BREAKING NEWS: ESPN Ranks Vince Young’s Rose Bowl Scramble Among Top Three College Football Plays Since 2000
In a recent ESPN feature, former Texas Longhorns quarterback Vince Young’s iconic game-winning scramble in the 2006 Rose Bowl was ranked as the third-best college football play of the 21st century. This recognition underscores the enduring impact of Young’s performance in one of college football’s most memorable games.
The 2006 Rose Bowl: A Defining Moment
On January 4, 2006, the Texas Longhorns faced the USC Trojans in the BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The game featured two undefeated teams, with USC aiming for a third consecutive national title and Texas seeking its first in 35 years. The contest lived up to its billing, with five lead changes and a thrilling fourth quarter.
With 19 seconds remaining and facing a crucial fourth-and-5, Young took matters into his own hands. He scrambled to the right, eluded defenders, and dove into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown, securing a 41–38 victory for Texas. ESPN’s Jake Trotter described Young’s performance as “arguably the best individual season this century,” highlighting the significance of the Rose Bowl scramble in college football history.
A Historic Performance
Young’s performance in the Rose Bowl was nothing short of historic. He amassed 467 total yards—267 passing and 200 rushing—becoming the first player in NCAA history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. His six total touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) were instrumental in Texas’s perfect 13–0 season and their first national championship since 1970.
Despite not winning the Heisman Trophy that season, Young’s performance in the Rose Bowl solidified his status as one of college football’s all-time greats. His game-winning scramble remains a defining moment in the sport’s history.
Legacy and Recognition
The 2006 Rose Bowl is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football games ever played. ESPN named it the top moment in NCAA football history, citing
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