Victory Bell (UCLA–USC)

Victory Bell (UCLA–USC). The Victory Bell is the trophy awarded to the winner of the annual college football game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans, one of the most intense rivalries in NCAA Division I FBS. Originally a gift from the UCLA Alumni Association in 1939, the bell's tradition began with the UCLA football team and was famously stolen by USC students in 1941, cementing its status as a coveted prize. Since a formal agreement in 1942, the bell has been painted in the winning school's colors—Cardinal and Gold for USC or Blue and Gold for UCLA—and is rung after each score during home games by the victor.

History

The tradition began in 1939 when the UCLA Alumni Association presented a 295-pound Southern Pacific locomotive bell to the UCLA student body. It was initially used by the football team's cheerleaders, known as the Bruin Rangers, during games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The bell's association with the rivalry was solidified in 1941 when a group of USC students, including members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, executed a covert operation to steal the bell from UCLA's campus. This prank escalated the competition, leading to a formal agreement in 1942 between student body presidents Bill Farrer of USC and Jimmy Nance of UCLA to establish the bell as the official rivalry trophy.

Description

The Victory Bell is a genuine 295-pound brass bell that originally served as a locomotive bell on a Southern Pacific Railroad train. It is mounted on a wheeled cart for mobility and is prominently displayed on the winning university's campus throughout the year. The bell's wooden carriage is painted annually in the colors of the reigning champion: Cardinal and Gold for the USC Trojans or Blue and Gold for the UCLA Bruins. Its distinct, deep clang has become an iconic auditory symbol of triumph in the series, heard across the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum or the Rose Bowl during home games.

Traditions and rivalry

The central tradition involves the winning school taking possession of the bell for the year and ringing it after every score during their home football games. The rivalry, often called the "Battle for Los Angeles," is a highlight of the Pac-12 Conference schedule and significantly impacts the Pac-12 Championship Game race. Week-long festivities, including bonfire rallies and pep rallies, build up to the game. The outcome often influences recruiting battles in the Los Angeles area and contention for major bowl game invitations, such as the Rose Bowl Game. The intensity is reflected in famous moments like the 1967 game, where O. J. Simpson led USC to a dramatic victory.

Theft and recovery

The initial 1941 theft by USC students was a meticulously planned operation, hiding the bell in various locations, including a fraternity house and an Anaheim barn. UCLA students attempted several recoveries, leading to minor skirmishes and heightened tensions between the campuses. The standoff was resolved through negotiations led by student leaders and the intervention of the UCLA Administration, resulting in the 1942 agreement that transformed the bell from a stolen artifact into an official trophy. Subsequent security measures have prevented major thefts, though protective details from each school's student government guard the bell during rivalry week.

Game results

As of the 2023 season, the USC Trojans hold a series lead with 49 wins to the UCLA Bruins' 34 wins, with 7 ties. Notable streaks include USC's dominant run under coach John McKay in the 1960s and a 12-game winning streak from 1999 to 2010. Memorable games include the 1952 contest that decided the Pacific Coast Conference title, the 1967 clash featuring O. J. Simpson, and the 2006 game where UCLA upset the top-ranked Trojans coached by Pete Carroll. The annual matchup frequently has implications for the Pac-12 Conference championship and major postseason bowls like the Alamo Bowl or Holiday Bowl. Category:UCLA Bruins football Category:USC Trojans football Category:College football trophies in the United States Category:Sports trophies and awards in California