Tim's mailbag: Why doesn't Notre Dame play Big 12 teams? - Big 12 - ESPN

Michael from Huntsville, Ala., writes: Here's something from your recent article about Mike Leach in regards to their victory over Texas last season. You described it as what "might have been the biggest play in Big 12 history." Way to sensationalize the story. Did you exaggerate much?
Tim Griffin: Actually, I don't think that's overstating the importance of that game. It kept Texas from playing for the national championship -- the Longhorns' only loss of the season settled on a play with one second left. The only other plays I would rank with that one was the tipped ball by Nebraska's Matt Davison in the 1997 Missouri game and Vince Young's game-winning TD run against USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl. But both of those plays had plays after them, lessening the sense of finality in setting those plays as the ultimate winning play. So I'll stick with the Crabtree catch, which I still think is the biggest, most exciting play in Big 12 history. As Tech chancellor Kent Hance said yesterday, he's already seen that play more than any he can remember in highlights, rivaling only Doug Flutie's "Hail Mary" pass in 1984. I bet the Crabtree catch will have that kind of staying power, too.

myespn.go.com

almost 3 years ago Seth C 3 comments 0 recs |

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I agree withTim.

There have been some amazing performances by Big-12 athletes since it was formed. However, this one play provided the most tantalizing climax to a well played game by both teams. Tech jumped in front, led by Harrell, and seemed in control, when Texas charged back to take the lead behind McCoy. It appeared Texas had stolen a game from Tech. But Harrell once again led them into scoring position, narrowly escaping an interception of a tipped pass. No one anticipated what Crabtree did after making a reception along the sidelines of a pass he and Harrell had practiced countless times over a two-year period. The completion itself was not the surprise, but Crab’s decision to pivot around, tiptoe to stay inbounds and sprint into the endzone. IT WAS SPECTACULAR an ELECTRIFYING! No wonder the crowd screamed onto the field, only to be pushed back, then scream back on again after the extra point. Then they were pushed back off for the kickoff, with one second remaining, with Texas’ anticlimactic attempt to pull a Cal play was thwarted by Tech. I still see it rerun in my mind; no need of video. All who saw that play will undoubtedly remember it for years to come. I know I will.

TTpilk

by TTpilk645 on Feb 21, 2009 9:27 AM CST reply actions

I will never forget that catch.

I get goose bumps every time I replay it in my mind. The single greatest football moment in Texas Tech history. Thanks twinkletoes!!

¡Viva los Matadores!

by jwhitettu on Feb 21, 2009 12:02 PM CST reply actions

Typical Longhorn comment on ESPN

I stopped hitting the boards on ESPN because of this type of garbage. The vast majority of people who comment on Texas Tech related articles are longhorn fans looking to cheapen anything good Tech did last year because we gave them the loss that kept them out of the championship. Since this play happened I have yet to meet a longhorn fan that recognizes that play for what it truly is… The Greatest play in Big 12 history/arguably the best play in NCAA history.

by Vassago77379 on Feb 21, 2009 5:00 PM CST reply actions