The day USC went wild and drove UCLA crazy

The USC versus UCLA rivalry has produced many legendary players who are remembered for making great offensive plays in the series -- from O.J. Simpson’s 64-yard touchdown run in 1967 to Gaston Green’s 224 yards and four rushing touchdowns in 1986 to Erik Affholter’s debated touchdown catch in 1987.

But the rivalry also has had more than its fair share of stars on defense, starting with last year’s instant legend, UCLA’s Eric McNeal. This week, The Times provides a look back at six memorable defensive efforts made in the series:

USC’s “The Wild Bunch”: Jimmy Gunn, Charles Weaver, Al Cowlings, Tody Smith and Bubba Scott

UCLA Coach Tommy Prothro had a solid team in 1969 that was led by quarterback Dennis Dummit, a transfer from Long Beach City College. With Dummit ranked among the nation’s top passers, the Bruins entered the game with an 8-0-1 record and had scored at least 32 points in seven of nine games.

USC also had an 8-0-1 record and featured running back Clarence Davis, who replaced Simpson and led the conference in rushing. But the Trojans’ real strength was an aggressive defensive front nicknamed “The Wild Bunch,” inspired by a movie of the same name released that year.

To defeat the Bruins, USC needed a big game from Gunn, Weaver, Cowlings, Smith and Scott -- and they delivered. They harassed and hit Dummit all afternoon and USC finished with nine sacks.

But the Trojans’ offense struggled behind quarterback Jimmy Jones, who was 0 for 9 passing in the first half. If not for the dominant effort by the “Wild Bunch” UCLA would have led by more than 12-7 with five minutes remaining in the game.

That’s when Jones found his rhythm and rallied USC to a lengthy scoring drive that was capped by a dramatic 32-yard touchdown pass to Sam Dickerson, giving USC a 14-12 lead.

UCLA’s offense still had 1 minute 32 seconds remaining to move into position for a possible game-winning field goal, but against pressure provided by the “Wild Bunch,” Dummit and the Bruins did not have a chance as the game ended in a two-point USC victory that sent the Trojans to the Rose Bowl (where they beat Michigan to finish unbeaten) and ended UCLA’s season.