Notre Dame Football: Remembering the 2005 Classic Against USC

The 2005 Notre Dame-USC game remains one of the greatest college football games of all time.

If you pull up the Wikipedia entry on USC’s 2005 season, their record is listed as 0-0. Due to former USC Running Back Reggie Bush’s ineligibility, the NCAA vacated all of the Trojans’ victories. Technically, according to the record books, the 2005 classic between Notre Dame and USC did not occur.

Unfortunately, the game that occurred 12 years ago today did happen. USC Quarterback Matt Leinart and Wide Receiver Dwayne Jarrett ripped out the hearts of every Notre Dame fan on the planet. As fans recall, the Irish forced the Trojans into a 4th and 9 situation with 1:32 left in regulation. Leinart’s pass slipped past the finger tips of Ambrose Wooden into the hands of Jarrett who sprinted down into the red zone. Chaos promptly ensued with the clock running out erroneously and students storming the field. With only seconds remaining, Reggie Bush pushed Leinart across the goal-line for the three point victory.

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As someone lucky enough to attend that day, I can truly say that it still cuts like knife. The stadium was absolutely electric. The build up to the game included ESPN’s College GameDay and just about any celebrity associated with the two Universities appearing in South Bend (the only time that I’ve seen Regis on campus). Late in the game, as many reporters can attest, the stadium literally shook because of the noise level. I’m positive this happened before and after this classic game. However, in the 12 years since, I have never felt that earthquake inside Notre Dame Stadium including during the goal-line stand against Stanford in 2012.

The Basilica following the game was packed. I sat for mass with my Aunt, Uncle and Mother on the floor behind the altar. No one spoke. Of course, Church is never a raucous environment. But this time, there was an eerie quietness inside. Instead of focusing on the Homily, it felt like everyone was trying to process what had just occurred.

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As years pass, the emotions of many losses begin to temper. However, this is one game that I do not think will begin to feel “okay.” As a huge college football fan in general, I take some happiness in knowing that I witnessed one of the greatest college football games of all time. Bleacher Report ranked the “Bush Push” game as the 18th greatest game in history. It certainly was. But, I remain bitter to this day and, no, I will not get over it.

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