2005 NCAA Division I-A football season
Encyclopedia
The 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with the least amount of controversy surrounding the Bowl Championship Series
(BCS) title game in many years.
To an extent it was a return to classic football. All eight BCS teams were traditional powerhouses, many of the schools having worn the same uniforms for half a century, and Penn State and Florida State having the same coaches for nearly half a century. Alabama was back in the mix for the SEC title, shaking off the residual effects of NCAA sanctions, and though Penn State is a relative newcomer to the Big Ten, Ohio State and Michigan were still in the running for the conference title until the last game.
The BCS
saw good fortune as two teams, the USC Trojans
and the Texas Longhorns, went wire to wire as #1 and #2, respectively—the second year in a row that had happened—and finished as Division I-A's only undefeated teams after the regular season. As a result, there was no dispute over the choice of teams selected for the BCS title game (there were five undefeated teams in the 2004 regular season: Oklahoma, USC, Auburn, Utah, and Boise State). The game was played at the Rose Bowl, where Texas edged the favored, defending champion Trojans in large part due to a historic performance by Texas quarterback Vince Young
, who gained 467 yards of total offense and ran for three touchdowns. The victory earned the Longhorns their first consensus national championship since 1969
. (Texas won a split title in 1970
.)
There was also an unlikely comeback team in the season. The UCF Golden Knights came from a helpless 0–11 record in 2004, to a respectable 8–5 record and an appearance in the Conference USA
Championship game and a Hawaii Bowl
berth. Although their season apparently got off to a poor start with a loss to South Carolina
on opening day and a pasting by their intrastate rival, , they pulled off 8 wins over a 9 game span (only loss was a 31–52 rout by ) including getting a win over eventual conference champions, . Tulsa ended up beating UCF 44–27. In the Hawaii Bowl, the Golden Knights were a failed PAT away from sending to double overtime. Also, Penn State, who went 4-7 in 2004, managed an 11-1 record and #3 ranking in 2005, but not being ranked until after the 44-14 pasting of then #19 Minnesota, where Penn State took control of the Governor's Victory Bell for the first time since 1998.
Temple became an independent football program after expulsion from the Big East Conference
.
Army ended its brief affiliation with Conference USA and also returned to football independence.
returned to the college coaching ranks for the first time since 2001, taking the reins at South Carolina and turning out a respectable 7–5 season. Urban Meyer
, the previous year's hot coach after leading Utah to an undefeated season took over at Spurrier's old job, Florida. Charlie Weis
left the New England Patriots
to take over the head coach job at his alma mater
Notre Dame and was able to lead them to a BCS bowl.
Barry Alvarez
, who took over an absolutely woeful Wisconsin program in 1990 and turned it into a Big Ten force retired, as did Bill Snyder
who turned around Big 8 doormat Kansas State and turned it into a Big 12 power. Dan Hawkins
who brought Boise State to the status of a mid-major powerhouse left the Broncos to coach the Colorado Buffaloes, a team trying to change its image after recruiting scandals broke out the previous season.
voting was basically a 3 man show: Reggie Bush
, Matt Leinart
(who won the Heisman Trophy in 2004), and Vince Young
, who helped Texas win the national championship for the 1st time since 1970. Bush won the trophy, with Young coming in second.
The Heisman Trophy
is given to the year's most outstanding player. There is no winner for 2005 because of irregularities discovered in 2010.
In June 2010, the NCAA ruled that Bush had received improper gifts in violation of NCAA policies. On September 14, 2010, Bush announced in a statement from the New Orleans Saints
that he would forfeit his title of 2005 Heisman Trophy winner and return his trophy. Vince Young, the runner-up in 2005, commented that he would not accept the trophy if it was taken away from Bush. On September 15, 2010, the Heisman Trust announced that the 2005 trophy would be vacated, and there would be no winner for that season.
* Originally awarded to Reggie Bush, but vacated due to ineligibility
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
(BCS) title game in many years.
To an extent it was a return to classic football. All eight BCS teams were traditional powerhouses, many of the schools having worn the same uniforms for half a century, and Penn State and Florida State having the same coaches for nearly half a century. Alabama was back in the mix for the SEC title, shaking off the residual effects of NCAA sanctions, and though Penn State is a relative newcomer to the Big Ten, Ohio State and Michigan were still in the running for the conference title until the last game.
