College Football Trick Plays That Rewrote History
Deception remains one of the most effective tools in college football when a standard offense cannot crack a disciplined defense. Coaches spend hours reviewing film to exploit minor alignments, turning a single fake handoff or hidden ball into a game-changing score. The sport has seen many memorable trick plays, ranging from brilliantly executed championship moments to viral stunts that backfired completely.
Ohio State Executes a Double-Reverse Pass Against Alabama in the 2015 Sugar Bowl
Ohio State faced Alabama in the first College Football Playoff semifinal on Jan. 1, 2015. With 19 seconds left in the first half from the Alabama 13-yard line, the Buckeyes dialed up a double-reverse pass. Cardale Jones handed the ball to Jalin Marshall, who pitched it to Evan Spencer. The wide receiver then threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Michael Thomas, who kept a toe in bounds with 12 seconds remaining to cut Alabama’s lead to 21-20.
Posting one Ohio State highlight every day until Ohio State football is back: In 2014, with less than 30 seconds left in the 1st half, the Buckeyes enter the Redzone. Evan Spencer throws a jump ball to Michael Thomas in the endzone to take the lead 21-20.
Offensive coordinator Tom Herman wanted a red-zone play after two earlier drives stalled, though he realized Spencer was on the wrong hash for the play. Urban Meyer decided to run it anyway without using the team’s final timeout. Ohio State won 42-35 behind a Sugar Bowl record 230 rushing yards from Ezekiel Elliott, eventually defeating Oregon 42-20 to win the first CFP national championship.
Arkansas State Debuts the Fainting Goat Against Miami in 2014
Arkansas State tried one of the strangest fake punts against Miami on Sept. 13, 2014. Trailing 20-7 in the second quarter, the Red Wolves lined up to punt when gunner Booker Mays suddenly collapsed to the turf as if he had fainted. Special teams coordinator Luke Paschall designed the stunt to distract a defender while a teammate slipped downfield.
Paying homage to Arkansas State's fainting goat play as well. There's a lot going on – I wonder how much coffee the coaches had drank coming up with this one late at night.
Head coach Blake Anderson liked it because Mays was covered up and could not legally go downfield, making him a useful decoy. Punter Luke Ferguson’s pass was underthrown and intercepted by Raphael Kirby, leading to a Miami touchdown in a 41-20 loss. Despite failing on the field, the clip became an internet sensation. CBS Sports reported more than 10 million views in roughly 12 hours, prompting Anderson to view such calls as lottery tickets worth keeping.
Nebraska Introduces the Fumblerooski in the 1984 Orange Bowl
Nebraska produced one of college football’s most unusual plays against Miami in the 1984 Orange Bowl. Quarterback Turner Gill took the snap and deliberately placed the football on the ground while running backs moved right. Guard Dean Steinkuhler picked up the ball and carried it 19 yards in the opposite direction for a touchdown as Miami defenders chased the backfield.
The play showed how effective misdirection could be when executed properly. The NCAA banned the intentional planned fumble ahead of the 1993 season. Nebraska ultimately lost the game 31-30, but the Fumblerooski became a famous part of the game.
Michigan State Wins in Overtime With Little Giants Against Notre Dame
Michigan State faced fourth-and-14 in overtime against Notre Dame on Sept. 18, 2010. Trailing 31-28, the Spartans appeared ready to attempt a 46-yard field goal. Holder Aaron Bates stood up instead of holding for a kick, throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Gantt.
Notre Dame defenders rushed toward the kicker, leaving Gantt room to slip away from his blocking position. Head coach Mark Dantonio named the scheme “Little Giants,” realizing that an unsuccessful field goal attempt would have likely concluded the matchup anyhow. The gamble paid off with a 34-31 victory.
LSU Catches South Carolina With a Blind Over-The-Head Lateral in 2007
LSU caught South Carolina completely off guard on a fake field goal on Sept. 22, 2007. Holder Matt Flynn received the snap and tossed the ball blindly over his head. Kicker Colt David caught it in stride and ran around the edge for a 15-yard touchdown.
Head coach Les Miles had spotted a weakness in South Carolina’s field goal block formation. The Gamecocks’ edge rushers were attacking the inside gaps to reach the kicker. Flynn’s backward toss bypassed them and gave David an open path around the perimeter. LSU won 28-16, and the touchdown helped the Tigers move closer to their 2007 BCS national championship.
Boise State Uses the Statue of Liberty to Defeat Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl
During the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma, Boise State executed one of the most legendary trick plays in the history of college football. Trailing 42-41 in overtime, the Broncos needed a two-point conversion to win and turned to the Statue of Liberty play. Quarterback Jared Zabransky faked a quick pass to the right while secretly handing the ball behind his back to running back Ian Johnson.
Johnson ran toward the left side and reached the end zone untouched. The play used Oklahoma’s aggressive defensive movement against it. The Sooners reacted to the passing fake and left the opposite side open. Johnson finished with 101 rushing yards, securing a 43-42 victory.
North Texas Executes a Fake Fair Catch Against Arkansas in 2018
North Texas pulled off a remarkable punt return against Arkansas on Sept. 15, 2018. Returner Keegan Brewer caught the punt near his own 10-yard line and stood completely still. Arkansas coverage players slowed down, assuming the play was effectively over.
Brewer then took off along the sideline for a 90-yard touchdown. The trick worked because the defenders expected the returner to signal for a fair catch. NCAA rules require a clear, one-arm waving motion above the head to indicate a fair catch. Standing still did not make the ball dead, allowing North Texas to build a 14-0 lead in a 44-17 win.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Trick Plays
What rule change was caused by Nebraska’s Fumblerooski?
The NCAA banned the intentional planned fumble ahead of the 1993 season.
How many views did Arkansas State’s fainting goat play receive?
CBS Sports reported more than 10 million views in roughly 12 hours.
What distance was the game-winning play in Michigan State’s overtime win over Notre Dame?
Holder Aaron Bates threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Gantt on fourth-and-14 during the Sept. 18, 2010 overtime win.