Unbelievable Moment or Controversial Move? ESPN Ranks the ‘Bush Push’ Among College Football’s Greatest Plays of the Century

Every once in a while, college football throws out a moment so tantalizing, so downright unforgettable, it sticks in your brain like gum under a stadium seat. The 2005 USC-Notre Dame clash gifted us one such instant—Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart, poised to score the game-winner on what should’ve been a nipped-at-the-line sneak, grabbed a surreptitious shove from running back Reggie Bush that catapulted him over the goal line. This cheeky assist, since dubbed the “Bush Push,” not only tilted the scales in USC’s favor but etched itself into the annals of gridiron greatness. ESPN recently recognized this sly maneuver in its top 25 college football plays of the century—slotting it at No. 14—a placement that, frankly, has USC fans raising an eyebrow or two. That shove not only preserved an epic 34-game winning streak but also fueled the Trojans’ march toward a national championship appearance. Though their ultimate glory was swiped late by Vince Young’s own legendary run—ranked even higher on that list—the “Bush Push” remains an emblem of heart, hustle, and a bit of rule-bending genius that makes college football, well, college football. LEARN MORE

The 2005 USC-Notre Dame rivalry game featured one of the most memorable moments in college football history. In the game’s final seconds, Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart scored the game-winning touchdown on a QB sneak, with some help from running back Reggie Bush, who pushed him into the end zone. The play became known as the “Bush Push”, and has become immortalized in both USC and college football lore.”On its own, the Bush Push’ of 2005 wasn’t something to marvel at. With top-ranked USC trailing Notre Dame 31-28 with seven seconds left in South Bend, Indiana, Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart — the reigning Heisman Trophy winner — appeared to have been stopped short on a surprising quarterback sneak attempt, only for Reggie Bush to shove him in the chest, propelling him across the goal line. The push violated the NCAA rulebook, but was not penalized, giving USC a key win as it continued its march to the BCS National Championship game.”Recently, ESPN put out a story of the top 25 college football plays of the 21st century thus far. The “Bush Push” made the list, coming in at No. 14. Here is what ESPN had to say about the play:

Unfortunately for the Trojans, when they got to the title game, they fell victim to another iconic play: Vince Young’s game-winning touchdown run in the final minute. That play—which came in at No. 3 on the list—is one USC fans would certainly prefer to forget.USC fans would likely argue that No. 14 is much too low on the list. The play is arguably the single most iconic moment in one of college football’s greatest rivalries. Not only did it keep the Trojans’ historic 34-game win streak alive, but it led to them eventually making it all the way to the national championship game.