The BCS
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
saw good fortune as two teams, the USC Trojans
2005 USC Trojans football team
The 2005 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the college football season of 2005–2006, winning the Pacific-10 Conference , and playing for the NCAA Division I-A national championship...
and the Texas Longhorns, went wire to wire as #1 and #2, respectively—the second year in a row that had happened—and finished as Division I-A's only undefeated teams after the regular season. As a result, there was no dispute over the choice of teams selected for the BCS title game (there were five undefeated teams in the 2004 regular season: Oklahoma, USC, Auburn, Utah, and Boise State). The game was played at the Rose Bowl, where Texas edged the favored, defending champion Trojans in large part due to a historic performance by Texas quarterback Vince Young
Vince Young
Vincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
, who gained 467 yards of total offense and ran for three touchdowns. The victory earned the Longhorns their first consensus national championship since 1969
1969 college football season
The 1969 college football season was celebrated as the 100th anniversary of college football. During the 20th Century, the NCAA had no playoff for the college football teams that would later be described as "Division I-A"...
. (Texas won a split title in 1970
1970 college football season
The 1970 college football season was marked by tragedy, due to two airplane crashes. On October 2, one of the planes carrying the Wichita State football team crashed on the way to a game against Utah State, killing 31 people on board, including 14 players...
.)
There was also an unlikely comeback team in the season. The UCF Golden Knights came from a helpless 0–11 record in 2004, to a respectable 8–5 record and an appearance in the Conference USA
Conference USA
Conference USA, officially abbreviated C-USA, is a college athletic conference whose member institutions are located within the Southern United States. The conference participates in the NCAA's Division I in all sports...
Championship game and a Hawaii Bowl
2005 Hawaii Bowl
The 2005 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl matched the UCF Knights against the . The fourth edition of the Hawaii Bowl was held in Honolulu, Hawaii, and featured the WAC champions versus the Conference USA runner-ups. UCF was one of the nation's best stories of the season...
berth. Although their season apparently got off to a poor start with a loss to South Carolina
2005 South Carolina Gamecocks football team
The 2005 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the Southeastern Conference during the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season...
on opening day and a pasting by their intrastate rival, , they pulled off 8 wins over a 9 game span (only loss was a 31–52 rout by ) including getting a win over eventual conference champions, . Tulsa ended up beating UCF 44–27. In the Hawaii Bowl, the Golden Knights were a failed PAT away from sending to double overtime. Also, Penn State, who went 4-7 in 2004, managed an 11-1 record and #3 ranking in 2005, but not being ranked until after the 44-14 pasting of then #19 Minnesota, where Penn State took control of the Governor's Victory Bell for the first time since 1998.
Temple became an independent football program after expulsion from the Big East Conference
Big East Conference
The Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
.
Army ended its brief affiliation with Conference USA and also returned to football independence.
Coaching changes
Steve SpurrierSteve Spurrier
Stephen Orr Spurrier is an American college football coach and player. Spurrier is the current head coach of the University of South Carolina's Gamecocks football team. He is also a former professional player and coach...
returned to the college coaching ranks for the first time since 2001, taking the reins at South Carolina and turning out a respectable 7–5 season. Urban Meyer
Urban Meyer
Urban Frank Meyer, III is an American football coach and former player. He is head football coach at Ohio State University, having been hired for the position in November 2011...
, the previous year's hot coach after leading Utah to an undefeated season took over at Spurrier's old job, Florida. Charlie Weis
Charlie Weis
Charles Joseph "Charlie" Weis is an American football coach. He currently serves as offensive coordinator for the Florida Gators. For five years, from December 2004 through 2009, he was the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame...
left the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
to take over the head coach job at his alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
Notre Dame and was able to lead them to a BCS bowl.
Barry Alvarez
Barry Alvarez
Barry Alvarez is a former American football player and coach and currently the Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He served as the head football coach at Wisconsin for 16 seasons from 1990 to 2005, compiling a career college football record of 118–73–4...
