COLLEGE FOOTBALL - 2003 SEASON
23/08/03 - Grambling (0) @ (29) San Jose State - In the first ever Literacy Classic, the Spartans managed to hold in check the potent Grambling offense and get their own season off to a great start. The Spartans were led by QB Scott Rislov (24-38-321-1). The Tigers were led by QB Bruce Eugene (23-47-210-0) and WR Kendrick Starling (4-88-0) but were held to only 260 yards of Offense (8, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Barnett/Curry/Gilmore/Rowe, PAL)
28/08/03 - Maryland (13) @ (20) Northern Illinois - In the opening game of the season for both teams, #14 ranked Maryland travelled to DeKalb. Northern Illinois then stunned the Terps by taking them to overtime before finishing them off with a TD catch from WR Dan Sheldon. Maryland were led by QB Scott McBrien (12-24-110-0). NIU were led by QB Josh Haldi (21-35-266-2) and RB Michael Turner (30-90-0) (9, 2 Discs, FOX - Kaplan/Waddle/Fischer/Robinson, PAL)
30/08/03 - Colorado (42) v (35) Colorado State - In a game that had everything from a ton of points, big plays and a stoppage for a thunderstorm, it was the Buffaloes that avenged a 2002 loss to the Rams as they used a big game from QB Joel Klatt (21-34-402-4) to win the game. Colorado State QB Bradlee Van Pelt (18-38-339-3) also had a big game, scoring 2 TD's in the 4th quarter to take the lead but the Rams couldn't stop Klatt as the Buffs scored with 40 seconds left to take the game (9, 2 Discs, ESPN - Franklin/Gottfried/Karsten, PAL)
06/09/03 - Mississippi (34) @ (44) Memphis - Memphis scored 23 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to upset the Rebels. Memphis QB Danny Wimprine (18-32-355-3) had a big game including a 92 yard TD pass, as did RB DeAngelo Williams (28-135-2). Ole Miss QB Eli Manning (26-48-292-4) had a big game through 3 quarters but 2 interceptions in the 4th quarter helped Memphis win (9, JIP 3rd play, No scoring missed, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Ward/Spielman, PAL)
06/09/03 - Florida (33) @ (38) Miami - #3 ranked Miami engineered a comeback from 33-10 deficit in the 4th quarter to stun #18 ranked Florida. Florida survived Miami scoring on a 97 yard kick-off return from Devin Hester on the opening play of the game and took a 19-10 lead in at the half. The Gators then stretched the gap to 33-10 with 21 minutes left before Miami QB Brock Berlin (27-41-340-2), a transfer from Florida, went into a no-huddle offense and brought the Canes back, finally taking the lead with 1:54 left in the game. The win extended the Canes 34 game regular season win streak. Miami also featured on Offense RB Frank Gore (24-127-2), WR Kevin Beard (7-164-1), TE Kellen Winslow (5-35-0) and on Defense DB Sean Taylor. Florida were led by 3 QB's ; Ingle Martin (7-10-114-1), Chris Leak (9-15-93-0) and Gavin Dickey (2-2-12-0) and also by RB DeShawn Wynn (8-100-1) and WR Andre Caldwell (4-29-0) (9, Missing opening kick-off return TD but shown on replay, 2 Discs, ABC - Nessler/Griese/Swann, PAL)
06/09/03 - New Mexico (28) @ (42) Texas Tech - Texas Tech moved to 2-0 on the year with a home win over the Lobos. Led by QB BJ Symons (37-54-418-5) and a strong defensive effort that forced 4 turnovers, the Red Raiders ran out to a 21-0 lead at the half and managed to hold off a 4th quarter effort from the Lobos to take the win. Texas Tech also featured WR's Mickey Peters (8-121-3), Nehemiah Glover (8-116-1) and Wes Welker (5-40-0 + 31 yard punt return) + DB Ryan Aycock (2 interceptions, 1 fumble caused). The Lobos were led by QB Casey Kelly (22-42-349-1) and RB DD Cox (27-187-3) (8, Occasional small tracking line at the bottom of the screen + occasional low audio, 2 Discs, KRQE13 - Powers/Tate, NTSC)
