Photos: Arizona upsets #1 USC football in 1981
- Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
- Updated
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
Updated
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 CitizenArizona vs. USC football
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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 CitizenArizona vs. USC football
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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 CitizenArizona vs. USC football
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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 CitizenArizona vs. USC football
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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 CitizenArizona vs. USC football
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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 CitizenArizona vs. USC football
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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 CitizenArizona vs. USC football
Updated
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 CitizenTags
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
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Vance Johnson, who has been in recovery for nine years, has taken an ambassador job with America's Rehab Campuses.
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