, who took over an absolutely woeful Wisconsin program in 1990 and turned it into a Big Ten force retired, as did Bill Snyder
Bill Snyder
Bill Snyder is the head football coach at Kansas State University. He was rehired to the position on November 24, 2008, making Snyder one of the rare college football head coaches to have non-consecutive tenure at the same school. Snyder previously served as head coach at the school from 1989 to...
who turned around Big 8 doormat Kansas State and turned it into a Big 12 power. Dan Hawkins
Dan Hawkins (coach)
Dan Hawkins is a sportscaster and former American football player and coach in the United States. He served as the head football coach at Willamette University, Boise State University, and the University of Colorado at Boulder, compiling a career college football record of 112–61–1...
who brought Boise State to the status of a mid-major powerhouse left the Broncos to coach the Colorado Buffaloes, a team trying to change its image after recruiting scandals broke out the previous season.
Standings
BCS Bowls
Rankings given are AP rankings going into bowl games- Rose Bowl2006 Rose BowlThe 2006 Rose Bowl Game, played on January 4, 2006, was a football game that served as the national championship of the 2005-2006 Bowl Championship Series...
: #2 (BCS #2) Texas 41, #1 (BCS #1) Southern California2005 USC Trojans football teamThe 2005 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the college football season of 2005–2006, winning the Pacific-10 Conference , and playing for the NCAA Division I-A national championship...
38 - Fiesta Bowl2006 Fiesta BowlThe 2006 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, played on January 2, 2006, was the 35th edition of the Fiesta Bowl, featuring Notre Dame and Ohio State. Ohio State won the game 34–20....
: (BCS #4) #4 Ohio State2005 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 2005 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented The Ohio State University in the college football season of 2005-2006. The team's head football coach was Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes played their home games in Ohio Stadium. The team finished the season with a win-loss record of 10 and 2, and...
34, (At Large) #5 Notre Dame2005 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football teamThe 2005 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was a college football team who represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Charlie Weis in his first year as head coach, and played their home games at Notre Dame Stadium...
20 - Sugar Bowl2006 Sugar BowlThe 2006 Nokia Sugar Bowl game was played on January 2, 2006, as part of the Bowl Championship Series. This 72nd edition of the Sugar Bowl featured the West Virginia Mountaineers, champions of the Big East, and the Southeastern Conference Champion Georgia Bulldogs...
: (Big East Champ) #11 West Virginia2005 West Virginia Mountaineers football teamThe 2005 West Virginia Mountaineers football team completed the season with an 11–1 record. The Mountaineers won their third consecutive Big East Title with a conference record of 7–0...
38, (SEC Champ) #8 Georgia2005 Georgia Bulldogs football teamThe 2005 Georgia Bulldogs football team completed the season with a 10-3 record. Winning 10 games for the fourth year in a row, Georgia tied its own record for consecutive 10 win seasons. The Bulldogs, with a regular season SEC record of 6-2, won the SEC East and advanced to the 2005 SEC...
35 - Orange Bowl2006 Orange BowlThe 2006 Orange Bowl, a 2005-2006 BCS game, was played on January 3, 2006. This 72nd edition to the Orange Bowl featured the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Florida State Seminoles....
: (Big Ten Champ) #3 Penn State2005 Penn State Nittany Lions football teamThe 2005 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented the Pennsylvania State University in the 2005–2006 college football season. The team's head coach was Joe Paterno...
26, (ACC Champ) #25 Florida State2005 Florida State Seminoles football teamThe 2005 Florida State Seminoles football team won the 2005 ACC Championship Game over the Virginia Tech Hokies by a score of 27-22. With the victory, they were a selection to go to the 2006 Orange Bowl as the ACC representative in the BCS.-Schedule:...
23 (3 OT)
Other New Years Day Bowls
- Cotton Bowl2006 Cotton BowlThe 2006 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic was held on January 2, 2006, in Dallas, Texas at the Cotton Bowl. The game featured the Alabama Crimson Tide of the SEC, and the Texas Tech Red Raiders of the Big 12 Conference....
: #13 Alabama2005 Alabama Crimson Tide football teamThe 2005 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama during the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. This was the team's 73rd season in the SEC...
13, #18 Texas Tech 10: #21 Wisconsin2005 Wisconsin Badgers football teamThe 2005 Wisconsin Badgers football team represented the University of Wisconsin–Madison during the 2005 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by Barry Alvarez, the Badgers completed the season with a 10-3 record, including a 5-3 mark in the Big Ten Conference, good for a third-place tie with...
