CLASSIC GENESIS SPORTS
Greatest Games Ever 1990-2005
This document is written with much love, for all of you who have contributed from 1990 to the present.
God bless you all, and thanks for participating.
Jeff 10-29-2007
This is a biased list of games, since I can only report on games I played in, remember, or games which have
surviving summaries.
2017- updated 33rd best game of all time, Triple Miracle at SC
All games Madden(91) or Bill Walsh College Football unless noted.
Also included CFL, Madden NCAA, Madden92
#1 1992 The Pet Godzilla Game
Coach Chuck and Paul traded Cincinnati for San Francisco at the start of the 1993 season. Chuck coached San Fran for 3 games before Chuck and Paul traded their teams back to each other. Denver was the defending champion, coming off of a dominating 16-2 1991 season.
Late in the 4th quarter with 1:30 remaining, San Francisco led Denver 42-21. Russ and Paul walked into the living room, and laughed and teased Jeff. “This is a blow game, turn it off”, “just write blowout next to the score and play the next game”. Jeff responded “I am going to win this game!”. Russ and Paul laughed so hard. Paul exclaimed “if you win, I will show you my pet Godzilla!”, Russ and Paul laughed so hard and walked into the kitchen.
Back to the game. SF 42 Den 21. Denver held San Francisco to 4th down, and forced a punt with 1:30 left in the game. Denver struggled, converted a 4th down, and scored a touchdown. Denver had all their remaining timeouts. SF 42, Den 28. Denver miraculously recovers the onside kick! The next three plays are incomplete passes. Its 4th and 10, with about 45 seconds left in the game. Elway drops back, and lets a bomb fly out the middle of the field. The Denver WR has beaten the safety, but the ball is way underthrown. The defender easily bats the ball, and it goes high in the air. The ball is just about to hit the ground on the 1 inch line incomplete, and the diving Denver wide receiver just gets under the ball, catch, and then his momentum just carries him into the end zone, TOUCHDOWN!!! SF 42 DEN 35. Onside kick is kicked, and it fails, San Fran recovers. At this point, some very tough Denver defense forces a San Fran 4th down. Denver uses all three timeouts. Denver gets the ball back, and scores moves down the field, scoring with no time on the clock! OVERTIME!
By this time, Russ and Paul have been back and everyone is stunned, in complete silence. The overtime is much less dramatic. Denver marches down the field and kicks a field goal. Denver wins in the most dramatic comeback ever, in John Madden history. A 21 point comeback in 1:30, is unheard of in football of any level, or any video game. The PET GODZILLA game will live on forever!
Denver 45 San Fran 42 OT
#2 1992 Kansas Comeback I
Mo’s Miami91 Hurricanes were a powerful team. Jeff’s Kansas Jayhawks were big underdogs. Miami took a 24-0 lead at the half. Mo shouted “hit that reset button, go ahead, hit that reset button”. Jeff kept his cool, as Chuck sat in the background watching. First play of the second half, #26 for Kansas breaks off an 86 yard touchdown run. The tables had turned! Kansas went on to outscore Miami 36-8 in the second half, and win 36-32. Mo was ragged very hard.
Kansas 36 Miami 32
#3 2005 Intercepting Aggies II
Clemson had never lost a game to Texas A&M. This post season meeting was sure to won by Clemson. This 2005 Orange Bowl game was being hosted by Texas A&M. Coach John and Miami91(6-1) had just finished stomping Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl to avenge their only regular season loss, and would either play Clemson in the title game with a a Clemson win, or take the national title with a Coach John Texas A&M win. This is important, because Miami91 had beaten Clemson twice, each time by 6 points or less. Clemson was sure they would beat Miami91 with a third chance.
Tied late at 28, Clemson methodically ran its clock munch offense to the Texas A&M 2 yard line. 1st and goal at the 2 yard line, Clemson ran the cross pass play, and the QB ran to the right. Now with just 1:00 remaining, Clemson only needs to milk the clock and kick a game winning field goal. The Clemson QB attempts to slide to the goal yard line and milk the remaining seconds off (the A button was pressed), however the passing windows were up and the ball was passed to the (A) receiver in the far upper left corner of the end zone, on the other side of the field. INTERCEPTION!
Texas A&M drives and missed a medium field goal with no time remaining. In overtime Texas A&M scores a touchdown, and Clemson runs out of time on their possession. Texas A&M wins the 2005 Orange Bowl, and gives the title to Miami91, preventing a Miami91 Clemson rematch.
Texas A&M 35 Clemson 28 OT
#4 1990 Season Houston at Cincinnati (first snow game)
Jeff's Houston Oilers were 22-0 and were very confident going to play their first snow game ever. Coach Chuck's deadly near formation west coast offense was still in its infancy, but was still a force to be reckoned with. Cincinnati threw short screen passes to the speedy half back all game who would then juke out Houston defenders in the snow and race for easy touchdowns. In the slippery snow of Cincinnati, Houston was no match for the west coast offense of Cincinnati. Houston's 22-0 record was now history.
Cincinnati 63 Houston 56
#5 1991 Miami at Denver
Jeff's Broncos were 13-0, and although they had won very many close games, they also had some blowout wins, including a 112-44 game against Buffalo. Chuck's Miami team had a high scoring offense, although the defense wasn't very good, Miami tended to win when they scored very high. Miami slapped 66 points on Denver this day and it was too much for Denver to overcome. Denver's dreams of a perfect 18-0 season were dashed. However, an angry Denver team went on to take their anger out on Russ's happless Bills the following week, 98-35. Denver went on to win the 1991 title with a 16-2 record. However on this day Miami was the better team.
