The Big Ten Champion Michigan Wolverines of coach Bo Schembechler came to Pasadena with a 9-2 record & ranked 5^th nationally.  The Washington Huskies of coach Don James were 9-2, ranked 16^th & in their first Rose Bowl since 1977 where they had defeated Michigan.  Led by All-Big Ten WR Anthony Carter, the Wolverines had fallen out of the top-20 with early season losses to Notre Dame & South Carolina.  An 8-game winning streak, which included an on-going string of 18 consecutive quarters without allowing a touchdown, propelled them back to the top-5.  A goal-line stand by the Michigan’s defense on Washington’s second drive established the momentum & the Wolverines never looked back in claiming a 23-6 win.  As the Huskies drove to the Wolverines' 1-yard line, Washington's RB Toussaint Tyler dove for the goal-line on 4^th down but the ball came loose & officials ruled he had not crossed the plane of the line before fumbling giving the ball to Michigan at their own 20-yard line.  Washington eventually took the lead with a 35-yard field goal from All-Pac 10 PK Chuck Nelson.  Michigan countered with a 6-yard touchdown run by RB Butch Woolfolk.  Nelson’s 26-yard field goal sent the teams to halftime with the Wolverines leading 7-6.  The 2^nd half was all Michigan as PK Ali Haji-Sheikh hit a 25-yard field goal & QB John Wangler connected with Carter for a 7-yard touchdown pass as Michigan pushed the lead to 17-6 heading into the 4^th quarter.  Wolverines' RB Stanley Edwards closed the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run with just 4:00 left in the game.  Woolfolk was named the game’s MVP as he rushed for 182 yards with his score while Wangler threw for 145 yards with his touchdown.  For the Huskies, QB Tom Flick threw for 282 yards but was intercepted twice & WR Anthony Allen added 6 catches for 101 yards.  Washington finished the season 9-3; Pac-10 Champions, ranked 16^th nationally while the Wolverines finished 10-2, Big Ten Champions & ranked 4^th nationally.  Washington would play for The Belt again in 1982.