24, #7 Auburn2005 Auburn Tigers football teamThe 2005 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University in the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. Despite having four starters from the 2004 team selected in the first round of 2005 NFL Draft, Auburn finished the season with a 9–3 record, including a 7–1 record in the Southeastern...
10 - Gator Bowl2006 Gator BowlThe 2006 Gator Bowl was a college football bowl game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Virginia Tech Hokies at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on January 2, 2006. The game was the final contest of the 2005 football season for each team and resulted in a 35–24 Virginia Tech...
: #12 Virginia Tech2005 Virginia Tech Hokies football teamThe 2005 Virginia Tech Hokies football team represented Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University during the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season...
35, #15 Louisville2005 Louisville Cardinals football teamThe 2005 Louisville Cardinals football team represented the University of Louisville in the 2005 college football season. The team, led by Bobby Petrino in his third year at the school, played their home games in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium...
24 - Outback Bowl2006 Outback BowlThe 2006 Outback Bowl featured the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Florida Gators. Florida came into the game under first year head coach Urban Meyer with an 8-3 record. Iowa came into the game with a 7-4 record...
: #16 Florida2005 Florida Gators football teamThe 2005 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 2005 college football season...
31, #25 Iowa2005 Iowa Hawkeyes football teamThe 2005 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 2005 college football season. The Hawkeyes played their home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa and were coached by Kirk Ferentz....
24
December Bowl Games
- Peach Bowl2005 Peach BowlThe 2005 edition of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl featured two top 10 ranked teams. The ninth ranked Miami Hurricanes battled the tenth ranked LSU Tigers in this contest, the last to be played as the Peach Bowl....
: #10 LSU2005 LSU Tigers football teamThe 2005 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the college football season of 2005–2006. Coached by Les Miles in his first season at LSU, the Tigers played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana...
40, #9 Miami (FL)2005 Miami Hurricanes football teamThe 2005 Miami Hurricanes football team began the 2005 season ranked #8/9 after a 9-3 campaign in 2004 that ended with a 27-10 win over rival Florida in the 2005 Peach Bowl.-Season:...
3 - Houston Bowl2005 Houston BowlThe 2005 EV1.net Houston Bowl was the sixth and final edition of the college football bowl games and was played at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game pitted the from the Big 12 Conference and the TCU Horned Frogs from the Mountain West Conference...
: #14 TCU2005 TCU Horned Frogs football teamThe 2005 TCU Horned Frogs football team represented Texas Christian University in the 2005 college football season. TCU finished with an 11–1 record and a #11 ranking in the AP Poll....
27, 24: (C-USA Champ) 31, Fresno State2005 Fresno State Bulldogs football teamThe 2005 Fresno State football team represented Fresno State University in the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season, and competed as a member of the Western Athletic Conference...
24: #19 Boston College 27, Boise State2005 Boise State Broncos football teamThe 2005 Boise State Broncos football team represented Boise State University in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football during the 2005 season...
21 - Meineke Car Care Bowl2005 Meineke Car Care BowlThe 2005 edition to the Meineke Car Care Bowl featured the , and the NC State Wolfpack. The game was the fourth edition to this bowl game, as well as the only shutout in the game's history. The game was played on Saturday, December 31, 2005 and kickoff was at 11:00 AM EST...
: NC State2005 NC State Wolfpack football teamThe 2005 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University during the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team's Head Coach was Chuck Amato. N.C. State has been a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference since the league's inception in 1953, and participated in...
14, 0 - Independence Bowl2005 Independence BowlThe 2005 Independence Bowl, the 30th in the history of the College Football bowl game, saw the Missouri Tigers of the Big 12 overcome a 21-0 deficit late in the first quarter to defeat the SEC's South Carolina Gamecocks, 38-31 in the 30th edition of the bowl game...
: Missouri2005 Missouri Tigers football teamThe 2005 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri during the 2005 NCAA Division I FBS football season.-Schedule:...
38, South Carolina2005 South Carolina Gamecocks football teamThe 2005 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the Southeastern Conference during the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season...
31 - Sun Bowl2005 Sun BowlThe 2005 Sun Bowl, known as the Vitalis Sun Bowl was a college football bowl game played on December 30, 2005 in El Paso, Texas. It was the 72nd Sun Bowl. It featured the , and the Northwestern Wildcats. UCLA overcame a 22-0 deficit to Northwestern in the first quarter to win 50-38. This is the...
