Memorable Moments: The Greatest Plays in NCAA Football History

College football is more than just a game; it's an experience. From the fight songs echoing through the stadium to the tantalizing smells of tailgates, every game promises something unique, something unforgettable. Whether it's a heated rivalry like the Iron Bowl or a smaller Division III matchup, there's always the potential for a play so extraordinary it will be recounted for decades.

This article delves into some of the most iconic plays in NCAA football history, moments that have defined seasons, cemented legacies, and left fans in awe. These aren't just highlights; they're stories of triumph, heartbreak, and sheer athletic brilliance.

Defining Moments of the 21st Century

To highlight some of the more recent plays, ESPN college football writers nominated and ranked the top plays since 2000. The plays were ranked 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. Here are some of the plays that topped the list:

1. Kick-Six (2013)

The 2013 Iron Bowl between Auburn and Alabama produced one of the most unbelievable endings in college football lore. With the score tied 28-28 and one second remaining, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal. When the kick fell short, Auburn's Chris Davis caught the ball deep in his own end zone and raced 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown as time expired. The improbable play, accompanied by the unforgettable call of "Auburn's going to win the football game!" by the late Rod Bramblett, sealed a stunning victory for the Tigers and dashed Alabama's national title hopes.

2. Boise State's Trickeration (2007)

The 2007 Fiesta Bowl between Boise State and Oklahoma was a masterclass in trickery and determination. Trailing late in the game, Boise State executed a "hook and ladder" play to tie the score with just seconds remaining. In overtime, down 42-41, the Broncos pulled off the "Statue of Liberty" play, with running back Ian Johnson taking the handoff and running into the end zone for the win. Johnson then capped off the night by proposing to his girlfriend on the field.

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3. The Invincibowl (2006)

The 2006 Rose Bowl, pitting Texas against USC, is remembered for Vince Young's heroic performance. With the national championship on the line, Young led the Longhorns down the field and, on fourth-and-5 in the final seconds, scrambled into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, securing Texas' first national title in 35 years.

4. Tua's Toss (2018)

In the 2018 national title game, Alabama trailed Georgia at halftime, prompting coach Nick Saban to insert freshman Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback. After a back-and-forth battle that extended into overtime, Tagovailoa, facing immense pressure, threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith, sealing Alabama's victory and marking a thrilling end to the College Football Playoff era.

5. The Horror (2007)

Appalachian State's upset victory over Michigan in 2007 remains one of the most significant upsets in college football history. As a Division I-AA team, Appalachian State stunned the No. 5-ranked Wolverines in Ann Arbor. After a late Michigan field goal attempt was blocked, Appalachian State held on for the improbable win.

6. 'Six' (2008)

In 2008, Texas Tech faced No. 1 Texas. With seconds remaining, Graham Harrell connected with Michael Crabtree, who broke a tackle and scored, securing Texas Tech's biggest win in school history.

7. Prayer at Jordan-Hare (2013)

In 2013, Auburn faced Georgia. On fourth-and-18, Nick Marshall launched a pass that was tipped into the hands of Ricardo Louis. Louis never broke stride as he ran into the end zone for a 73-yard touchdown with 25 seconds remaining. Auburn won 43-38.

8. Surrender Cobra (2015)

In 2015, Michigan State played Michigan. With 10 seconds remaining, Michigan punter Blake O'Neill muffed a low snap, and Jalen Watts-Jackson of Michigan State scooped it up and scored as time expired. Michigan State won, and the ESPN broadcast immediately panned to Michigan student Chris Baldwin, who had his hands on his head in disbelief, producing the most viral surrender cobra.

9. Superman (2001)

In 2001, Oklahoma played Texas. Roy Williams leaped over the gap, crashing into the chest of quarterback Chris Simms. The collision popped the ball into the arms of linebacker Teddy Lehman, who waltzed into the end zone to seal a 14-3 victory.

10. Champions* (2003)

In the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, Ohio State played Miami. A pass interference call on Miami's Glenn Sharpe in overtime prevented the Hurricanes from repeating as national champions. With a fresh set of downs, Ohio State scored to send the game into a second overtime and won the game 31-24.

11. Clowney 'car wreck' (2013)

In the 2013 Outback Bowl, Jadeveon Clowney knocked the helmet off Michigan's Vincent Smith after a hard hit, causing a fumble that Clowney then recovered. South Carolina won 33-28.

12. 'Oh my gracious!' (2012)

In 2012, Johnny Manziel led Texas A&M into the SEC, and rolled into Tuscaloosa as 14-point underdogs to No. 1 Alabama. Manziel avoided a sack, bounced off an Alabama defender, bobbled the ball, caught it, rolled left and found Ryan Swope in the back of the end zone.

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13. 'Orange Crush' (2017)

In the 2017 national championship game, Deshaun Watson put Clemson ahead with a 2-yard touchdown to Hunter Renfrow to win the CFP National Championship. Clemson scored with one second left to win 35-31.

