{"id":14958,"date":"2018-07-03T09:00:19","date_gmt":"2018-07-03T13:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosoncfb.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=14958"},"modified":"2025-09-13T15:55:27","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T19:55:27","slug":"lwocfb-30-for-30-the-best-college-football-games-in-the-last-30-years-part-two","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2018\/07\/03\/lwocfb-30-for-30-the-best-college-football-games-in-the-last-30-years-part-two\/","title":{"rendered":"LWOCFB 30 for 30: The Best College Football Games in the Last 30 Years (Part Two)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe those incredible games happened so long ago. Now that we have reached deep down in the memory bank, we’ll get a little closer to current day. In this countdown, we go from 2003 to just less than 12 months ago. Settle in while we bring you\u00a0The Best College Football Games in the Last 30 Years. (Part Two)<\/p>\n

2003<\/strong><\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a>California vs #3 USC\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

The Mighty Have Fallen<\/h3>\n

California was just two years removed from a 1-11 season and was trying to get back to prominence under new coach Jeff Tedford<\/a>. Meanwhile, the Southern Cal train was rolling. Headlining the charge for the Trojans was Matt Leinart<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0looking to play for a National Championship.<\/p>\n

Another quarterback that you may have heard of by the name of Aaron Rodgers<\/a><\/strong> led Cal to a shocking 21-7 first half advantage. After a second-half charge that led the game to Overtime, it was all up to the kickers. In particular, Tyler Fredrickson<\/a><\/strong> from Cal who had his previous two attempts blocked nailed a 38-yard attempt to give the Bears the upset 34-31.<\/p>\n

2004<\/strong><\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a>#3 Auburn vs #9 Virginia Tech\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

Sanctioned Champs<\/h3>\n

Oh, what could have been for the Auburn Tigers<\/strong>. Unable to play for or win a National Championship the undefeated record and Sugar Bowl game was truly a game of pride. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech<\/strong> was coming in as one of the hottest teams in the country with eight consecutive victories.<\/p>\n

Auburn dominated most of this football game. Using a suffocating defense and an efficient offense headlined by Jason Campbell<\/a><\/strong> and the duo of Carnell Williams<\/a><\/strong> and Ronnie Brown<\/a><\/strong>, the Tigers lead 16-0 heading into the fourth quarter. However, a furious rally brought the score to 16-13. The comeback would end there as Auburn recovered the onside kick to preserve the perfect season.<\/p>\n

2005<\/strong><\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a>#1 USC vs #9 Notre Dame\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

The Bush Push<\/h3>\n

USC<\/strong> came in with a 27-game winning streak. Comparatively, Notre Dame<\/strong> was looking to turn around their luck against USC as the Trojans had won the last three contests by 31 points each.<\/p>\n

Notre Dame took a 21-14 lead into halftime off of a 59-yard punt return touchdown by\u00a0Tom Zbikowski<\/a><\/strong>. Mounting a comeback, Notre Dame Quarterback Brady Quinn<\/a><\/strong> ran five yards for a score to give the Irish the advantage with about two minutes left. In one of the most iconic plays in College Football history. Matt Leinart<\/a> opted for a quarterback sneak. After being initially stopped by the Notre Dame defenders, Reggie Bush<\/a><\/strong> helped to get Lineart into the end zone by pushing him across the goal line. This would give USC the 34-31 victory.<\/p>\n