That was our reasoning too; we ended up staying in Westwood near UCLA and although it was quiet (being winter break), it was easy enough to get to Santa Monica, Los Feliz, and Pasadena.
Are you flying in, or driving? If flying, which airport? Doing anything else besides the game? I've attended multiple games and concerts at the Rose Bowl over the years, and after getting stuck in their parking for hours trying to leave, I always tend to park somewhere in Old Town and walk in and out (there are public shuttles, but I still find walking quicker for us)...I'm not sure if any of the Pasadena hotels have their own event shuttles, but that would be kind of ideal. Just did a quick Priceline search and there is a Residence Inn on Walnut that has a pool and free breakfast.