Throwback Thursday: Texas shocks USC in the 2006 National Championship Game

Arguably one of the best college football games ever, we take a look back at the 2006 Rose Bowl between USC and Texas

When you look back at the history of college football, what are you images that come to mind? It might be Desmond Howard’s Heisman pose or the Statue of Liberty play in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. However, most recent fans will tell you the game they remember most is the 2006 National Championship between the USC Trojans and the Texas Longhorns.

Both teams were on a collision course throughout the season. USC was looking to make history with three straight National Championships while Texas was looking for their first since 1970. Both teams headed into the Rose Bowl undefeated with USC ranked No. 1 and Texas No. 2.

This game was loaded with pro talent. The Trojans were led by former Heisman winning quarterback Matt Leinart and running back Reggie Bush, who won it that season. The talent did not end there with players such as LenDale White, Dwayne Jarrett and Frostee Rucker also on the team.

Texas had great players of their own. The most notable was the quarterback and Heisman finalist, Vince Young who left no doubt after the game about who the best player in the country was. Aiding Young that night were defensive stalwarts Michael Griffin, Brian Orakpo, Brian Robison and Michael Huff. With USC favored by seven, Texas was determined to shatter their dreams and claim the title for their own legacy.

The game proved to be a back-and-forth affair. Texas grasped USC and the country’s full attention, leading 16-10 at halftime. In the third quarter, head coach Pete Carroll put the ball in White’s hands and he delivered with two rushing touchdowns to give the Trojans a 24-23 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

After USC extended their lead to 38-26 lead with just over six minutes to play, the game appeared to be theirs. However, Young was not ready to concede. He scored on a 17-yard run and after White failed to convert a fourth down (with Bush on the sideline), Young had one more shot. Just minutes later, on 4th-and-5, he scored his third rushing touchdown to give Texas the lead they wouldn’t relinquish and won 41-38.

For college football fans around the country, the game lived up the hype. Many have argued this is the best college football game and who could blame them. It had everything. From a spectacular individual performance by Young to both teams truly being the two best in the country, it has all the elements of being called the greatest game.

With USC and Texas meeting for the second time since that game, the ghosts of the 2006 Rose Bowl will be on every player’s mind this Saturday night.