: #17 50, Northwestern2005 Northwestern Wildcats football teamThe 2005 Northwestern Wildcats football team represented Northwestern University in the Big Ten Conference during the 2005 NCAA Division I FBS football season.-Schedule:-External Links:*...
38 - Music City Bowl2005 Music City BowlThe 2005 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl was a college football bowl game played between the Virginia Cavaliers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.-Game overview:...
: Virginia2005 Virginia Cavaliers football teamThe 2005 Virginia Cavaliers football team represented the University of Virginia in the 2005 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's coach was coach Al Groh. They played their home games at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia.- Schedule :...
34, Minnesota2005 Minnesota Golden Gophers football teamThe 2005 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota in the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team's head coach was Glen Mason. Minnesota played its home games at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota...
31 - Holiday Bowl2005 Holiday BowlThe 2005 Holiday Bowl was the third bowl game played of the game of the 2004-2005 bowl season. The game was held at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on December 29, 2005, with the Big 12's Oklahoma Sooners defeating the Pac-10's Oregon Ducks, 17-14.-Team selection:The Ducks were playing to show that...
: Oklahoma 17, #6 Oregon2005 Oregon Ducks football teamIn 2005, Oregon had success behind senior quarterback Kellen Clemens and a new spread offense. During a game at Arizona, Clemens suffered a broken ankle. At that point Oregon was 8-1 , and still in the hunt for a BCS game...
14 - Emerald Bowl2005 Emerald BowlThe 2005 Emerald Bowl, part of the 2005-06 NCAA football bowl games season, was played on December 29, 2005, at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. It featured the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and the Utah Utes.-Game summary:...
: Utah2005 Utah Utes football teamThe 2005 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah in the college football season of 2005–2006. This was Kyle Whittingham's first year as head coach after having been promoted from defensive coordinator following the departure of Urban Meyer for Florida. Their 4–4 conference record...
38, #24 Georgia Tech2005 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football teamThe 2005 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team represented the Georgia Institute of Technology in the college football season of 2005-2006. The team's coach is former Dallas Cowboys, Samford Bulldogs, and Troy Trojans coach Chan Gailey...
10 - Alamo Bowl2005 Alamo BowlThe 2005 Alamo Bowl was a college football bowl game held on December 28, 2005 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. It was the 13th Alamo Bowl. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, second place finishers in the Big 12 Conference's North Division, defeated the Michigan Wolverines, third placed finishers...
: Nebraska2005 Nebraska Cornhuskers football teamThe 2005 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Bill Callahan and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska....
32, #20 Michigan2005 Michigan Wolverines football teamThe 2005 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 2005 college football season. The team's head coach was Lloyd Carr. The Wolverines played their home games at Michigan Stadium. That year Michigan Wolverines football competed in the Big Ten Conference in...
28 - Insight Bowl2005 Insight BowlThe 2005 edition of the Insight Bowl was the 17th edition to the bowl game. It featured the Arizona State Sun Devils and the . Arizona State exploded offensively in the game scoring 45 points, and an Insight Bowl record 679 yards of total offense....
: Arizona State2005 Arizona State Sun Devils football teamThe 2005 Arizona State Sun Devils football team]] represented Arizona State University in the college football season of 2005-2006. It played its home games at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona....
45, 40 - Champs Sports Bowl2005 Champs Sports BowlThe 2005 Champs Sports Bowl was the 16th edition to the college football bowl game and was played on December 27, 2005, featuring the Clemson Tigers and the Colorado Buffaloes. Three weeks prior to the game, Colorado head coach Gary Barnett resigned and so the Buffalos were coached by defensive...
: #23 Clemson2005 Clemson Tigers football teamThe 2005 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University in the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Tommy Bowden and played their homes game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.-Season:...
19, Colorado2005 Colorado Buffaloes football teamThe 2005 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado at Boulder in the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. The previous year's team won the Big 12 North Conference. That marked the third Big 12 North championship for the Buffaloes in four years...
10: 38, (MAC Champ) 31 - Hawai'i Bowl2005 Hawaii BowlThe 2005 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl matched the UCF Knights against the . The fourth edition of the Hawaii Bowl was held in Honolulu, Hawaii, and featured the WAC champions versus the Conference USA runner-ups. UCF was one of the nation's best stories of the season...