Miami 66 Denver 49
#6 1993 The 4-0 Start for Russ's Pittsburgh team
Russ's Pittsburgh was a humble team that could hold it's own for a good half of football, but without a major, consistent offensive threat, it was hard to dominate other teams. Coach Russ guided them to an improbable 4-0 start, versus some quality opponents. In Pittsburghs first win, there were up 44-42 with a second remaining on the clock, and Jeff's Houston team on the 3 yard line. The Houston kicker rarely missed, even long field goals. However this kick mysteriously doinked off the goal post. This proved to be Houston's only loss in the first 13 games. Pittsburgh had won this game. Was it divine intervention? Was it a sign of things to come?
Week 2 saw Pittsburgh manhandle the team that would win the 1993 title, Chuck's LA Rams. Pitt won this meeting 45-33.
Week 3 saw Pittsburgh skate by Paul's New England team 28-21, whose only claim to fame was a struggle cheese win over 3 win Atlanta.
Week 4 saw Pittsburgh down 24-17 to Jeff's Denver team, at midfield with only a second remaining in the game. In a desperation hail mary pass, Pitt connected to tie the game and force overtime. In overtime the Pitt magic continued, and Pitt won this game 27-24(ot).
The remainder of the season saw the wheels fall off of the Pittsburgh bandwagon. Pittsburgh managed struggle cheese wins versus the horrendous New England and Atlanta teams, and the .500 Kansas City team, but after their 4-0 start, they finished the remainder of their schedule at a mere 3-7, for a total record of 7-7, and missed the playoffs due to the tiebreaker versus Cincinatti (7-7). What seemed like a promising season had quickly turned into a cheap horror movie for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
#7 1993 Los Angeles at Houston
Jeff's Houston team was a league powerhouse, a 22-0 record in 1990, 14-5 in 1991, and a 10-5 record and title game loss in 1992 put them in rare company. Chuck's Los Angeles team were the new kids on the block, and both teams sported a 6-1 record and would finish with the top 2 records in the league. This was a potential title game matchup. Late in this matchup Los Angeles held a 24-20 lead, and Houston was down to the last play of the game at the Houston 30 yard line. One last heave to the streaking left Houston wide receiver, was slightly underthrown. The Los Angeles easily batted the ball, however the ball bounced down the field, and into the still streaking Houston wide receivers hands, as he raced for a 70 yard touchdown with no time remaining. This win over Los Angeles would give Houston the leagues best record at seasons end (12-2), while LA (11-3) would win the league title after Chuck's miracle Cincinnati team knocked San Fran and Houston out of the playoffs. However Houston had the last laugh on this day, with a thrilling, improbable last second miracle win.
Houston 27 Los Angels 24
#8 1993 The Miracle Cincinnati Bengals
Chuck's Cincinnati Bengals were the first time ever to beat the Houston Oilers, and derail there 22-0 start in 1990. In 1991 Cincinnati lost to Houston in the first playoff game. In 1992, Cincinnati had a horrible 3-9 record, but were still powerful sleeping dogs. As league commissioner, Jeff kept the same scheduling format from 1992, with the addition of two "weighted" games in 1993. These games included opponents of equal records from 1992. The the top teams had a more difficult schedule, and the worse record teams had an easier schedule. Not wanting to give Cincinnati a total cake walk, most of Cincinnati's hard games were stacked on the front of the schedule, with the cupcakes at the second half of the schedule.
Cincinnati had a horrible 2-5 start. Their last seven opponents were all cupcakes, with the exception of Houston and Denver. In a tough fought week 10 game, at Cincinnati, Denver won in overtime. In a tough fought week 12 game in Houston, Houston defeated Cincinnati in overtime. However nothing could be done to stop Cincinnati as they marched through their cupcake schedule. After a 2-5 start, they finished 5-2 for a 7-7 record. They did not defeat one winning team the whole season
The sleeping giant Cincinnati Bengals had awoken, if they made the playoffs, every team was in danger. Week 14 was the clincher. Coach Russ held the key to stopping the Cincinnati juggernaut. If anyone of Russ's 3 teams could pull out a win, Pittsburgh (7-6), Washington (6-7) or Philadelphia (6-7), that team could clinch a playoff spot, and eliminate the dangerous Cincinnati team.
Week14:Washington at Cincinnati: This game was a blowout, Cincinnati wipe-a-nated Washington 35-14. Pittsburgh at LA: Los Angeles stompinated Pittsburgh 56-21. Russ's last chance to stop Cincinnati was Minnesota at Philadelphia. Minnesota led 35-28 with one play remaining for Philadelphia. Philadelphia on Minnesota's 20 yard line could force overtime with a touchdown, and as the home team, Philadelphia would receive the ball in overtime. A pass to a wide open Philadelphia wide receiver in the end zone was dropped(BONK!). The miracle Bengals who started 2-5 and hadn't beaten a winning team all season, were in the playoffs.
Once the 1993 playoffs began, Chuck's Kansas City(8-6) beat Denver(8-6) in an exciting wild card game. Cincinnati(7-7) beat Paul's San Fran(10-4), one of the league's powerhouse teams, and defending champs in their wildcard game. Los Angeles (11-3) advanced over Kansas City (9-6) by default (same coach). It came down to Cincinnati (8-7)at Houston (12-2) in the other semifinal. Cincinnati stopped Houston on downs in the final minute to win 56-51, and wrap up the title for LA (11-3), preventing a LA Houston title game.
The Miracle Bengals were truly a force to be reckoned with, as Jeff predicted when he wrote up the 1993 schedule. In 1994 Cincinnati marched to a 13-3 regular season record, before they were finally stopped by San Fran (14-4 total) in the 1994 title game. Cincinnati compiled a 18-5 record from the middle of the 1993 season, to the end of the 1994 regular season. Even though they didn't win a title during their early years, the 1994 Cincinnati teams will be remembered as one of the deadliest teams of all time in John Madden Football history.