13/09/03 - Arkansas (38) @ (28) Texas - In the 1st game between the old rivals since 1991, Arkansas upset the #5 ranked Longhorns with a strong rushing attack. Arkansas QB Matt Jones (8-16-139-1 + 12-102-1) and RB Cedric Cobbs (20-115-1) shredded the defense and kept the high-scoring offense, led by WR Roy Williams (10-117-0) and Cedric Benson (13-27-0) off the field (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Punch/Mayock, PAL)
20/09/03 - Stanford (18) @ (14) BYU - In the first ever series meeting between the 2 teams, Stanford came from behind to record the first win. Both teams were starting Freshman QB's ; Stanford with Trent Edwards (10-23-25-0), in his 2nd career start, and BYU with John Beck (22-45-279-1) but it was the Stanford rush offense that was the difference as they racked up 144 yards on the ground and 2 TD's including the game winner from QB Edwards. Stanford also featured WR Luke Powell (5-15-0 + 1 pass for 31 yards). BYU also featured WR Toby Christensen (7-86-1) (8, 2 Discs, SportsWest - Kirkland/Fowler, NTSC)
20/09/03 - Texas Tech (21) @ (49) North Carolina State - Tech couldn't pull themselves out of a 28-0 3rd quarter deficit despite the play of QB BJ Symons (39-63-586-2). NC State were led by RB TA McClendon (10-115-1) and QB Philip Rivers (18-22-257-1). The Wolfpack scored on a blocked punt and an Interception return (9, 2 Discs, FOX - Ward/Spielman, PAL)
20/09/03 - Oklahoma State (52) @ (6) SMU - On a record-setting day in Dallas, the Cowboys dominated the Mustangs to record their 3rd straight win. The star of the game was OSU WR Rashaun Woods (13-232-7) who set an NCAA record with 7 TD catches as the Cowboys ran out to a 45-0 lead in the 3rd quarter. The Cowboys also featured QB Josh Fields (17-27-265-7) and RB Tatum Bell (16-50-0). SMU were led by QB Tate Wallis (8-19-126-1) and RB Keylon Kincade (20-75-0) (8, Missing last 4:06 of the game but no scoring missed, 2 Discs, FOX - Land/Reasons/Rhadigan, NTSC)
27/09/03 - USC (31) @ (34) California - California stunned #3 ranked USC, despite USC coming back from an early California 21-7 lead to force overtime. Both teams then battled to 3 OT's before Cal kicker Tyler Fredrickson nailed a 38 yard FG to win the game. Cal featured QB's Aaron Rodgers (18-25-217-2) and Reggie Robertson, RB Adimchinobe Echemandu (34-147-0) and WR Jonathan Makkonen. USC featured QB Matt Leinart (21-39-277-2), RB Herschel Dennis and WR Mike Williams (8, Audio slightly lower for the 1st quarter, 2 Discs, FOX - Physioc/Ramsey, PAL)
04/10/03 - Texas A&M (28) @ (59) Texas Tech - Texas Tech QB BJ Symons (34-46-505-8) set a Big 12 record with 8 TD passes as the Red Raiders routed the Aggies. 13 different players caught passes with RB Wes Welker (6-114-1) and WR Carlos Francis (6-110-0) the favourite targets (8, low audio start of 1st quarter, 2 Discs, FOX - Land/Reasons/Knox, PAL)
11/10/03 - Miami (22) @ (14) Florida State - In a heavy down-pour and on a muddy field, #2 Miami used 5 turnovers and a good all-around team performance to beat #5 Florida State. Miami QB Brock Berlin (15-28-181-1) and RB Jarrett Payton (26-97-0) had big games on offense while DB Sean Taylor (8 tackles, 2 interceptions inc. 50 yard return for a TD) had a big game on defense. Florida State QB Chris Rix (20-42-235-2) had big numbers but threw 2 interceptions (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Nessler/Griese/Swann, PAL)
11/10/03 - Oklahoma (65) v (13) Texas - #1 Oklahoma forced 6 turnovers from #11 ranked Texas, stormed out to a 37-13 lead the half and never looked back. Sooner QB Jason White (17-21-290-4) and WR Mark Clayton (8-190-1) had big games. The Longhorns were led by QB Vince Young (11-21-135-0 + 15-127-1) and RB Cedric Benson (12-21-1) (9, JIP 14:44, 2 Discs, ABC - Musberger/Danielson/Arute, PAL)
