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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Vince Young's 2006 Rose Bowl touchdown ranks in top 3 on ESPN's top college football plays
Vince Young's 2006 Rose Bowl touchdown ranks in top 3 on ESPN's top college football plays "Fourth and Five the National Championship on the line" Nearly two decades after Vince Young led the Texas Longhorns to a dramatic 41-38 victory over the USC Trojans in the 2006 Rose Bowl, his game-winning touchdown remains etched among college football's most unforgettable moments. On Jan. 4, 2006, Young's fourth-and-5 scramble in the waning seconds secured Texas' first national championship in 35 years, capping off a matchup between the nation's top two undefeated teams. The play, which has since been dubbed 'Invincibowl,' was recently ranked No. 3 on ESPN's list of the top 25 college football plays of the 21st century. 'Trailing in the Rose Bowl with a national championship on the line, the Longhorns faced fourth-and-5 in the waning seconds against the Trojans, the defending national champs. But Young scrambled right, then dashed past the pylon for the game-winning touchdown, lifting the unbeaten Longhorns to their first national title in 35 years,' wrote ESPN's Jake Trotter. Only two plays outranked Young's legendary dash: Auburn's 'kick-six' in the 2013 Iron Bowl and Boise State's trick-play finish in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. Two other Texas-related moments also made ESPN's list, though both ended in heartbreak for the Longhorns: Michael Crabtree's game-winner for Texas Tech in 2008 (No. 6) and Oklahoma's 'Superman' interception in 2001 (No. 9). Young's performance was as historic as the moment itself. The consensus All-American threw for 267 yards, rushed for 200 more, and scored three touchdowns on the ground. His decisive run not only delivered a championship to Texas but also led to the retirement of his No. 10 jersey in 2008. Young is now serving as a special advisor to the athletic director and mentor to the football team. His responsibilities include working closely with head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, focusing on player development, mental resilience, and leadership training. Young's presence is also expected to bolster Texas' recruiting efforts, leveraging his championship pedigree and deep ties to the program to help attract top talent. Athletic Director Chris Del Conte emphasized Young's impact, saying, 'His insight, his experience, and his love for this program will be invaluable as we step into a new era." Young is already making his mark at practices, where his motivational style and high expectations have energized players and coaches alike. He is frequently seen on the sidelines, offering tough love and accountability. He plays a highly visible role during recruiting weekends and on Texas gamedays.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where Tim Tebow's jump pass ranks among greatest college football plays since 2000
Where Tim Tebow's jump pass ranks among greatest college football plays since 2000 There has been no shortage of incredible plays in college football over the past 25 years, but figuring out which ones were among the best is a tougher task than one might realize. Eight ESPN writers and two editors nominated 51 top plays since 2000 and ranked them from 1 to 25, with 25 points awarded for first-place votes, 24 for second place and continuing until 1 point was awarded for a play voted at No. 25. Among those cracking the top 25 was Tim Tebow's original jump-toss play against the LSU Tigers in 2006, which came in at No. 16. "Only a freshman, Tim Tebow introduced himself to the college football world in 2006 as Florida won the first of two national championships over the next three seasons," Chris Low begins. "He was primarily a short-yardage specialist that year at quarterback behind starter Chris Leak. Tebow's first career touchdown pass came in a key 23-10 win over No. 9 LSU. He took the snap, started toward the line of scrimmage as if he was going to run and then went airborne, pump-faking, and lobbing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tate Casey in the back of the end zone," he continues. "Tebow won the Heisman Trophy the next year and then duplicated his jump pass as a junior with a game-sealing, 4-yard touchdown to David Nelson against Oklahoma to lead the Gators to the 2008 national championship." It was an amazing time to be a Florida Gator. ESPN's top college football plays since 2000 Kick-Six | Nov. 30, 2013 Boise State trickeration | Jan. 1, 2007 Invincibowl | Jan. 4, 2006 Tua's toss | Jan. 8, 2018 "The Horror" | Sept. 1, 2007 "Six" | Nov. 1, 2008 Prayer at Jordan-Hare | Nov. 16, 2013 Surrender Cobra | Oct. 17, 2015 Superman | Oct. 6, 2001 Champions* | Jan. 3, 2003 Clowney "car wreck" | Jan. 1, 2013 "Oh my gracious!" | Nov. 10, 2012 "Orange Crush" | Jan. 9, 2017 Bush Push | Oct. 15, 2005 Reggie in the fog | Oct. 23, 2004 Jump Pass I | Oct. 7, 2006 Bluegrass Miracle | Nov. 9, 2002 (tied) Eight Laterals of Chaos | Oct. 31, 2015 (tied) Reed wrestles it away | Nov. 10, 2001 "Gravedigger" | Nov. 25, 2023 Black 41 Flash Reverse Pass | Oct. 27, 2001 61-second spectacle | Oct. 27, 2007 Nonsense masterpiece | Nov. 7, 2015 Cam Can | Oct. 23, 2010 Lamar Leap | Sept. 9, 2016 Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