#9 1992 San Fran wins last second thriller vs Den in Semifinal
Denver (8-5/Jeff) ran a interception back early, and jumped up 7-0 on San Fran (9-3/Paul). Tied at 31 late in the 4th quarter, Denver ball 3rd and 1 at the 2 yard line, Elway runs to the San Fran 1 yard line and stands there in an attempt to get tackled and milk off the last minute before a game winning field goal. However, the San Fran defender hits Elway and knocks him into the end zone for a Denver TD.
On the following possession with slightly less than 1 minute, Montana drives San Fran down for a score in the final seconds to tie the game at 28. San Fran takes the overtime kickoff, and drives down for a game winning field goal and a trip to the 1992 John Madden National Title game vs Houston.
San Fran 31 Denver 28 OT
#10 2002 Kansas Miami II
The rivalry that began with the 1993 Kansas comeback resumed, and it wasn't a disappointment. Coach Jeff’s Kansas Jayhawks (3-1) just came off of a hard fought close loss to coach Mike’s Pitt80 Panthers (3-0). Coach John’s self appointed championship favorite team Miami91 Hurricanes were 3-0 and destroying opponents with double digit win margins.
Kansas’s shotgun offense was quickly corralled by the vicious Hurricane defense. Kansas would have to rely on the old fashioned option, and a sneaky pass every now and then. Miami91 was used to stacking points on the board in every quarter of the game.
After holding Miami on it's inital drive Kansas drove down the field and took a 3‑0 lead. On Miami's next possession the Kansas defense intercepted the Canes. However on the very next play Kansas turned the ball over on a Miami interception which if not for a shoe‑string Kansas tackle, may have been returned for a touchdown. Each of the teams would next trade punts, and and Miami would then drive into Kansas territory where the Kansas defense forced it's second turnover, a Miami running back fumble This would set up Kansas for their second scoring drive making the score 10‑0 with 15 seconds remaining in the first half. The Mighty Miami91 Hurricanes had been shut out at the half. A feat which had never happened before, and may not have happened since.
The second half saw Kansas forced to a three and out on their fist possession, followed by a quick strike Miami touchdown, making it 10‑7. Kansas answered with a touchdown of drive of their own, making it 17‑7. Miami struggled the entire game with nearly zero offense, except for a handful of plays, half of which were long bombs, and the other half Gino Torretta QB rushes up the middle on plays of pure desperation. However, Miami answered with a another touchdown drive cutting the lead to 17‑14. Kansas's final drive ate up the entire 4th quarter, and ended on the Miami three yard line, where the ball was downed on consecutive plays to run out the clock after Miami had spent all of their timeouts.
Kansas had beaten the mighty Miami91 Hurricanes for the second time in 2 meetings.
Kansas 17 Miami 14
#11 1990 Terror Bowl (San Fran at Houston)
In what would become and annual ritual, and a bitter rivalry, San Fran and Houston played many close games. In the informal league setting of 1990, there was no set schedule. Houston's had a record 22-0 start before they lost at Cincinnati in the snow, and even after their first loss, it was nearly impossible to beat Houston at home the "Terror Dome".
However Paul had just stopped Jeff's Houston on downs inside Houston's 20 yard line, and had a 28-21 lead, at Houston. Paul joyfully proclaimed "I won in the Terror Dome, I won in the Terror Dome!". Chuck sat on the couch and quietly urged Paul to down the ball. Paul was in Houston's red zone, and with under 10 seconds left in the game he was going to run the score up. Next play was a pass into the endzone, interception Houston! Touchback.
Houston has 1 second on the clock at their own 20 yard line. Warren Moon connects on a long pass for a touchdown. San Fran had not, and did not win in the Terror Dome. In overtime, Houston quickly added on another TD and another legendary game for the Terror Bowl.
Houston 34 San Fran 28 OT
#12 1992 Denver Survives the Minn Defense (wildcard playoff)
Coach Paul’s highly touted Minnesota Vikings (7-5), hosted coach Jeff’s league Champion Denver Broncos (7-5). Denver scored early, but Minnesota had a rare extra point block. This would figure into the game later. Both defenses played great. Minnesota had the best defense in the league, and was proving it, by holding Denver’s offense to 13 points, and returning a defensive score.
Late in the game, leading 14-13, Denver gets to the Minnesota 1 yard line, but after some great defensive plays, is backed up to the 20 yard line. On 4th down, short on time, and with a field goal uncertain after an extra point block, Denver elects to go for it on 4th down. Denver is stopped all the way at the Minnesota 1 yard line. Minnesota only needs to get one first down to end the game.
The Denver defense steps up, and sacks the Minnesota QB, for a nice 2 pt safety! Denver leads 15-14, and following the kickoff runs the clock out, for a victory, in the greatest defensive battle ever in Madden playoffs.
Denver 15 Minnesota 14
#13 2003 The Frame Skip Bowl Stanford at Kansas
Kansas started strong in 2002 and had a poor finish (10-1 to 10-4), and had another strong start in 2003 (5-2), but lost a close game to Oklahoma85, dropping to 5-3, and were in a must win game versus Stanford in order to stay in the playoff race.
Down 18-8 with 45 seconds left in the half, and no timeouts, the Jayhawks drove to the Stanford 8 yard line and spiked the ball with one second remaining, and kicked a 25 yard FG to make it 18-11 at the half. Stanford received in the 2nd half, and drove into Kansas territory. The Kansas safety #22 would then intercept Stanford and take it 75 yards for a TD and following a 2pt convert Kansas took a 19-18 lead.