18/10/03 - Texas Tech (49) @ (51) Oklahoma State - A high-scoring shootout in Stillwater went the way of the Cowboys even though they had to hold off a big 4th quarter comeback from Texas Tech. The Red Raiders were down 48-21 entering the 4th quarter as Oklahoma State RB Tatum Bell (28-258-3 inc. 95 yard TD run) had a huge game. But Texas Tech QB BJ Symons (47-62-557-5) and WR Wes Welker (10-129-2) didn't quit and pulled the team back to within 2 points before, on a final drive by Tech, Symons was intercepted to end the game. Oklahoma State also featured QB Josh Fields (18-29-320-1) and WR Rashaun Woods (6-147-0). Texas Tech also featured RB Taurean Henderson (9-123-1) (10, Missing 1st 3 minutes of the game but no scoring, 1 Disc, ABC - Brant/Cunningham/Ryan, PAL)
25/10/03 - Texas Tech (31) @ (62) Missouri - Missouri QB Brad Smith (13-24-128 + 19-291-5) shredded the Red Raider defense with 419 yards of total offense and a school record 5 TD runs. Texas Tech QB BJ Symons (40-62-408-4) tried to keep his team in it but 3 interceptions proved too much to overcome (9, 2 Discs, FOX - Land/Reasons/Knox, PAL)
25/10/03 - TCU (62) @ (55) Houston - In a wild offensive shootout, # 13 ranked TCU used a big game from QB Brandon Hassell (17-27-375-4) and RB's Robert Merrill (22-204-1) and Lonta Hobbs (22-102-1) to hold off a strong Houston team. Houston freshman QB Kevin Kolb (17-36-434-4 + 14-144-1) had a monster game. Both teams combined for over 1,400 yards of total offense (8, 2 Discs, ESPN+ - Followill/Scruggs/Shore, PAL)
01/11/03 - South Carolina (40) @ (43) Mississippi - #20 ranked Mississippi held on to their place at the top of the SEC West with a big win over unranked South Carolina at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford. The Rebels dominated from the start and ran out to a 43-14 lead late in the 3rd quarter. But the Gamecocks suddenly found some Offense, and rattled off 26 unanswered points to pull within 3 points, before ultimately running out of time. Mississippi featured QB Eli Manning (30-42-391-3), RB Tremaine Turner (25-117-2) and WR Chris Collins (10-125-2). South Carolina featured QB Dondrial Pinkins (14-32-298-4 including a 98 yard TD pass), RB Demetris Summers (8-30-0) and WR Noah Whiteside (3-89-2) (8, Copied from the internet, 2 Discs, JP Sports - Neal/Rowe/Baker, PAL)
01/11/03 - Arkansas (71) @ (63) Kentucky - Both teams equalled an NCAA record as they battled through to 7 overtimes before Arkansas finally ended it, recovering a fumble on 4th and goal by Kentucky. The game ended in regular time 24-24. The Razorbacks were led by QB Matt Jones (16-25-260-3 + 15-112-1) and RB Decori Birmingham (40-196-2). Kentucky were led by QB Jared Lorenzen (28-49-326-2) and WR Derek Abney (10-91-0). A total of 17 Touchdowns were scored (9, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Barnett/Curry/Cox, PAL)
05/11/03 - Louisville (28) @ (31) TCU - In a shootout on Thursday Night, #12 ranked & unbeaten TCU continued their 11 game win streak as they survived a last play 44 yard FG by Louisville that hit the cross-bar and bounced out. Both teams combined for 1041 yards with TCU QB Brandon Hassell (17-27-251-1) and Louisville QB Stefan LeFors (31-46-459-1) calling the shots. TCU also had the benefit of a strong ground attack led by RB's Robert Merrill (17-74-0) and Lonta Hobbs (14-59-0). Louisville also featured WR's Lionel Gates (9-134-0) and JR. Russell (8-119-0) (9, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Dacis/Alberts/May/Stone, PAL)
08/11/03 - Virginia Tech (28) @ (31) Pittsburgh - In a great back-and-forth game, #25 Pittsburgh knocked #5 Virginia Tech firmly out of the National Championship hunt with a TD run with 47 seconds left in the game. In a battle between 2 Heisman contenders, the Hokies RB Kevin Jones (30-241-4) had the bigger game but Pitt WR Larry Fitzgerald (8-108-1) had the telling contribution, catching 3 passes on the game winning drive against the Hokies star defender DeAngelo Hall. Pitt QB Rod Rutherford (24-31-303-2) had a big game while Tech QB Marcus Vick (8-15-147-0 + 8-22-0) played well in places but threw the game clinching interception in the final seconds to doom the Hokies (9, 2 Discs, ESPN - Franklin/Gottfried/Karsten, PAL)
