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USA Today
15-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where does Auburn's 'kick six' rank among ESPN's best plays since 2000?
Where does Auburn's 'kick six' rank among ESPN's best plays since 2000? Every Auburn fan remembers where they were the moment Chris Davis crossed the end zone to beat Alabama in 2013. Many Auburn fans remember where they were on Nov. 28, 2013, when Chris Davis returned a missed Alabama field goal 109 yards to the end zone as time expired, leading the No. 4 Auburn Tigers to a 34-28 win over No. 1 Alabama at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The play known affectionately as the "kick six" sent Auburn to the SEC Championship Game to represent the SEC West at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, which ultimately led the Tigers to its second BCS National Championship game in four seasons. It is a play that is fresh on every college football fans' mind, regardless of how it makes each individual feel. There have been several unforgettable plays over the last 25 years, where does the Chris Davis return rank among them? ESPN recently revealed its list of the top 25 plays since 2000, and has given the iconic return the top spot. ESPN set up the play, describing Alabama running back TJ Yeldon's run that ended out of bounds, seemingly ending regulation. However, Alabama head coach Nick Saban pleaded his case to put one second back on the clock, to give his field goal unit enough time to kick the go-ahead field goal. Saban was awarded the extra second, to which he called on kicker Adam Griffith to relieve Cade Foster, who missed three field goals earlier in the game, to attempt the 56-yard field goal. The kick, as we know it, fell short and set Davis up with the memorable return. Chris Low of ESPN shared the implications of the kick for both Alabama and Auburn fans. The loss kept Saban and the previously unbeaten Crimson Tide from playing for what would have been their third straight national championship. Auburn advanced to the final BCS national championship game, where the Tigers in Gus Malzahn's first season as coach lost to Florida State in the final seconds. It's a play that will live in the hearts of Auburn fans, who can still hear the school's radio play-by-play announcer, the late Rod Bramblett, screaming "Auburn's going to win the football game!" as Davis crossed the goal line. The kick six happened two weeks after another miracle play occurred. Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall connected with wide receiver Ricardo Louis on 4th and 18 with 0:36 remaining in their game with Georgia to go ahead of the Bulldogs and ultimately win, 43-38. Other key plays to join the "kick six" in the top five are Boise State's statue of liberty play to beat Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, Appalachian State's blocked kick to stun Michigan in 2005, and Vince Young's touchdown scramble to beat USC in the 2006 BCS National Championship Game. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__


USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN ranks 'Bush Push' as one of the top college football plays of the 21st century
ESPN ranks 'Bush Push' as one of the top college football plays of the 21st century 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. 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: "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." 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. 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.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Reports: Houston Texans CB Ronald Darby retiring at age 31
After a career that spanned 10 years, seven teams and included a Super Bowl 52 championship, cornerback Ronald Darby is retiring. ESPN reported Tuesday that Darby had informed the Houston Texans of his decision. At the time of writing, neither Darby nor the team have confirmed the news. Advertisement The Buffalo Bills drafted Darby out of Florida State, where he won the 2013 BCS National Championship, with their second-round pick in 2015. He finished as the runner-up to then-Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and played for the Bills for one more season. NFL RETIREMENTS: Lions center Frank Ragnow retires at 29 In August 2017, Buffalo traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl in his first season with the team. After his rookie contract expired following the 2018 season, Darby played one more year for the Eagles, then had short stints – between one to two years – with four more teams: the Washington Football Team, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars. Advertisement The Jaguars released Darby in March of this year, and he went on to sign with the Texans, his seventh team, before deciding to call it a career. Ronald Darby contract Length: One year Value: $2 million Darby's one-year, $2 million contract included $850,000 guaranteed and $500,000 in playing time incentives, according to Spotrac. Ronald Darby stats Darby started in 107 of the 118 regular-season games he played in his 10-year career. Here are his career (regular-season) stats: Tackles: 447 Passes defensed: 106 Interceptions: 8 Forced fumbles: 1 Fumble recoveries: 1 This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ronald Darby retirement: 10-year NFL veteran calls it a career


USA Today
02-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Reports: Houston Texans CB Ronald Darby retiring at age 31
Reports: Houston Texans CB Ronald Darby retiring at age 31 Show Caption Hide Caption Will Anderson Jr. breaks down upcoming season for Houston Texans Mackenzie Salmon chats with Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. about the upcoming season and his partnership with USAA. Sports Seriously After a career that spanned 10 years, seven teams and included a Super Bowl 52 championship, cornerback Ronald Darby is retiring. ESPN reported Tuesday that Darby had informed the Houston Texans of his decision. At the time of writing, neither Darby nor the team have confirmed the news. The Buffalo Bills drafted Darby out of Florida State, where he won the 2013 BCS National Championship, with their second-round pick in 2015. He finished as the runner-up to then-Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and played for the Bills for one more season. NFL RETIREMENTS: Lions center Frank Ragnow retires at 29 In August 2017, Buffalo traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl in his first season with the team. After his rookie contract expired following the 2018 season, Darby played one more year for the Eagles, then had short stints – between one to two years – with four more teams: the Washington Football Team, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars released Darby in March of this year, and he went on to sign with the Texans, his seventh team, before deciding to call it a career. Ronald Darby contract Length: One year One year Value: $2 million Darby's one-year, $2 million contract included $850,000 guaranteed and $500,000 in playing time incentives, according to Spotrac. Ronald Darby stats Darby started in 107 of the 118 regular-season games he played in his 10-year career. Here are his career (regular-season) stats:
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Video Surfaces of Ex-Ohio State Star In Violent Road Rage Altercation
Former Ohio State standout and longtime NFL defensive lineman Kenny Peterson is making headlines — but not for his football skills. A viral video circulated online this week appearing to show Peterson in a violent road rage altercation in a parking lot. Advertisement The former Buckeye star was allegedly spit on by another driver, prompting a swift and aggressive response. In the video, Peterson is seen landing several punches, clearly getting the better of the exchange. The man on the receiving end? Let's just say he probably wasn't making the best decision that day. Picking a fight — or worse, spitting — on a former NFL lineman with a national title under his belt was never going to end well. Peterson, who played seven seasons in the NFL, didn't hold back. Fans quickly recognized Peterson, a former Ohio State hero who helped the Buckeyes secure a BCS National Championship in 2002. Advertisement The McKinley High School alum earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors that season before getting drafted in the third round by the Green Bay Packers in 2003. He later played four seasons with the Denver Broncos. Now 46, Peterson is far removed from his playing days — but evidently, he still packs a punch. Ohio State's Kenny Peterson, left. © Fred Squillante / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images There's been no official word from law enforcement or Peterson himself on the incident as of yet. But the video, viewed over 500,000 times within hours of surfacing, has sparked some debate online about self-defense, restraint, and whether the physical response was justified at the end of the day. Related: Nick Saban Gives A Warning to Bill Belichick As He Makes College Football Transition