After back and forth scoring, this would come down to crunch time. Kansas would score with only 1 minute remaining, giving them a 33-29 lead over Stanford. On the following Stanford drive, Kansas was playing a tough pass defense, nearly picking off Stanford. Stanford was in trouble. On a key third down play, Stanford nailed a 72 yard pass over the middle through Kansas triple coverage (hence the name "Frame-Skip-Bowl"). This put Stanford on the Kansas 8 yard line, and Stanford would score with 18 seconds remaining, making it 37-34. There is a snapshot posted on Classic Genesis Sports of this very instant replay. You can clearly see three Kansas defenders should to shoulder, overlapping even, and behind them the Stanford receiver who would somehow catch the ball as it "frameskipped" through the 3 Kansas players. Coach Mike of Stanford had the famous remark "you won't hear me complain!".
One last chance for Kansas. After bringing in the slow QB from the FG offense, and forgeting to put in the shotgun audible, Kansas chose to go with a pro-form set. The result was a 12 yard sack, and a safety, ending this game 39-34. With their morale destroyed, Kansas zomibe stomped through a blood bath loss versus Texas A&M the following week, and limped to a 6-6 record and the last playoff spot.
Stanford 39 Kansas 34
#14 2002 Intercepting Aggies I
#1Pitt80 raced to a 7-0 start, only to lose to #3Miami91. Now at #3 in the land, Pitt80(#3) was looking to put the smackdown on lowly Texas A&M (4-5) and eliminate them from the playoff race once and for all. Late in the game Coach Mike of Pitt snapped the ball and hit the (A) button to down the ball and run off the final seconds in the game. However those sneaky passing windows popped up, (most likely due to a sticky A button which happens). Instead of the QB diving on the ground and milking the last seconds off the clock, the ball went sailing high and deep into the Texas A&M secondary. INTERCEPTION! TEXAS A&M
Texas A&M drove the ball down and in the final seconds scores the winning TD. Coach Mike received counseling after the game and was kept under observation for 24 hours. He came out with flying colors. Pitt80 went on to stomp Texas A&M in their season finale, and win the 2002 national championship. However this day was stolen by the INTECERCEPTING AGGIES, who still had at least one more miracle left in them... for another time.
Texas A&M 17 Pitt80 16
#15 2005 Kansas Miami III The Stand
Coach John’s Miami91 dominated early, taking a 14-0 lead on Jeff’s Kansas Jayhawks. The Jayhawks option attack struggled on the Madden91 engine, which the league was now based. Miami nearly went up 21-0, but an overthrown ball prevented a touchdown.
Kansas clawed and scratched back into the game making it 14-7. On Miami’s next possession, Kansas would return an interception to the Miami 4 yard line. Miami’s defense held tough, and Kansas was limited to a field goal, making it Miami 14-10 at the half.
In the second half Kansas was able to score a touchdown and take a 17-14 lead in a game which they originally trailed 14-0. Miami retook a 21-17 lead shortly after. Kansas tried to salvage some offense with their severely challenged unit. A quick pass was tipped and intercepted at midfield, and run back by a Miami defender for a touchdown. At 28-17 Miami, the game look to be sealed.
Kansas still had a few tricks up their sleeve. A very sloppy half back pass to the quarterback would have only been a very short gain if he had been tackled, but he managed to run around the Miami defense for a 40 yard score.
At 28-24, Miami had 3 minutes to kill, or score to finish off Kansas. Miami drove to the Kansas 25 yard line with 1:30 remaining, but they were intercepted by Kansas. Kansas drove to the Miami 17 yard line with 30 ticks left on the clock.
Kansas managed to get the ball to the Miami 8 yard line, making it a 4th down and 1 yard to go, with 12 seconds remaining, and 1 timeout. An option run to the right got to the Miami 4 yard line with 6 seconds left and no timeouts.
The next play was a quick snap and pass to the left, which was batted away. Now 2 seconds remained on the clock. A desperate Miami91 team who had never beaten the Kansas Jayhawks now stood on the verge of their most historic win. The ball was snapped, Kansas ran to the left, and attempted to throw to the tight end on the right, and the ball was tipped at the line of scrimmage. Miami91 had finally prevailed in the Bill Walsh Leagues most heated rivalry, and they had defeated a Kansas team that didn't win a game all season.
Miami91 28 Kansas 24
1992 #16 Terror Bowl (San Fran at Houston)
San Fran had many close calls versus Houston in the early years, including one close loss in which they only needed a chip shot field goal, but the time ran out as the kicking team was lining up. This year was different. This game determined the division champion, and the inside track to the title game.
Late in the game, San Fran lines up for a long field goal with little time remaining and nails it. Houston manages a desperation pass, and has one last chance at a long field goal, it sails wide. This marked a turning point in league history. San Fran had always lost the big games to the big teams in the past, now they were one of the big teams. This victory propelled them into the title game rematch versus Houston in which they easily won versus the once unbeatable Oilers.
San Fran 41 Houston 38
2001 #17 Kansas Florida
The Kansas Jayhawks (Jeff), returned to the Bill Walsh League for the second year to face Josh’s Florida Gators. The first game of the 2002 season was played in December 2001. Kansas had won many pre-season scrimmages versus Josh’s Florida and Auburn teams, and although this was the first meeting in a regular season, it was already a big rivalry.
A tie game in the second half, and then Kansas running back #26 made an unlikely play. Down on the Kansas 9 yard line, #26 fumbled the handoff! Here was Florida’s chance to stop Kansas and take the lead. However, #26 recovered the football and raced 91 yards to paydirt.
Later on, the desperate Gators hanging on for dear life in the last minute of the 4th quarter, were down to their last time out. Kansas held a 55-49 lead with 45 seconds, and faced a 3rd and 8 on the Kansas 24. Florida had one timeout, and had to make a defensive stop on this play.
With the game hanging in the balance, the Kansas running back #26 takes the handoff and races from the wishbone into a group of tacklers, stuffed at the line of scrimmage! However, #26 keeps his legs moving, and breaks away from the desperate Florida defenders. #26 raced 76 yards to and crushed the Florida Gators and maybe their national title hopes for the season.
