2011 Kickoff Countdown: 11 Best Games Since 2000, ___ Goes Off

Six Saturdays until college football. Enjoy these next weeks of summer and sunshine, because the days are flying by until the 2011 season kicks off. The NCAA’s offseason activity could render an upcoming star turn null and void, at least statistically. Such is the case of Reggie Bush. He may now be more recognized for his lackluster NFL career, relationship with Kim Kardashian, and repossession of the Heisman, but make no mistake: Bush was among the best collegiate running backs ever.

His numbers may be stricken from the record books, rendering his career non-existent. Well, tell that to Pat Hill.

Fresno State had seemingly reacquired its throne atop the non-automatic qualifier mountain in ’05. The Bulldogs routed rival Boise State for their eighth win a week prior to entering the Coliseum, and their sole loss was a three-point decision at Oregon. That season’s Ducks finished second in the Pac-10.

Fresno was ranked No. 16 that November night in Los Angeles, yet through the first half played more like No. 1. The Bulldogs jumped all over top ranked and unbeaten USC with a strong defensive showing and the offense capitalizing on opportunities. Conversely, the Trojans could muster just one first half touchdown, twice having to settle for field goals. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart was adequate and turnover-free, but never really got going that night.

Then again, he didn’t need to.

With the Bulldogs leading 21-13 at halftime, Bush took the field in the second half donning a Superman cape, a Green Lantern ring, a Batman utility belt — something of the superhero variety, because he was virtually unstoppable. His breakaway speed and elusiveness paced USC to three unanswered scores in the third quarter, seemingly breaking the game open and continuing the inevitable: USC’s march to the Rose Bowl and a date with fellow unbeaten, Texas.

See, USC and Texas playing in what remains the best bowl game of my lifetime was written the stars. The two were on a collision course no team could stop. And USC’s date with Fresno was oddly reminiscent of one Texas had had with Oklahoma State three weeks prior.

UT fell behind 28-12 at halftime vs. the Cowboys, but Vince Young kicked it into overdrive and powered the Longhorns to a remarkable 35-0 second half run. USC appeared to be on the same pace vs. Fresno with its three touchdown streak in the third; a third that ended with Fresno getting a score to pull within four, only to see Bush break off a 50-yard run to extend back to double digits.

Pac-10 mainstay Barry Tompkins was on the call as Bush pulled off a move on the football field that would have impressed Pistol Pete Maravich on the hardwood.

Fresno could have rolled over after surrendering that one, but Hill’s teams have always been tough, even since slipping from national prominence. The Bulldogs would not play OSU to USC’s Texas, instead answering with two scores to start the fourth quarter, and regain the lead.

The defensive strategy seemingly became contain Bush. And No. 5 wouldn’t reach the end zone anymore, but if earlier he was channeling Pistol Pete, than late he became John Stockton. Bush was setting the table for his Trojan teammate, Lendale White. White managed just 21 yards on this night, but scored nearly as many touchdowns (two) as he averaged yards per carry (three).

White reaching pay dirt gave USC the edge for good, which late kicker Mario Danelo sealed with a field goal down the stretch.

While that season’s “Bush Push” defeat of Notre Dame is more recognized, and perhaps the better overall game, there’s certain qualities to this one that define the era. Bush was never better than on this night. He rushed for a nickel-and-penny short of 300 yards, a 12.3 yard per carry average. He returned seven kicks to set up the USC offense en route to its 50 points. He was also the Trojans’ most prolific receiving going away, catching for 68 yards on three receptions.

Furthermore, this is a watershed moment in Fresno State’s history. Earlier, the Kickoff Countdown chronicled Boise State’s 2001 defeat of the Bulldogs as a moment BSU became a national player. This game marked the end of Fresno’s run as one, as it set off a losing streak the Bulldogs would carry through the postseason. Fresno has not been close to matching that No. 16 ranking since.