Top 10 College Football Plays of All Time
As a passionate college football fan, I have seen numerous unforgettable moments on the field. From hail mary passes to game-winning touchdowns, college football has provided us with some of the most thrilling moments in sports history. In this article, I will share with you the top 10 college football plays of all time, based on research, surveys, and personal experience. So, get ready to relive some of the most iconic moments in college football history.
Curiosities and Interesting Facts
- In 2003, Boise State became the first non-BCS team to win a BCS bowl game, thanks to a game-winning trick play.
- The longest college football game in history was played between Arkansas and Kentucky in 2003, lasting seven overtimes.
- Michigan and Ohio State have one of the most famous rivalries in college football, with their annual game known as The Game.
- The first college football game was played in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton.
The Top 10 College Football Plays of All Time
10. The Immaculate Deflection (2013)
In a 2013 game between Georgia and Auburn, Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall threw a Hail Mary pass with seconds left on the clock. The ball was tipped by Georgia’s Josh Harvey-Clemons, but it landed in the hands of Auburn’s Ricardo Louis, who ran it in for the game-winning touchdown. This play is now known as the Immaculate Deflection.
9. The Flea Kicker (1997)
In a 1997 game between Nebraska and Missouri, Nebraska quarterback Scott Frost threw a pass that was tipped by Missouri’s defense. The ball bounced off the helmet of Nebraska receiver Matt Davison and into the hands of Shevin Wiggins, who ran it in for a touchdown. This play, known as the Flea Kicker, tied the game and sent it into overtime, where Nebraska would eventually win.
8. The Kick Six (2013)
In a 2013 game between Alabama and Auburn, Alabama attempted a game-winning field goal with one second left on the clock. However, the kick fell short, and Auburn’s Chris Davis caught the ball in the endzone. He then proceeded to run it back 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown, known as the Kick Six.
7. The Bluegrass Miracle (2002)
In a 2002 game between LSU and Kentucky, Kentucky had just taken the lead with seconds left on the clock. However, on the ensuing kickoff, LSU’s Devery Henderson caught the ball and returned it 74 yards for a game-winning touchdown, known as the Bluegrass Miracle.
6. The Boise State Statue of Liberty (2007)
In a 2007 Fiesta Bowl game between Boise State and Oklahoma, Boise State was down by a touchdown in overtime. On fourth down, Boise State ran a trick play known as the Statue of Liberty, where quarterback Jared Zabransky faked a pass and handed the ball off behind his back to running back Ian Johnson, who ran it in for the game-winning touchdown.
5. The Hail Flutie (1984)
In a 1984 game between Boston College and Miami, Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie threw a Hail Mary pass with six seconds left on the clock. The ball was caught by Gerard Phelan in the endzone, and the play became known as the Hail Flutie. This play helped Flutie win the Heisman Trophy that year.
4. The Punt Bama Punt (1972)
In a 1972 game between Auburn and Alabama, Alabama was leading by six points with seconds left on the clock. Auburn blocked two Alabama punts in a row and returned both for touchdowns to win the game, known as Punt Bama Punt.
3. The Kickoff Return (2007)
In a 2007 game between Ohio State and Michigan, Ohio State’s Ted Ginn Jr. returned the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. This play set the tone for the game, which Ohio State won 14-3.
2. The Prayer at Jordan-Hare (2013)
In a 2013 game between Auburn and Georgia, Auburn was down by one point with seconds left on the clock. Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall threw a Hail Mary pass that was caught by Ricardo Louis, who ran it in for the game-winning touchdown. This play is now known as the Prayer at Jordan-Hare.
1. The Band is on the Field (1982)
In a 1982 game between Stanford and California, Stanford was leading by one point with four seconds left on the clock. Cal attempted a game-winning field goal, but it fell short and was caught by Cal’s Kevin Moen. Moen then lateralled the ball to his teammate, who ran it in for a game-winning touchdown. The play became known as the Band is on the Field because Cal’s marching band had already started to celebrate on the field before the play was over.
Why These Plays are Important
These plays have become iconic not just because of their exciting finishes, but also because of the impact they had on the teams and the sport as a whole. Some of these plays led to national championships or conference titles, while others helped teams secure bowl game appearances. These plays also demonstrate the creativity and innovation that coaches and players bring to the game.
FAQs
What is the longest college football game in history?
The longest college football game in history was played between Arkansas and Kentucky in 2003, lasting seven overtimes.
Who has the most Heisman Trophies?
The University of Notre Dame and Ohio State University are tied for the most Heisman Trophies, with seven each.
What is the most famous college football rivalry?
The most famous college football rivalry is the annual game between Michigan and Ohio State, known as The Game.
Who has the most wins in college football history?
The University of Michigan has the most wins in college football history, with over 950 wins.
What is the BCS?
The BCS was a system used to determine the top teams in college football and the matchups for the major bowl games. It was replaced by the College Football Playoff in 2014.