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To a casual observer, the couple doesn’t seem too odd. Even a private investigator, albeit a rather ignorant one, would be hard-pressed to find many educational differences.

Both graduated in the early ’80s, one with a degree in business, the other with a double major in English and economics. Both went to schools in Los Angeles.

And that’s the problem. Brad and Robin McMurray, who celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary earlier this year, are stuck in the middle of the UCLA-USC rivalry.

Robin went to UCLA, while Brad went to USC. Making matters worse, he was also voted Most Inspirational Member of the marching band.

It is a mixed marriage between a Trojan and a Bruin. Two enemies, two rivals – but not in the McMurray household.

“Before we had kids, we went to all the (rivalry) games,” Robin said. “Whoever had the home game got tickets in their section, but we’d go to the game wearing our school colors. I’d be in the ’SC section wearing blue and gold. ... Sometimes it got ugly.”

They have kids now, and have also discovered the miracle of television. With the lack of cheers and jeers from other fans, they’ve created their own traditions for the annual game.

“We have a bet. The team that loses the game, that person has to buy a piece of school clothing for the winner,” Robin said. “Also, we go around wearing our school clothing and holding hands. We get asked about it, and it leads to some strange moments at supermarket checkouts and elsewhere.”

Since the family moved to Oregon, there have been fewer awkward supermarket moments.

Their children, Colleen, Connor and Calvin, have grown up knowing both sides of the rivalry. Each has come to understand that rooting for one school or the other means a little special attention from mom or dad.

“He has brainwashed my children. They’re all big Reggie Bush fans,” Robin said.

But Brad, of course, disagrees.

“The kids vacillate back and forth, but the mom gives a better dig. If they start rooting for UCLA, I ignore them. But (Robin) reacts if they root for USC,” he said.

The children could not be reached for comment.

As rivalry week kicks into full gear in Southern California, it also begins to heat up in Oregon.

Old agreements are nullified (“In every game except for this one, we root for each team,” Robin said); tears are shed (“There is significant pouting after the game,” Brad said); and the normally amicable relationship between schools in the household turns fierce. Relatively fierce. As fierce as it can.

“We still speak to each other and are very considerate,” Robin said.

Both members of the couple are quick to put the game in perspective, at least with their relationship. “It’s just a football game,” Brad said.

Robin responded in kind. “He loves me more than he loves football.”

The McMurrays might not have any exciting stories about how the battle for the victory bell intruded on romantic weekends or created a family stir. However, the couple does represent a seemingly odd pairing that loves the rivalry but doesn’t let it affect what social circles they run in.

“Do mixed marriages work? We’ve been married for 20 years,” Robin said.