: (WAC Champ) 49, UCF 48 (OT) - Fort Worth Bowl2005 Fort Worth BowlThe 2005 edition to the Fort Worth Bowl , the third edition, featured the Kansas Jayhawks, and the Houston Cougars.-Game summary:...
: Kansas2005 Kansas Jayhawks football teamThe 2005 Kansas Jayhawks football team played in the Big 12 Conference representing the University of Kansas. The Jayhawks won the Fort Worth Bowl, defeating the Houston Cougars, 42-13.-Schedule:...
42, 13 - Las Vegas Bowl2005 Las Vegas BowlThe 2005 edition to the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl was the 14th edition of that annual game. It featured the California Golden Bears, and the ....
: California2005 California Golden Bears football teamThe 2005 California Golden Bears football team represented the University of California, Berkeley in the college football 2005-2006 season. They played their home games at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California and were coached by Jeff Tedford....
35, 28 - Poinsettia Bowl2005 Poinsettia BowlThe 2005 Poinsettia Bowl was a post-season American college football bowl game between the and the on December 22, 2005 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. Navy defeated Colorado State 51–30 in this game. This was the inaugural edition of the Poinsettia Bowl.-References:...
: 51, 30 - GMAC Bowl2005 GMAC BowlThe 2005 GMAC Bowl was an American college football bowl game. It was part of the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season, and was the 8th edition. It was played in December 2005, and featured the , and the ....
: 45, 13 - New Orleans Bowl2005 New Orleans BowlThe 2005 New Orleans Bowl featured the and the . Due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, the game was played at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana instead of at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans....
: 31, (Sun Belt Champ) 19
Heisman Trophy voting
The Heisman TrophyHeisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
voting was basically a 3 man show: Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
(who won the Heisman Trophy in 2004), and Vince Young
Vince Young
Vincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
, who helped Texas win the national championship for the 1st time since 1970. Bush won the trophy, with Young coming in second.
The Heisman Trophy
Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
is given to the year's most outstanding player. There is no winner for 2005 because of irregularities discovered in 2010.
- 2. Vince YoungVince YoungVincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
, Jr. Texas QB (1,608 pts) - 3. Matt LeinartMatt LeinartMatthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
, Sr. USC QB (797 pts) - 4. Brady QuinnBrady QuinnBrayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
Jr. Notre Dame QB (191 pts) - 5. Michael Robinson, Sr. Penn State QB (49 pts)
In June 2010, the NCAA ruled that Bush had received improper gifts in violation of NCAA policies. On September 14, 2010, Bush announced in a statement from the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
that he would forfeit his title of 2005 Heisman Trophy winner and return his trophy. Vince Young, the runner-up in 2005, commented that he would not accept the trophy if it was taken away from Bush. On September 15, 2010, the Heisman Trust announced that the 2005 trophy would be vacated, and there would be no winner for that season.
Other major award winners
- Walter Camp AwardWalter Camp AwardThe Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is given annually to the collegiate American football Player of the Year, as decided by a group of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors under the auspices of the Walter Camp Football Foundation;...
(top player): Vacated* - Maxwell AwardMaxwell AwardThe Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
(top player): Vince YoungVince YoungVincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
, QB, Texas - AP Player Of the Year: Reggie BushReggie BushReginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, RB, USC (AP does not vacate titles stripped by ineligible teams or players.) - Lombardi AwardLombardi AwardThe Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best college football lineman or linebacker. The Lombardi Award program was approved by the Rotary Club in Houston in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi. The committee outlined the criteria for eligibility for the award, which...
(top lineman/linebacker): A.J. Hawk, Ohio State - John Mackey AwardJohn Mackey AwardThe John Mackey Award is presented annually to college football's most outstanding tight end.The award is given to the collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of NFL Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey....
(tight end): Marcedes LewisMarcedes LewisMarcedes Alexis Lewis is an American football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted from UCLA as the 28th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft...
, UCLA - Doak Walker AwardDoak Walker AwardThe Doak Walker Award, first awarded in 1990, honors the United States's top college football running back. It is named after the Southern Methodist and Detroit Lions football player Doak Walker...
