The 1927 college football season ended with the Illini of the University of Illinois (7-0-1) being recognized as champion under the Dickinson system. In the Rose Bowl, the Pittsburgh Panthers (8-0-1) were invited to play against the Pacific Coast Conference champion. Though USC and Stanford had identical records in conference play, Stanford was given a chance to "avenge" its 7-7 tie against Alabama in the last Rose Bowl. Although an Illinois vs. USC matchup would have been equally plausible for the 1928 Rose Bowl, their Pasadena meeting would have to wait 80 years-- until 2008.