Kansas 62 Florida 49
2003 #18 Kansas Auburn
Coach Josh and Auburn83 (3-3) marched into to play Coach Jeff and the mighty Kansas Jayhawks (4-2). Jeff and Josh had a heated rivalry, which began the season before when Josh’s Florida Gators had a tough loss to the Kansas Jayhawks.
This game would certainly be won by the team that held the ball last. Auburn83's big advantage was the running of Bo Jackson. All 2 point conversions were automatic versus the Kansas defense. This enabled the Auburn Tigers to take a 40-35 lead. Auburn led by 5 points, even though both teams had scored the same number of touchdowns (five).
The Jayhawks were determined to foil coach Josh’s return to the Bill Walsh League. The Jayhawks managed to option run, and dink pass and get just enough yards to move the chains, and run down the entire 4th quarter. The Auburn defense was tough. It came down to 4th and goal with 1 second, on the 1 yard line. The next play would reduce one coach to a pile of disappointed goo, and launch the other into jubilant celebration.
The ball is snapped and handed of to Kansas HB #26, the overlooked star of the day. Running to the right he evaded tacklers, and broke the plane! TOUCHDOWN KANSAS! The Jayhawks had beaten Bo Jackson led Auburn, and raised their record to 5-2.
KANSAS 41 AUBURN 40
2002 #19 Clemson Pitt80
#6 ranked Clemson80 (4-2/Jeff) rolled into town to face #1 Pitt80 (5-0/Mike). The Pitt Panthers were winning games by with huge offensive productions, 40 and 50 point efforts.
Clemson marched down the field to take a 7‑0 lead. Pitt was stopped by the Clemson defense all day and their only TD until the final seconds was a punt return in the first half which tied the game at 7 for the half.
The second half saw great defense by both teams. Pitt was held to a field goal, and with Clemson trailing 10‑7 late in the 4th quarter, a fake punt was called from the Clemson 5 yard line. The punter standing in his own end zone threw a deep pass which was completed and took Clemson down to the Pitt 40 yard line. Clemson converted a few plays later and had the PAT blocked. Pitt now only needed a field goal to clinch a victory, but they would have to move the football against the leagues most fierce defense.
Pitt would now drive down the field with precious time ticking away, they drove to the Clemson80 15 yard line. On 4th and 13 with and only 6 seconds remaining, no timeouts, Pitt80 elected to gamble, and forgo the field goal for a pass. Pitt threw a short pass underneath the coverage, and the scrambling Clemson just missed tackling the speedy Pitt wide receiver. Although the Pitt offense had been held to no touchdown all day, they had scored a touchdown with no time on the clock! Pitt celebrated one of many close calls all year, and Clemson had been knocked down from title contender, to scrambling for a playoff spot.
Pitt 17 Clemson 13
2002 #20 Fiesta Bowl Miami91 vs Pitt80
Late in the game, Pitt80 was ready to seal the deal. Pitt80 led 21-14 and was in Miami91's red zone. However the Miami91 secondary intercepted Pitt in the endzone and returned the ball 90 yards inside the Pitt 10 yard line. On three downs, Miami is able to get the ball to the one inch line. However, the incredible Miami defensive play minutes early is all for nothing, on 4th and goal, Miami91 is stuffed like a cheap thanksgiving turkey. Pitt goes on to add another touchdown, and wins this game going away.
Pitt80 28 Miami91 14
2002 #21 Orange Bowl Stanford vs Kansas
Kansas (10-3) raced to a 10-1 start during the regular season, and had split the two meetings with Stanford (7-4). In a game that went back and forth like a heavyweight boxing match, Stanford matched everything Kansas could put up. Late in the game, leading 24-17, Stanford had Kansas held to 4th and 3 in Stanford territory.
The Kansas QB snapped the ball, and (C) button stuck and handed off to the FB. Instead of a scrambaling QB looking for a wide receiver, there was a slow scrambaling FB looking to run up field for a 3 yard gain plus the 7 yards or more he has dropped back. The fullback is able to juke and scramble nearly the entire 10 yards, a miracle in itself. Now it is close, the chains come out. The Kansas Jayhawks need this first down to beat Stanford and face Pitt in the title game. The chain just barley passes the football, Kansas is short by an inch! Stanford hangs on for an amazing win over a Kansas team that could have gone undefeated. Coach Mike's Stanford win, gives the title to Mike's Pitt80 team, which has just finished dismantling the 91 canes.
Stanford 24 Kansas 17
2003 #22 The Comeback II - Kansas Nebraska83
Down 22-0 with one second in the half, the Jayhawks fought back.
Early in the game Kansas forced Nebrasa83 to a 3 and out, and drove to the 5 yard line, then things began to unravel. Kanas would next fumble on the Nebraksas 5 yard line. Nebraska would drive for a 7-0 lead. Next possession Kansas still angry went for it on 4th and 3 in their own territory. After stopping the Jayhawks, Nebraska took an easy 14-0 lead. Next possession Kansas misses the kickoff, runs back and gets it at the 3. Next play safety. 16-0 Nebraska. Kickoff to Nebraska, drive and score. 22-0 Nebraska.
Now on their own 26 yard line with a second remaining in the half, Kansas could have chose to lay down and die. Instead they chose to fight back. Next play 74 yard TD pass with no time remaining in the half. 22-7 Neb. 2nd half, Kansas drives and scores, w/2pt conversion, 22-15 Neb. After a Neb score makes it 28-15, Kansas would score and convert a Nebraska fumble and make it 29-28 Kansas with about 3:00 remaining. Nebraksa would make a strong drive and a 2pt convert to take a 36-29 lead.