08/11/03 - Mississippi (24) @ (20) Auburn - The battle for top spot in the SEC resulted in a back and forth game that wasn't settled until the final seconds. Ole Miss QB Eli Manning (19-30-218-2) had a big game but his team needed a slice of luck to win as Auburn WR Ben Obomanu dropped the game winning TD pass in the final minute. Auburn were led by QB Jason Campbell and RB's Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown (9, 2 Discs, CBS - Lundquist/Blackledge/Arrington, PAL)
08/11/03 - Texas A&M (0) @ (77) Oklahoma - The #1 ranked Sooners got revenge for their 2002 loss to the Aggies with a huge win in Norman. The Sooners led 49-0 at the half and didn't let up, scoring 4 more TD's in the 3rd quarter before calling off the dogs. Oklahoma QB Jason White (16-18-263-5) had a huge game and was supported by RB's Donta Hickson (24-131-1) and Kejuan Jones (24-120-2) and WR Mark Clayton (7-166-3). The Sooners amassed 639 yards of total Offense compared to 54 yards for A&M, while the Sooners defense that featured DL Dan Cody and Tommie Harris, LB Teddy Lehman and DB Derrick Strait didn't allow the Aggies to cross midfield the entire game. Coverage also includes the coaches show. This is lower quality (8) and is 13 minutes long (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Brant/Cunningham/Ryan, NTSC)
15/11/03 - Texas Tech (40) @ (43) Texas - With Texas down by 4 with a minute to go, coach Mack Brown switched QB's from Vince Young to Chance Mock and the deal paid off as Mock threw the winning TD pass with 46 secs left to beat Texas Tech. QB Vince Young (16-25-213-2 + 17-53-0) had a big game as did WR Roy Williams (8-136-0). Tech were led by QB BJ Symons (32-56-365-3), WR Wes Welker (9-78-0 + 6-39-0) and RB Taurean Henderson (16-94-3) (10, 1 Disc, FOX - Meyers/Lapham/Knox, PAL)
22/11/03 - Ohio State (21) @ (35) Michigan - The Largest crowd to ever watch a college football game (112,118) saw the Wolverines upset the #4 ranked Buckeyes and knock them out of the BCS championship game. Michigan TB Chris Perry (31-154-2) had a sensational game against the #1 ranked rush defense (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Jackson/Fouts/Harris, PAL)
29/11/03 - Florida State (38) @ (34) Florida - In a game of high drama, big plays and bad calls by the referee's, the #9 ranked Seminoles out-lasted the #11 ranked Gators. Both teams scored on controversial fumble returns and both QB's had good games ; Florida QB Chris Leak (22-36-273-2) and FSU QB Chris Rix (14-19-256-3). Rix throwing the winning 52 yard TD pass with 55 secs left (9, 2 Discs, CBS - Lundquist/Blackledge, PAL)
04/12/03 - MAC Championship - Miami (OH) (49) @ (27) Bowling Green - #15 ranked Miami (OH) claimed their first MAC title since 1992 with a big win over #23 Bowling Green. Miami (OH) QB Ben Roethlisberger (26-35-440-4) led the team to a 21 point 3rd quarter that effectively ended the game. His main weapons were WR Michael Larkin (7-91-1) and RB Cal Murray (16-80-1 + 4-83-1). Bowling Green were led by QB Josh Harris (30-49-260-2) but were undone by 4 turnovers (8, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Tirico/Corso/Herbstreit/Punch, PAL)
