USC to Wear Home Jerseys at Rose Bowl Saturday

Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans have decided to wear their cardinal red home jerseys for this Saturday's Rose Bowl game against UCLA.

Since an NCAA rule went into effect in 1982, USC has worn white traveling jerseys at the Rose Bowl. Previously USC always wore their cardinal jerseys, which provide a more interesting visual contrast with UCLA's light blue.

The NCAA will penalize USC one timeout in the first half of the game.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel supports Carroll's decision and generously offered to also give up a timeout in the first half to help USC make the change without being unduly penalized.

In return Carroll invited UCLA to wear their home jerseys at the Coliseum next year, and also pledged to give up a timeout to make it happen.

Given the longstanding rivalry between USC and UCLA, it's fun that the teams are cooperating in order to restore the old tradition.

Update: The Times' Bill Plaschke is enthused.