Now with 1:30 remaining Kansas would drive and score with 22 seconds remaining, making it 35-34. Without hesitation Kansas goes for the two point conversion. All the receivers were jammed at the line, lots of pressure from the defense, a lob pass goes into a crowd on the 1 yard line.... batted... incomplete... Nebraska survives despite relinquishing a 22-0 lead. Another Bill Walsh CLASSIC.
Nebraska 36, Kansas 35.
1991 #23 The first playoff game
Cincinnati (12-6/Chuck) marched into Houston (13-5/Jeff), for the first ever league playoff game. Houston won the Bullwinkle division, and Cincinnati was the 8 team leagues only wild card team. A hard fought game, the Houston Oilers tied it up on the last play of regulation, to send it into overtime. On the first play of overtime, Warren Moon throws an 80 yard cross pass to decapitate Cincinnati’s championship hopes. Denver (16-2/Jeff) took the 1991 title by virtue of best record over Houston (14-5/Jeff).
2003 #24 The Tie - Nebraska83 Pitt80
I don't know of any existing game summary for this, as the old message boards were deleted, and only a partial record of those old messages exists. This however many believed to be a possible title game preview. Coach Mike's #5 Pitt80 (4-2) and coach Brett's #7 Nebraska83 (3-2) were trying to claw their way out of the pack to the top of the rankings.
I am sure both coaches probably have fond memories of this game, I heard a lot about this game and even though I don't have a game summary, it still ranks very high in Classic Genesis Sports history. This match ended in a 22 all tie.
Nebraska83 22 Pitt80 22
2003 #25 Edmonton at Calgary (CFL)
Flutie avoided sacks nearly the whole game, and rushed for first downs, and scrambled around in the pocket to make some incredible deep throws. With Calgary up 14-7 and about to tack more on, Flutie rushed for what should have been a 1st down, but was nailed by an Edmonton defender, knocking Flutie back at least 5 yards, and sending the ball sailing far back, high in the air, which would be scooped up by the diving Willie Pless who would return it for a Edmonton TD, tying the game.
After rushing for a 1st down in the 2nd half, Flutie was knocked out by Willie Pless, and Jeff Garcia would lead the Stamps to a 10 point lead. However down 3 in the 4th, Edmonton drove down to the Calgary 31 yard line, and kicked a 48 yard FG with 1 second remaining.
In overtime Calgary elected to go for it on 3rd and 7 on the 12, rather than go for a risky field goal at an awkward angle. After stopping the Stamps the Eskimos would run one play diving close to the out of bounds, but not out. The last seconds would tick off without another play for the Esks. Ending this one in an overtime tie.
Calgary 24 Edmonton 24 (OT)
2003 #26 Orange Bowl (#6)Miami91(8-4) vs (#1)Georgia (11-1)
The #1 "Cheesedogs" hadn't been given much respect during the regular season, but they marched to an amazing 11-1 record. However the Miami91 Cane's wanted revenge for a regular season loss. Ask and you shall receive. Late in the game Georgia scores what could have been the tying touchdown. But instead of kicking the extra point to tie the game at 28, Georgia chooses to go for 2 points and the win.
The 2 point conversion is stuffed like a dead hamster, and the Cheesedogs who raced to an incredible 11-1 start, faced a horrifying end to their season, much like the Kansas Jayhawks of the previous season, who started at 10-1 only to lose their last 3 games into the post season. Miami91 on the other hand ended their season on a high note. They were not playing to get into a title game this year, but they had beaten the number one team in the land, and gained respect after the previous years choke loss to Pitt in the historic 2002 Fiesta Bowl.
Miami91 28 Georgia 27
1991 #27 Eagles Cheagles - The Flying Cat (Madden92)
In the Madden92 draft, Russ had taken the powerful Philadelphia Eagles, one of the few powerhouse teams in the game. They were the favorite to win the title in the 1991 Madden92 tournament. Of the 4 coaches, we each had 4 teams. Jeff's 4th pick were the lowly New England Patriots. At this time in pro football, the Patriots were the lowest, and one of the most horrible teams ever. Fate would have it that the lowly Patriots and mighty Eagles would face off in an elimination match. Russ was very happy and confident about his Eagles. The Patriots were a girls team.
Late in the game the Patriots defense had managed to slow down the Eagles enough to give the Patriots offense a chance, if they could score, and they did. Somehow the Patriots managed to build a 21-17 lead. Late in the game, the Eagles drove down to the Patriots 20 yard line. Time was running out and Russ and the mighty Eagles needed a score. With only seconds remaining, Randall Cunningham scrambled and threw a lob pass into the end zone, hoping for a touchdown catch and victory. However the Patriots secondary would not allow it. INTERCEPTION! The hugest upset ever in Madden92 history had just occured!
Russ slammed the control down, and proceeded to punt his fat cat off the floor, who unluckily just happened to be laying next to the Sega Genesis. The cat flew about 15 yards down the hall and bounced into the end zone (the wall) at the end of the hallway.
New England 21 Philadelphia 17
1992 #28 Prime Time in New Orleans (Madden92)
Paul's New Orlean Saints led 24-21 late versus Atlanta. Jeff's Falcons had faced some tough games versus the Saints in the past, and they had a heated rivalry. With about 10 seconds left on the clock, Paul had a choice. It was 4th and 10 from his 40 yard line and he was going to punt. Should he punt out of bounds, or to Deion Sanders? Chuck quietly sat on the couch and advised Paul to kick out of bounds. Paul would take his chances with the mighty Neon Deion. He of course had been downgraded from a 15 speed in Madden91 to a mysterious 10 speed in Madden92.
Deion takes the punt at the Atlanta 10 yard line. Deion dances, prances and dodges tacklers, with all of his mighty 10 speed. One last would be tackler, Morten Andersen dives at Deion at near the sideline, and goes flying out of bounds into the gatorade stand. Deion raced another 40 yards with no defenders anywhere in sight. TOUCHDOWN.
