|
|
|
Returning To History
Thomas' famous fumble return ranked among 100 defining moments in college football.
June 26, 2007 LAS VEGAS - Nicknamed the "Wonder of Waco," the most famous ending in the four decades of UNLV football has been named the No. 85 iconic play in college football history by ESPN.com. The 100: Plays, Performances and Moments that define college football is being revealed this week on the website. The list, which spans 138 years of the sport, was introduced by ESPN.com writer Ivan Maisel: "These are the iconic moments that belong in college football's time capsule," he wrote. "These are the moments that define the game: not just the great plays, but the meaningful ones. Not just the Hail Marys, but the plays that hailed change, either in the rule book, the playbook or, where color is concerned, the game's Facebook." Just the second game in then-head coach John Robinson's coaching career with the Rebels, UNLV's 27-24 improbable victory came on Sept. 11, 1999, and made the strongest case ever for taking a knee at the end of a game. The host Bears were leading 24-21 with eight seconds remaining when, instead of simply running out the clock by downing the ball, head coach Kevin Steele called for a rush play in an attempt to score again. After Baylor running back Darrell Bush took the handoff and ran toward the goal-line, he was stopped at the one-yard line by the Rebel defense. Linebacker Tyler Brickell successfully stripped the still-live ball and cornerback Kevin Thomas scooped up the ensuing fumble in his own end zone and sprinted the opposite direction for a 100-yard defensive touchdown with no time on the clock to win the game for the visitors. While not involving the Rebels, another of the 100 plays did take place in their home stadium. New Mexico place-kicker Katie Hnida's extra-point attempt vs. UCLA in the 2002 Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium, which marked the first time a woman played in a NCAA Div. I-A football game, was ranked 97th.
|
|
