Twenty years after Reggie Bush’s infamous push propelled Matt Leinart to a game-winning touchdown against Notre Dame, the ‘Bush Push’ remains a pivotal moment in college football history. Its legacy spans from rulebook controversies to influencing modern offensive strategies, as explored in recent reflections on the play’s impact.
On October 15, 2005, USC trailed Notre Dame 31-28 with seconds remaining at Notre Dame Stadium. Quarterback Matt Leinart attempted a sneak from the 1-yard line but was stopped short, leading to a fumble and momentary confusion as the clock ran out. After officials reset the play, Leinart tried again, and Reggie Bush famously shoved him across the goal line for the score. The touchdown preserved USC’s 28-game winning streak and set up their eventual Rose Bowl clash with Texas. Despite the celebration, the play’s legality was immediately questioned under NCAA rules.
The NCAA rulebook explicitly prohibited teammates from pushing the ball carrier to assist forward progress, a regulation dating back decades. However, officials rarely enforced this rule, as distinguishing between pushes and blocks in goal-line scrums was challenging. Former official Matt Austin noted that calling such penalties was uncommon and even teased among referees. In the Bush Push case, the Pac-10 crew did not flag the play, focusing instead on a subsequent celebration penalty. Conference commissioner Tom Hansen later admitted a penalty could have been called but emphasized the infrequency of such calls.
Following the game, the ‘Bush Push’ ignited a nationwide debate over football rules and fairness. Media outlets and fans dissected the play, with some arguing it was a clever exploit and others deeming it an unfair advantage. This controversy highlighted the gap between written rules and on-field enforcement, prompting discussions among coaches and officials. Despite the uproar, no immediate rule changes occurred, and the play became etched in college football lore as a symbol of USC’s dominance during that era.
It wasn’t until 2013 that the NCAA rules committee addressed the issue, removing the word ‘push’ from the aiding the runner rule after extensive review. Steve Shaw, the NCAA’s national coordinator of officials, explained that the committee found it nearly impossible to consistently distinguish between pushing a runner and pushing a pile. This change aligned college football with the NFL, which had made a similar adjustment in 2005. The revision effectively legalized certain types of pushes, paving the way for strategic innovations in the sport.
The rule change allowed coaches to develop plays like the ‘tush push,’ where players shove the quarterback or ball carrier from behind in short-yardage situations. Bill Snyder’s Kansas State team was among the first to implement this tactic, and it later gained prominence in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles’ version using Jalen Hurts. Recent proposals to ban such plays have faced resistance, with the NCAA citing a lack of injury concerns and viewing them as legitimate strategy. The Bush Push, once a source of controversy, now serves as a precursor to these accepted tactics.
Pete Carroll, USC’s coach at the time, recalls the chaotic moments leading to the push, including Leinart’s hesitation and Bush’s encouragement. Carroll described the setting as ‘incredible,’ with Notre Dame’s rally featuring legends like Joe Montana adding to the rivalry’s intensity. Current discussions around the play often reference its role in shaping officiating philosophies and game dynamics. As USC returns to Notre Dame for a top-20 matchup, the Bush Push continues to define the storied rivalry and its historical significance.
Twenty years later, the Bush Push exemplifies how single moments can drive long-term changes in sports regulations and strategies. Its journey from disputed infraction to accepted practice illustrates the evolution of football rules in response to gameplay and public perception. The play remains a touchstone for debates on fairness, innovation, and the spirit of the game, ensuring its place in college football history for generations to come.