Tears ran down the cheeks numerous UCLA players as they hugged and cried, most of them not caring to walk off the Rose Bowl turf following Saturday's 13-9 upset of No. 2 USC.

The Bruins believe they reclaimed city bragging rights by ending a seven-game losing streak against their rivals, and in the process said the biggest step to date was added in what has been a long reclamation process.

To the Bruins, beating USC for the first time since 1998 - and doing it when most of the nation anticipated a Trojans win to set up a BCS title matchup with Ohio State - validated their program.

"Seven years is way too long," UCLA running back Chris Markey said. "I think it's a great stepping stone for the program. Recruiting-wise ... I think everything will be better from now on.

"After seven years, it means everything. It shows how hard we work. We wanted it more than them, I felt, coming into the game. I'm a little stunned because nobody gave us a chance."

UCLA (7-5, 5-4 Pac-10) finished fourth in the Pacific 10 by winning its last three games, all against bowl teams (Oregon State, Arizona State and USC), and can finish the season strongly by defeating Florida State in the Dec. 27 Emerald Bowl in San Francisco.