USC and UCLA play nice -- before the game

Not too many people seemed to mind.

"They've been very nice, but we're pretending they're not there," UCLA fan Paula Shurman said.

"They're just mad because we're their bosses," USC fan William Campbell II said.

Aside to references to UCLA's 4-7 record or the Bruins' 13-9 upset in 2006 over the Trojans, the atmosphere outside the Rose Bowl matched the laid-back Southern California stereotype.

Pasadena Police Lt. George Wiley said there were no incidents involving law enforcement before kickoff.

"It's been great," said Wiley, who told The Times' Sam Farmer that he was drilled in the chest by a frozen piece of fruit thrown by a fan a few years ago. It nearly stopped his heart.

Friends Josh Lev, 16, and Jack McLaughlin, 17, of Flintridge Prep, attended the game together, though Lev is a USC fan and McLaughlin roots for UCLA.

McLaughlin had an extra season ticket and decided to invite the Trojans fan, of all people.

"It's going to be fun to see him get abused [in the stands]," McLaughlin said.

"I thought, 'I'll be quiet until after the game when USC wins,' " Lev said.

Others, such as UCLA fan Roger Hudson and USC fan Dave Schmahl, used the rivalry as an opportunity to catch up. The two used to work for a pharmaceutical company, and over the years have traded phone calls while playing the rivalry's fight song in the background.

This time, Hudson and Schmahl traded text messages and realized they both were at the game. They haven't seen each other in two years and hugged each other.

"When I found out he was a UCLA fan, I thought I'd at least give him a chance," Schmahl said.

Several USC fans thought the atmosphere wasn't heated with UCLA fans simply because of the Bruins' 4-7 record. The Bruins won't be playing in a bowl game for the first time since 1999.

To which Hudson responded: "Remember 2006."

Surely fans from both sides do.

USC just fumbled on their first play from scrimmage.

Medina is a Times staff writer.

mark.medina@latimes.com