PRIMETIME IN NEW ORLEANS, Deion Sanders, 90 yard punt return.
Atlanta 28 New Orleans 24
2000 #29 San Fran beats undefeated Minnesota in Title game
Coach John took over Coach Paul's teams in the stalled 2000 season. San Fran beat Minnesota in the prior season (1998) in a playoff game in which the Minnesota QB was stuffed at the goaline and recovered a Minn fumble, in what would have been the tying touchdown, and possibly propelled Minnesota into the title game. 1998 was a sad memory for Minnesota, which saw them burst onto the scene and dominate with possible the best defense ever.
2000 was a new season, and San Fran had a new coach midway, John, who guided San Fran to a respectable 7-3 regular season record. On the other hand, Coach Jeff guided Minnesota to a 9-0-1 record, including some miraculous wins to keep their record perfect.
Minnesota came out cold, and went four and out. San Fran slapped 7 on the board. The last drive
of the half for Minnesota ended at the San Fran 2 yard line, with no points. San Fran held a 21-7 halftime lead.
Minnesota cut the San Fran lead to 28-21 in the second half. San Francisco drove to the Minnesota
30 yard line in the final minute, and on third down threw an awful pass to the running back on the
cross pass play, that hit the Minnesota defender in the chest, and if picked would have been returned
for a tying score. After that near disaster, San Fran kicks a 47 yard field goal and ices the game.
San Fran 31 Minnesota 21
2002 #30 Minnesota Smacks up San Fran
In the previous meeting of these two teams, the 49'ers hung on to a 34-27 lead aginst the Vikings, but chose to call a timeout to run it up on the last play to make it a 41-27 win over the Vikings. And these teams had played for the 2000 title in the previous season, so this was a bitter rivalry.
Now San Fran revisits the Minnesota Vikings, and John complains about how I (Jeff) am cheap for going for it on 4th down in previous games. Well what happens? First drive of the game, San Fran gets 4th and 18 from their own 12 yard line, and John goes for it, and gets stuffed (but it's okay for him to go for it on 4th down). 4 and out.
Minnesota is then held on 4th down, and what to they do? They kick a FG which misses.
San Fran has 1st and 10, what happens? They get stuffed, 4th and long..... Does John kick? No, he goes for it, and the receiver drops it. John once again goes for it on 4th down, instead of punting. 4 and out. 8 total plays, no first down.
The Vikings score a touchdown, and on the following possession, they are held to 4th down and what do they do..... Kick a FG 10-0 Minnesota....
Later in the game Minnesota kicked again on 4th down, and missed another FG.
BTW John never kicked on a single 4th down.
Regardless after the game, after getting completely stompped, not being able to get a single first down in his first eight plays from scrimmage, John says "I totally outplayed you"......
Minnesota wins 31-28 despite having to settle for 3 field goal attempts, and missing 2.
Minnesota 31 San Fran 28
2005 #31 Florida State Miracle Comeback vs Cal (Madden NCAA)
Brett's Florida State held a commanding 14 point lead in the 2nd half of this one, however Jeff's Cal fought back, and took a 52-42 lead with about 1:00 remaining.
FSU scored quickly, and left about 10 seconds on the clock. The following onside kick was successful and legal(no switching of players before the kick, and the ball went at least 10 yards). Now with 1 second remaining, and the Ball at the FSU 49, Chris Rix heaved one to the right WR who just beat the right corner. The only other person in the area was the middle linebacker, who made a meaningless leap at the wide receiver at the 3 as he ran into the endzone untouched.
Florida State had just stolen the game of the year.
FSU 55 Cal 49
2003 #32 Miami at Kansas
Jeff's Kansas team came into this game 2-0 versus the mighty Miami91 team, but had never played Tony's Miami(92). With similar talent, this was sure to be a tough game. Kansas had a chance to put this game away early, but failed. Kansas held a 24-14 halftime lead. Kansas received the ball in the second half, but the killer instinct faded away. Miami took a 32-20 lead late in the 4th quarter, but a Miami fumble deep in Kansas territory kept Kansas alive.
After a quick Kansas score, the Jayhawks were back in the game at 32-27. Miami started driving methodically up the field, with their patented drill cheese offense. However nobody told the Kansas secondary. PICKARONI! Kansas intercepts the ball deep in their own territory. Kansas drives 80 yards in the final minutes of the game. It comes down to 4th and goal at the 1, with 1 second remaining.
Lined up in the wishbone formation, the QB takes the snap and runs to his right, and pitches to the right to HB #26, who gets instantly buried by Miami defenders after narrowly crossing the goaline! Kansas wins! Kansas wins with no time on the clock! What an unlikely comeback! Coach Tony is stunned!
Kansas 33 Miami 32
2010 #33 Triple Miracle at SC(Bill Walsh)
This game was played in 2012, between Clemson81(Jeff) and USC79(Tony) in the final weeks of the Bill Walsh 2010 season. This game saw Clemson defense shut down the SC79 offense, and held the mightey USC rushing game to 29 yards.
USC moved the ball well in the first half. Clemson struck with a 70 yard touch down pass on the last play of the half. Late in the game with the USC offense shut down, Clemson was driving to end the game. Clemson ahead 35-21, was looking for one more score, but could not get past midfield.
At about 2:30 minutes in 4th, Clemson punted to USC 10 yard line, and USC returned the kick 90 yards, to cut the lead to 35-28. After the kickoff, Clemson could only get to midfield, and had to punt again, this time out of bounds near the 10 yard line.
USC79 struggle cheesed now, with about 1:30 remaining. After 2 or 3 incomplete passes, they would manage a long first down pass, and managed to move into Clemson territory in the final minute while converting a desperate 4th down along the way.