(running back): Vacated* - Chuck Bednarik AwardChuck Bednarik AwardThe Chuck Bednarik Award is presented annually to the defensive collegiate football player adjudged by the Maxwell Football Club to be the best in the United States...
(defensive player): Paul PoslusznyPaul PoslusznyPaul Michael Posluszny , commonly known as "Poz", is an American football linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, LB, Penn State - Outland TrophyOutland TrophyThe Outland Trophy is awarded to the best United States college football interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America. It is named after John H. Outland. One of only a few players ever to be named All-America at two positions, Outland garnered consensus All-America honors in...
(interior lineman): Greg EslingerGreg EslingerGreg Eslinger is an American football center who was previously a practice squad player for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota. He is currently a free...
, C, Minnesota - Dave Rimington TrophyDave Rimington TrophyThe Dave Rimington Trophy is awarded to the player considered to be the best center in college football. Dave Rimington was a center who played at the University of Nebraska from 1979-1982....
(center): Greg EslingerGreg EslingerGreg Eslinger is an American football center who was previously a practice squad player for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota. He is currently a free...
, Minnesota - Davey O'Brien AwardDavey O'Brien AwardThe Davey O'Brien Award, officially the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, named after Davey O'Brien, is presented annually to the collegiate American football player adjudged by the Davey O'Brien Foundation to be the best of all National Collegiate Athletic Association quarterbacks. The...
(quarterback): Vince YoungVince YoungVincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
, QB, Texas - Johnny Unitas Award (Sr. quarterback): Matt LeinartMatt LeinartMatthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
, USC - Fred Biletnikoff AwardFred Biletnikoff AwardThe Fred Biletnikoff Award has been presented since 1994 to America's top college football receiver by the TQC Foundation, Inc. , an independent not-for-profit organization which created the award in 1994 and has sponsored it since...
(wide receiver): Mike HassMike HassMike Hass is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, Oregon State - Jim Thorpe AwardJim Thorpe AwardThe Jim Thorpe Award, named in memory of multi-sport legend Jim Thorpe, has been awarded to the top defensive back in college football since 1986...
(defensive back): Michael HuffMichael HuffMichael Wayne Huff II. is an American Football Free Safety for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He played collegiately as a CB/S for The University of Texas Longhorns.-High school career:...
, Texas - Lou Groza AwardLou Groza AwardThe Lou Groza Award is presented annually to the top college football placekicker in the United States by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The award is named after former Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns player Lou Groza.-Winners:...
(placekicker): Alexis SernaAlexis SernaAlexis Serna is a free agent placekicker and punter in the Canadian Football League. He graduated from A. B. Miller High School in Fontana, California. He was the starting placekicker and punter for the Oregon State University football team, the Oregon State Beavers, from 2004-2007...
, Oregon State - Ray Guy AwardRay Guy AwardThe Ray Guy Award is presented annually to college football's top punter by the Greater Augusta Sports Council. The award is named after punter Ray Guy, a former All-American at Southern Mississippi and an all-pro player for the Oakland Raiders.-Criteria:...
(punter): Ryan PlackemeierRyan PlackemeierRyan Steven Plackemeier is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, Wake Forest - The Home Depot Coach of the Year AwardThe Home Depot Coach of the Year AwardThe Home Depot Coach of the Year Award is given annually to college football's top head coach. The award for the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision is selected by ESPN and ABC college football analysts. No coach has ever won the award twice.-Winners:...
: Joe PaternoJoe PaternoJoseph Vincent "Joe" Paterno is a former college football coach who was the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions for 46 years from 1966 through 2011. Paterno, nicknamed "JoePa," holds the record for the most victories by an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision football coach with...
, Penn State - Paul "Bear" Bryant Award (head coach): Mack BrownMack BrownWilliam Mack Brown is head coach of The University of Texas at Austin Longhorn football team.Prior to his head coach position at Texas, Brown was head coach at Appalachian State, Tulane, and North Carolina. Brown is credited with revitalizing the Texas and North Carolina football programs...
, Texas - Broyles AwardBroyles AwardThe Broyles Award is an annual award given to honor the best assistant coach in college football. First awarded in 1996, it was named after former University of Arkansas men's athletic director Frank Broyles...
(assistant coach): Greg DavisGreg Davis (coach)-External links:***Award...
, Texas