06/12/03 - Big 12 Championship - Kansas State (35) v (7) Oklahoma - In a stunning upset, #13 ranked Kansas State overpowered the #1 ranked Sooners to win their 1st ever Big 12 Championship. Oklahoma scored on their 1st possession of the game but were then shut-out as the Wildcats used a 21 point 2nd quarter to take control of the game. The stars for Kansas State were RB Darren Sproles (22-235-0 + 3-88-1), who had a huge game, and QB Ell Roberson (10-17-227-4 + 17-72). Oklahoma were led by QB Jason White (27-50-298 -0) who had a rough night with 2 interceptions, one of which was returned for a TD (8, 2 Discs, ABC - Musberger/Danielson/Arute, PAL)
18/12/03 - GMAC Bowl - Miami (OH) (49) v (28) Louisville - Miami QB Ben Roethlisberger (21-33-376-4) ended his college career with a sensational game that showed off all his skills. The Redhawks stormed out to a 21-0 1st quarter lead and never looked in trouble after that, en-route to their 1st Bowl win in 28 years. Louisville QB Stefan LeFors (17-26-224-3) had a strong game in defeat, despite suffering a shoulder sprain during the game (9, 2 Discs, ESPN - Jones/Davie/Rowe, PAL)
22/12/03 - Tangerine Bowl - North Carolina State (56) v (26) Kansas - In his final college game, NC State QB Philip Rivers (37-45-475-5 + 3-20-0) went out a champion, beating Kansas in a shootout in Orlando. Both teams accounted for 1,116 yards of total Offense. The Wolfpack Offense put on a show in the 1st half, taking a 28-10 lead in at the half, and kept the pressure on in the 2nd half with 4 more TD's to take the win and secure their 2nd straight bowl victory. North Carolina State also featured RB TA McClendon (7-72-2 + 7-44-1) and WR's Jerricho Cotchery (13-171-1) and Richard Washington (7-97-2). Kansas featured QB Bill Whittemore (20-41-243-2 + 17-84-1), RB Clark Green (14-87-0 + 3-30-1) and WR Brandon Rideau (9-109-0) (9, ESPN Classic re-broadcast - 1 hour 32 minutes hi-lites, 1 Disc, ESPN - Tirico/Herbstreit/Corso/Punch, PAL)
26/12/03 - Insight Bowl - California (52) v (49) Virginia Tech - Cal clawed back a 21-7 1st quarter deficit with 6 consecutive TD drives on the arm of QB Aaron Rodgers (27-35-394-2). But the Hokies also staged a big comeback, from 42-28 down late in the 3rd quarter, to tie the game on a sensational 52 yard punt return by DB DeAngelo Hall with 3 minutes left. This still left enought time for Cal to drive into FG range and win the game with the last play. Virginia Tech were led by QB Bryan Randall (24-34-398-4) and RB Kevin Jones (16-153-1), in his last college game (8, 2 Discs, ESPN - Malone/Golic/Stone, PAL)
30/12/03 - Houston Bowl - Texas Tech (38) v (14) Navy - In a battle between the nations #1 rush offense and the #1 pass offense, it was the Red Raiders that won the game. MVP Texas Tech QB BJ Symons (41-53-497-4), in his last college game, picked apart the nations 4th ranked pass defense en-route to a big win. Navy's #1 ranked rush offense managed 289 yards on the ground (9, 2 Discs, ESPN - Hullinger/Ware/James, PAL)
01/01/04 - Rose Bowl - USC (28) v (14) Michigan - #1 ranked USC, bypassed by the BCS for the National Championship game, put on a show and made a statement for being the Champion. USC QB Matt Leinart (23-34-327-2) had a big game, opening up a 21-0 3rd quarter lead while also catching a TD pass from WR Mike Williams (8-88-0). #4 ranked Michigan couldn't stop the USC pass rush which registered 9 sacks although QB John Navarre (27-46-271-1) played well when he had time. USC also featured RB Reggie Bush (8-41-0) and Michigan also featured RB Chris Perry (23-85-1) and WR Braylon Edwards (10-107-0) (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Jackson/Fouts/Harris, PAL)
31/01/04 - The Villages Gridiron Classic - North All Stars (35) v (31) South All Stars - The North rallied from a 10 point deficit in the 4th quarter with 2 TD runs by MVP Tennessee RB Troy Fleming (19-101). The North also featured QB's Nathan Chandler (Iowa) and Jim Sorgi (Wisconsin) and WR Carlos Francis (Texas Tech). The South featured QB Scott McBrien (Maryland) and RB Ran Carthon (Florida) (8, 2 Discs, ESPN - Barnett/Curry/Spielman/Cox, PAL)