By Darin January 4, 2006. Pasadena, California. This date marked the end of an era and the birth of a legend in what many still call the greatest college football game ever played. The stage was set for the 2006 Rose Bowl National Championship between the undefeated No. 1 USC Trojans and the No. 2 Texas Longhorns. USC, boasting a 34-game winning streak, was on the cusp of a third consecutive national title—a run that fueled conversations about them being the greatest team ever. But Texas, led by quarterback Vince Young, carried a deep competitive grudge, particularly after USC’s Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy. The Longhorns were ready to challenge the narrative.
The Duel for the Title
The game was an absolute spectacle, delivering on every ounce of hype. USC’s incredible dynasty was within arm’s reach, but the Texas offense, orchestrated by the electrifying Vince Young, refused to yield. Young put forth a performance for the ages, dominating the contest both through the air and on the ground, ultimately throwing for 267 yards and rushing for a phenomenal 200 yards.
The Trojans looked dominant, holding a two-touchdown lead deep into the fourth quarter. However, the Longhorns mounted an unforgettable comeback, scoring twice in the final 6:42 to close the gap. With the game on the line in the waning seconds, a controversial decision added fuel to the fire: USC head coach Pete Carroll decided to go for it on a pivotal fourth-and-two near midfield, a move that still puzzles fans today, especially given that Heisman winner Reggie Bush was on the bench.
Article from Jan 5, 2006 The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
The stage was set for the final, iconic moment. Down by five points with just 19 seconds remaining, Texas faced a fourth-and-five from the USC 8-yard line. Vince Young, taking the snap, saw an opening, dashed around the right end, and plunged into the endzone for the winning score. Texas 41, USC 38. The 35-game winning streak was shattered, the USC dynasty was dethroned, and the 2006 Rose Bowl secured its place in history as the ultimate National Championship upset.
Conclusion
The 2006 Texas vs. USC showdown was more than just a football game; it was a defining moment in sports history. Vince Young’s performance, combining 467 total yards and capping the dramatic comeback with a decisive scramble, remains unparalleled. The game’s intensity, the high stakes, and the unforgettable last-minute heroics ensure that the Rose Bowl 2006 will forever be synonymous with college football perfection.