Finally USC got to the Clemson 3 yard line, and now had 4th down with 2 seconds remaining. USC gets a touchdown pass, and now goes for a 2 pt conversion. The 2 pt conversion pass are out routes and to the left WR is good, and USC steals a miracle win. .
USC79 36 Clemson81 35
1995-2000 #34 Oakland vs San Fran (Madden92)
Oakland vs San Francisco was a heated Madden92 rivalry for a short time. Jeff's Oakland team always found a way to foil Mo's San Francisco team. Oakland must have won at least 20 games in a row versus San Fran. Most of the games involved intense pressure by Howie Long on Joe Montana, who was always intercepted by Ronnie Lott on the Raiders late in the game. Mo's worst nightmare was the Fox Pregame NFL show of the era that had featured Howie Long and Ronnie Lott.
However San Fran had the last laugh in this series, winning the last 4 games we played, including 1 in West Kendall, 2 in Port Charlotte, and our last battle in 2000, in North Lauderdale. One game included 3 field goal blocks by Charles Haley. In a move that Chuck trademarked in the early ninties, the player controling Charles Haley would move back a couple yards and to the side a bit from the defensive line, the corresponding offensive lineman who move away and Mister Haley rushes in with all his glory to tractor beam sack the unwitting QB or block the opposing kicker. Doing the "Haley" move was copied by many in the years to come. However this helped change the tide in heated San Fran Oakland series.
All time series
Oakland (20-4) San Fran (4-20)
2004 #34 Edmonton at Calgary (CFL)
Edmonton came down to Calgary for the battle of Alberta , to kick off the 2004 season.
Tied at 17, Edmonton looked to take the lead in the 2nd half. Edmonton on Calgary's 10 yd line, threw a pass into the end zone, which was picked by Calgary and returned to the Edmonton 37.
Calgary would build a 27-17 lead, but Edmonton cut it to 27-24.
Edmonton passed up a chance to kick a 51 yd tying fg in the final minute, and converted a 3rd down pass to the Calgary 2, and scored on the following play to make it 31-27 Edmonton.
With less than a minute in the game, Calgary drove to the Edmonton 20 yd line with 13 seconds remaining. Flutie next threw a pass to the streaking right slot receiver who dropped it on the goaline.
Now there are only 8 seconds remaining, Calgary still has a timeout. This time a pass to the streaking left slot receiver is caught for a TD with only 3 seconds left. Edmonton is shocked.
Calgary 34 Edmonton 31
Here is the game's AIM transcript
---------------------------------
NOTE++(Edmonton leads 31-27 with Cgy at Edm 20 yd line, 13 secs remain)++
pillagerconclave: at least now i have a 50/5-0 shot to win
DeadMeow1334: ok go
pillagerconcl***: we BOTH KNOW u r going to win on some float deep lob piece of cheese anyways
NOTE++(The Cgy right slot receiver drops a wide open pass at the goaline 8 secs remain)++
DeadMeow1334: omg
pillagerconcl***: hahahahahah FINALLY
DeadMeow1334: he dropped it
pillagerconcl***: YES!
pillagerconcl***: SERVES U RIGHT
NOTE++(The Cgy left slot receiver catches it in the endzone 3 secs remain)++
DeadMeow1334: yes
pillagerconcl***: omg
DeadMeow1334: CALGARY
pillagerconcl***: how?
pillagerconcl***: how?
pillagerconcl***: how?
pillagerconcl***: how is this fair?
pillagerconcl***: i BEAT U PLAIN AND SIMPLE
pillagerconcl***: u just call hut and lobbed?
pillagerconcl***: none of my defenders even moved jeff?
pillagerconcl***:: "realistic football"
DeadMeow1334: i am in shock
DeadMeow1334: i cant believe that
pillagerconcl***: Edm beats Calgaqry is just about every statistic
pillagerconcl***: i outplayed you
DeadMeow1334: i had more rushing
pillagerconcl***: that shouldnt count
pillagerconcl***: u called hut
pillagerconcl***: and none of my defenders moved?
pillagerconcl***: huh???????
pillagerconcl***: they didnt even play
DeadMeow1334: they moved too slow
pillagerconcl***: no
pillagerconcl***: they didnt moved period
DeadMeow1334: yes they did
pillagerconcl***: i beat u
pillagerconcl***: i am in shock because i deserved to win, and i outplayed u
DeadMeow1334: Calg 34-31 over edmonton
DeadMeow1334: i dropped the pass before
DeadMeow1334: which would have won it
pillagerconcl***: this is unbelievablke
pillagerconc***: everytime
pillagerconcl***: this happens
pillagerconcl***: i cant win if it comes down to cheese
pillagerconcl***: plain and simple
DeadMeow1334: if that was you, you would have melted down, after that drop
DeadMeow1334: i didnt
pillagerconcl***: i outplayed u
pillagerconcl***: i outgained u
pillagerconcl***: more first downs
DeadMeow1334: i outplayed you
pillagerconcl***: completed more passes
pillagerconcl***: i outplayed u
DeadMeow1334: you came back
DeadMeow1334: and made a game of it
pillagerconcl***: u didnt deserve to win at all
DeadMeow1334: you threw a sloppy pass into the end zone
pillagerconcl***: u had to resort to hut-floating
DeadMeow1334: which i picked
pillagerconcl***: i cant believe this
DeadMeow1334: i didnt float it
DeadMeow1334: i caught it on the run
pillagerconcl***: how did i lose?
pillagerconcl***: 1 play left
pillagerconcl***: 30 yards away
pillagerconcl***: and my defense doesnt do the play?
DeadMeow1334: i made a perfect pass
pillagerconcl***: everytime u beat me in the last second u use a different piece of cheese
pillagerconclare33: