my first time at a “big time” college football stadium. I have to say I was very impressed. There were plenty of people there with me at 6am starting to tailgate a full 11 hours before game time. Serious devotion. Sure, it’s easy to be devoted to one of the best programs in the world. But still, there were thousands of people there before the sun even came up.

I have to say one thing: I found the USC fans I met in the parking lot to be incredibly gracious and nice. They welcomed the budding rivarly and were very knowledge about the college game. It was a great, if long, day in the parking lot.

I wish I could say the same about the game itself. Sure, Cal played well in the first half, but the horrible play by the offense in the second half coupled with gutless play calling left me with the empty, sad realization that once again it would be another year without smelling roses. It was a long trip back to the valley. We consolled ourself by singing that song from Vacation called “Holiday Road”, instead we changed the chorus to ” Holiday Bowl” and made up our own verses with highlights from the game. I guess you had to be there.

I’m glad I went, and we had a wonderful time, but I have to admit, it’s kind of depressing to think that it could be a very, very long time until we have a chance like that to make the Rose Bowl. Maybe a thorough thrashing of the ‘furd will make me feel better, but right now, I feel like I’m looking at a lifetime of playing second fiddle to the Trojans, always getting close, but not close enough. Just close enough to break your heart.