Landmark Plays from College Football History

While the 21st century has produced its share of memorable moments, college football's rich history is filled with legendary plays that continue to resonate with fans. Here are some examples of such plays:

The Poser (1991)

Desmond Howard's Heisman pose after a 93-yard punt return touchdown against Ohio State is an iconic image in college football. The play and the pose are forever etched in the collective memory of the sport.

Simpson’s Best 64 (1967)

In the 1967 game between USC and UCLA, O.J. Simpson's 64-yard touchdown run secured a thrilling victory for the Trojans. The game had serious implications regarding conference and national championship crowns, as well as the Heisman Trophy.

Poetic Justice (1935)

In 1935, Bill Shakespeare threw a touchdown pass to Wayne Millner to lift Notre Dame over Ohio State. The Irish silenced the Buckeye faithful in Columbus, winning the game by a final mark of 18-13.

5th-and-Goal (1990)

In 1990, Colorado's fifth-down victory over Missouri was controversial. The Buffaloes managed to drive the length of the field and with 40 seconds to go had the ball 1st-and-goal inside the Tiger five. After an eternal delay of 20 minutes wherein the officiating crew was actually informed of its oversight on the down marker, the score was deemed valid, and Colorado won the contest 33-31. Colorado went on to go undefeated in its 1990 campaign and grabbed a share of a national title.

Reich to Hill (1984)

In 1984, Miami led Maryland 31-0 at halftime. Maryland, led by Frank Reich, reeled off 42 second-half points to knock off the Hurricanes. The signature play of the game was a fourth-quarter, 68-yard Reich to Greg Hill touchdown pass that flew through the hands of Miami safety Darrell Fullington, putting the Terrapins in the lead 35-34. The final score was 42-40 in favor of Maryland.

There Goes Frazier (1996)

In the 1996 Fiesta Bowl, Nebraska QB Tommie Frazier kept the ball on the option from the Cornhusker 25. Frazier made it to the Nebraska 36 before he was swarmed by a group of Florida defenders who appeared to have him wrapped up. Somehow Frazier broke free and blazed 75 yards for a touchdown, managing to break at least seven tackles in the process.

The Catch (1977)

Jerry Butler’s diving, twisting, backwards catch from Clemson QB Steve Fuller capped off a thrilling 31-27 Clemson victory over hated in-state rival South Carolina. The must-see catch came with only 49 seconds left on the clock, and not only did it mark the final score of a great college football contest, it also lifted Clemson back into the national spotlight, earning the Tigers their first bowl berth in 17 years.

Tate to Holloway (2005)

The Iowa Hawkeyes spoiled Nick Saban’s LSU going-away party with a game-ending 56-yard Drew Tate to Warren Holloway touchdown pass as time expired in the 2005 Capital One Bowl. The Tigers had gone ahead 25-24 only seconds earlier on a JaMarcus Russell to Skyler Green pass but ultimately were defeated by Iowa by a final score of 30-25.

Bush in the Fog (2004)

Oregon State had upset on its mind when it hosted undefeated USC on the evening of November 6, 2004. But the Beavers' dreams weren’t to be realized, in large part because of Trojan RB Reggie Bush, who returned a punt 65 yards in the fourth quarter to seal a 28-20 USC victory.

Wide Right One (1991)

It was a pass interference call that gave No. 1 Florida State the ball on No. 2 Miami’s 18-yard line with just under a minute to go in the game. FSU was down to Miami by a paper-thin 17-16 margin when, after running a play on first down, Seminole coach Bobby Bowden opted to send Gerry Thomas onto the field for the game-winning score. Thomas’ kick became a part of college football lore when it flew right of the uprights and became the beginning of FSU’s monumental kicking woes.

Hatfield Breaks Free (1964)

No. 1 Texas hosted No. 7 Arkansas in Austin on October 17, 1964 in a game that would eventually help to determine the national championship. The only score in the first half was an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown by Ken Hatfield, who streaked down the sideline for the Hogs score.

Tiffin Ices the Iron (1985)

After a wild fourth quarter and the score at 23-22 in favor of Auburn, the Crimson Tide were on their own 12 with less than a minute to play and zero timeouts. In five thrilling plays Alabama managed, under the direction of QB Mike Shula, to reach the Auburn 35-yard line, and Van Tiffin nailed a 52-yard field goal as time expired. Final score: Alabama 25, Auburn 22.

The Gutsy Gipper (1920)

One play that at least somewhat legitimizes the legend came on November 20, 1920 during the final moments of a road game vs. Northwestern. Already up by a considerable margin, George Gipp entered the game with a separated shoulder but still managed to hurl a Notre Dame-record 70-yard touchdown pass to Irish receiver Norman Barry. The final score was 33-7 in favor of Notre Dame, and sadly Gipp went on (less than a month later) to perish from pneumonia.

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