OT: Most Memorable Game?
Homer teams excluded.
What is the most memorable regular season college football game that you've seen recently (limited to the 2000s)? Mine may be Auburn v. Florida 2006. Auburn scores 19 un-answered to win the game and be the only team to beat Florida in 06. Everything about that game was wild: the pre-game war eagle, the primetime crowd, and the stellar defensive execution on both sides of the ball.
A close second for me would be OSU at PSU in 2006. Another defensive battle where PSU only put up 195 yards. It was the battle between AJ Hawk and OSU's D vs. the PSU D consisting Hali, Dan Connor, and Paul Posluszny. The WhiteOut was alive and well in Happy Valley.
What are some of yours?
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:37 PM ^
Both of tOSU's flops in the NC. UM beating PSU in the last second in 2005 sticks out the most right this minute.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:00 PM ^
Isnt asking the question "what's the best regular season game you've ever seen not involving your home team" sort of like asking "what's the best piece of ass you've ever heard about your buddy getting?"
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:28 PM ^
Major buildup - winner has inside track to Big 10, National Championships.
M: 34-8.
Barely noticed that I spent the better part of the day standing in a cold rainy drizzle.
Edit - yeah - so I can't read either.. still the best damn game I ever saw.
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:41 PM ^
Texas vs OSU 2005. Also CMU vs MSU 2009. And OSU vs Purdue 2009.
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:52 PM ^
can't read apparently. Without Michigan...
really can't read, regular season only? Shit.
Stanford vs. USC in '07 when Stanford was a bajillion point underdog. I could not believe what I was seeing.
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:23 PM ^
agreed. And yet USC still didn't drop that far in the polls after that shit show. It was just another example of the favoritism that the MSM gives the University of Spoiled Children.
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:42 PM ^
was pretty good. WVU made a huge 2nd half comeback after Marshall had a couple chances to finish them off. My dad works for Marshall so I was watching the game but didn't expect it to actually be entertaining or close at all.
October 22nd, 2010 at 6:18 PM ^
WVU's o-line got a fair amount of help from the refs during their comeback, though, when holding ceased to be a penalty during the last quarter.
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:45 PM ^
PSU, 2006. I was in the crowd, 8 rows up from where MM caught the TD. I tried to crowd surf in jubilation. It didn't work well, as I weigh 200 pounds. It was still the single happiest moment in U of M fandom I've ever been witness to in-person.
The MSU game from 2004 is the other one, but that was at Duffy's in Chicago, in full costume, after leading a group prayer when we were down. 12 people participated in the group prayer. I'm not religious. Nor are my friends. But those were dire times.
EDIT: Reading comprehension fail. I'd still say, though, that those two games that I mentioned are, to me, the two most memorable. However, non-U of M games, I'd have to go with USC-Texas Rose Bowl, for sure. That was such an epic, epic game.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:44 PM ^
You mean 2005, right?
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:45 PM ^
The Texas-Texas Tech Michael Crabtree extravaganza was a lot of fun to watch, especially since I was watching with a bunch of UT fans.
Actually, the Washington-Oregon State game last weekend was a lot of fun as well. Husky Stadium was rocking (literally - the cameras were shaking), and the game went to 2OT.
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:47 PM ^
Night game, I was in the Illini student section getting a lot of app st crap. Great atmosphere, close game, Michigan victory, I was very drunk, great game.
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:56 PM ^
Two of my roommates and I got tickets for this game in the Mich section, we had a great tailgate with some Illinois fans. The greatest part of this was walking out of the stadium singing the victors with all the UofM fans. Something I will never forget. Also loved seeing shirts that said, "F#ck Juice, Drink Beer"
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:48 PM ^
I lived with a guy who went to USC and we were watching the game and I remember him flipping out. Stanford was a 41 point dog on the road and pulled off the 24-23 win.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:26 PM ^
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:34 PM ^
"Touchdown, USC!"
October 22nd, 2010 at 7:48 PM ^
That might have been the biggest upset I have watched on TV. USC was so explosive. Defense loaded with future pros too.
I was away from a TV for the 2007 Michigan opener.
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:49 PM ^
I really do not like any of the first three teams. The USC/ND game in South Bend (same night as Henne to Manningham against PSU...could be one of the best days of college football ever) was epic as all hell. It was th Bush push game. I loved all the faces of the ND fans as they lost after thinking time ran out.
The USC/Texas rose bowl national championship game was unreal. From Bush's idiot lateral move to Vince Young basically winning the NC on his own. That was probably the best overall game I have ever seen and it was on the biggest stage with the most on the line.
The most entertaining game was Boise State/Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. I was in depression mode after Michigan lost the Rose Bowl and managed to turn this game on at the beginning of the 4th quarter which was the best decision I ever made. The hook and lateral to tie it in the 4th, the halfback pass in OT and the statue of liberty on the 2pt conversion...incredible.
I kept it to just college football, there are probably others from other sports...but these three were the first to come to my mind. And I also excluded Michigan from the thought...otherwise '97 vs OSU would win by a mile
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:52 PM ^
I will never forget that Oklahoma, Boise State game. From Boise's early domination, to Oklahoma's incredible comeback, to Boise's great plays to tie the game and then win in overtime.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:17 PM ^
Don't forget Ian Johnson's proposal after the game. Everything about that game was epic. I remember after BSU threw that pick 6 thinking this game is over. Then the hook and ladder came.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:52 PM ^
That cheerleader was pretty damn hot.
I wonder if they're still together...
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:56 PM ^
Without a doubt Braylonfest is #1 and there is nothing else even close. I can remember every detail of that game starting with the Goddamn counter fucking draw State ran for a TD that made the score 27-10. I live in Cleveland and it's a 3 hour drive home back from the games. My oldest son was with me and I remember turning to him and saying "one last possession and then we'll leave." I had been taking tons of shit from Sparty fans (I'm pretty vocal myself) from the 3rd quarter on and wasnt sure if i wanted to listen to it for the rest of the game. But a bomb to Braylon and field goal and the game was now only two scores away. An onside kick recovery, another Braylon TD and it was ON. You guys all remember the rest.
I remember starting to say "not dead yet" louder and louder to my new Sparty friends till i was screaming it at the top of my lungs. I remember being cold (game started it was warm and i had shorts and t-shirt on) but i remember not giving a shit. And i remember the place being LOUD as hell - the way 110k people OUGHT to sound I thought - and the big house literally shaking from the noise. It was awesome and even now as i write this I thank God I didnt leave and it gives me chills to remember it. What a night.
OK...I cant read either (wantted only non-home games) but I really dont give a shit. I loved that game and it made me feel real good to remember it and write that down.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:18 PM ^
Texas vs USC might be my favorite non-Michigan game of all time.
I also really enjoyed the Texas vs Nebraska game last year and the Florida vs Alabama SEC title game in 2008.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:20 PM ^
You mean they play games without Michigan? Blasphemy.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:25 PM ^
Unfortunately, I would have to say Spartan Bob is number 2.
Both losses. Uhg.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:30 PM ^
is always the last one that we won.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:30 PM ^
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:32 PM ^
Unfortunately Urban Meyer (spit) and his sissy-boy quarterback got to go instead. I will never forget that injustice. I've never liked Florida football, but from that point on I will always HATE them and root against all things Gator.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:45 PM ^
Every LSU came has been quite entertaining this year.
However, the Ole Miss-Jacksonville State game this year was wild. I'll take that one.
Most memorable M game would have to be Wisco 2008 and PSU 2005.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:52 PM ^
That I've been too:
Penn State-Michigan 2005 or LSU-Arkansas 2007
That I've watched on tv:
Michigan-OSU 2006
USC-Texas 2006
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:03 PM ^
Experience was in 2002. I was leading the LSU Tigers in a tourney format at a friends house and was playing the owner/host (NCAA Football 2003). i was down 24-3 to the Fighting Irish when late in the 3rd qtr I arrived upon a glitch play. it was a long wheel route to the RB, an unstoppable play. Like every genius of x's and o's i used this play every time until I ended up winning the game 32-31 on a two-pt conversion after reg time elapsed. After celebrating the home team improvised an impromtu pyrotechnics display. Snapped his controller in two, pulled out his console by that same controller he had broken, which made the TV fall and smash to the ground. One hell of a light show.
After we thanked the Lord for the victory in a team prayer me and my team came to the conclusion that was probably the best win ever.
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:18 PM ^
there's little doubt that the top game I've experienced in person was UM-OSU '69. The biggest "upset" in Michigan history. It helps that I was working for ABC that day.
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:34 PM ^
+1 for you sir. You should always get a +1 for being at that game no matter the topic of the discusison thread.
October 22nd, 2010 at 7:44 PM ^
Rich's Michigan program needs that sort of quantum leap type game. Where the corner gets turned and it is obvious to the world.
My vote is for doing it in Columbus in a few weeks.
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:41 PM ^
3-2 final score. Greatest game of all time.
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:55 PM ^
LSU vs Florida in 2007, the Les Miles 4th down extravaganza
LSU vs Florida in 2010, where Les Miles proved that he still doesn't believe in field goals
OSU vs USC in 2009, because that's one of the most delicious bits of schaudenfreude I can recall (OSU vs Penn State when Pryor cried is a close trailer)
October 22nd, 2010 at 5:15 PM ^
Last year in the bowl game (I think it was the Outback bowl) was just incredible.
October 22nd, 2010 at 5:40 PM ^
UM-Florida 08. Ending an era.
October 22nd, 2010 at 5:45 PM ^
That was the biggest shock during the 2007 season that I saw and I couldn't believe when it happened. My whole family just went insane when the Sooners lost lol. My 2nd would have to be OSU Michigan 2006. That game was so epic and came down to the wire. It was a shame that you guys didnt beat them though.
As much as I don't want to say this I have to put Appalachian State up there too. I know you guys are going to hate me and probably get after me on here for saying that but as much as you hate that game you have to admit it was one of the biggest upsets in sports and probably the biggest upset in college football in the last century. Nobody expected it happen! You guys were ranked 5th or 6th too and to see you lose to a division 2 team was just shocking. I have to put that game up there for upset purposes. I'm sorry you guys. :(
October 22nd, 2010 at 7:21 PM ^
anyways... I just Googled "best college bowl games" and got this about 5 sites down:
Home page of the bcsfootbal.org has an Si interview with Rodriguez (I know - it's old news by now) and a link to the Michigan/OSU game.
Best non-Michigan college football game I have ever personally attended was USC vs Notre Dame in October 2005. USC won 34 - 31.
October 22nd, 2010 at 7:41 PM ^
That was the apex of the USC greatness under Carroll. I remember being certain that Notre Dame was going to be an 11, 12 win program under Weis after watching that game.
Woops.
October 22nd, 2010 at 7:15 PM ^
Good grief, I dont know where to begin. I'll just throw out a couple
2002: OSU 13, Purdue 10. The famous Jenkins catch. One of my favorites because I put big money--at least for me back at that time--on the Boilers. Watched the game with two of the biggest John Purdue club members, who bet the Buckeyes. LOL. Watching their range of emotions while I cashed just always stands out as some of the most fun three hours watching a game. They're two of my best friends and we always talk about that game.
1987: The Big 10 Round Robin between MSU, OSU and IU, or as I call it, the best Big 10 race that didnt involve Michigan in my lifetime. Back then I WAS an MSU fan. They were the clear #2 in my life. I mean, I grew up in Ohio, and I had clowns (OSU fans) to the left of me and jokers (Irish fans) to the right of me everywhere I went. Sparty, back then, was a common ally. I'll never forget the MSU/OSU game on Halloween afternoon in C-Bus. Sparty spanked them. That night, I went to my first ever rock concert--Whitesnake at the Toledo Sports Arena. A bunch of us went, this was big stuff for a 15-year-old, but we held up the night a bit so the OSU partisans could watch the end. I celebrated that night with David Coverdale. Anyway, IU also smoked OSU like 41-10, prompting Earle Bruce to call it the darkest day in OSU history. LOL. IU and MSU played the second to last week of the season for the Roses. Sparty won and Lo White had like 50 carries or something. It was the most impressive effort I have seen in a Big 10 game rushing the ball until Biakabutka and then later Perry. MSU's Rose Bowl win over USC--and their Labor Day Night win earlier that year over the same Trojan team--were memorable too. My favorite non-Michigan players growing up were on those Sparty teams.
2008: Iowa over Penn State. I could pick a bunch of Iowa games that made me richer, but this one gets the nod. My first Big 10 Picks series at Mgo had already stirred the masses with some nice weeks picking, but this cemented my repuation here because I nailed the upset almost down to the score. And, I had been predicting the upset for several weeks too. But it was just an awesome Big 10 football game. And the Kirk Ferentz Game Management Plan That He Really Stole From Lloyd Carr was in rare form as the Hawks, losing all game, won it at the end.
October 22nd, 2010 at 7:38 PM ^
One guy that your post brought to mind was White. I always felt like he should have won the Heisman in 85 over Jackson. Great post. Brought back a lot of memories.
October 22nd, 2010 at 8:32 PM ^
Also, 2006 at ND-A great day in South Bend for sure. A defensive TD to start the game and to end it, with 3 Super Mario TD's in between.
October 22nd, 2010 at 8:52 PM ^
WVU v Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl was pretty memorable. It was unreal watching them dismantle a physically superior team, knowing that the architect behind it was on his way to Michigan.
Ed: Missed the regular season part. Neg me like the dirty whore that I am.
October 22nd, 2010 at 8:51 PM ^
Didn't see it. But hearing the score on the radio in northern Illinois made the drive of shame home from Madison that much better.
October 23rd, 2010 at 1:22 PM ^
I am kind of fond of tOSU losing to the College of Forestry, Lingerie State and/or Columbus Community College in their 2011 openers.