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Photos: Arizona upsets #1 USC football in 1981
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Photos: Arizona upsets #1 USC football in 1981

  • Rick Wiley
  • Nov 2, 2017
  • Nov 2, 2017 Updated Jul 15, 2022
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There is consensus that the University of Arizona win over #1 USC in 1981 was one of the greatest UA football victories of all time. USC was led by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen and coach John Robinson. UA was led by coach Larry Smith and stocked with some of UA's greatest players, including Vance Johnson, Ricky Hunley and Tom Tunnicliffe.

Arizona vs. USC football

Arizona vs. USC football

UA head coach Larry Smith is carried off the field at Arizona Wildcats at USC Trojans on Oct. 10, 2981 in Los Angeles. Arizona won, 13-10

H. Darr Beiser / Tucson Citizen

Arizona vs. USC football

Arizona vs. USC football

UA fullback Rory Barnett carries during Arizona Wildcats at USC Trojans on Oct. 10, 2981 in Los Angeles. Arizona won, 13-10

H. Darr Beiser / Tucson Citizen

Arizona vs. USC football

Arizona vs. USC football

A UA ball carrier during Arizona Wildcats at USC Trojans on Oct. 10, 2981 in Los Angeles. Arizona won, 13-10

H. Darr Beiser / Tucson Citizen

Arizona vs. USC football

Arizona vs. USC football

USC ball carrier (33) runs into a scrum of UA and USC linemen during Arizona Wildcats at USC Trojans on Oct. 10, 2981 in Los Angeles. Arizona won, 13-10

H. Darr Beiser / Tucson Citizen

Arizona vs. USC football

Arizona vs. USC football

USC running back Marcus Allen is brought down during Arizona Wildcats at USC Trojans on Oct. 10, 2981 in Los Angeles. Arizona won, 13-10

H. Darr Beiser / Tucson Citizen

Arizona vs. USC football

Arizona vs. USC football

UA receiver Vance Johnson (83) leaps out of the camera frame for a completed pass during Arizona Wildcats at USC Trojans on Oct. 10, 2981 in Los Angeles. Arizona won, 13-10

H. Darr Beiser / Tucson Citizen

Arizona vs. USC football

Arizona vs. USC football

USC running back Marcus Allen is upended during Arizona Wildcats at USC Trojans on Oct. 10, 2981 in Los Angeles. Arizona won, 13-10

H. Darr Beiser / Tucson Citizen

Arizona vs. USC football

Arizona vs. USC football

Arizona players celebrate the upset victory over USC during Arizona Wildcats at USC Trojans on Oct. 10, 2981 in Los Angeles. Arizona won, 13-10

H. Darr Beiser / Tucson Citizen
Rick Wiley

Rick Wiley

Photo editor

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