"January 1, 2005.  If there is a place that symbolizes all the pageantry and tradition of college football, The Rose Bowl® in Pasadena on New Year’s Day stands alone.  The day began with two teams sharing a common place in history for having more victories in college football, Michigan #1 and Texas #3, and would prove to be even more historic.  In over 100 years of college football match-ups, these two powerhouses had never met.  Adding more intrigue to the occasion was the fact that The Longhorns were bucking tradition of the Pac-10 and Big Ten playing in the “Granddaddy” of all bowl games with their first ever appearance in the Rose Bowl®.

A more perfect script could not have been written in a setting that has seen so many classic games.  At half time, the game was dead even at 14-14.  The second half began with a bang as sensational quarterback Vince Young stung the Wolverines with a 60-yard touchdown run.  Michigan stayed strong and held a 10-point lead in the third quarter.  Both teams traded their best shots and it looked as Michigan would take this game with a late go ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.  However, as fate would have it, enough time remained for Texas to prove they were worthy of their first appearance in a BCS game.  Driving 47-yards in 10 plays, Texas had one final chance at destiny.  Dusty Mangum’s 37-yard field goal wobbled through the uprights as time expired, putting controversy to rest and crowning the Texas Longhorns as the 2005 Rose Bowl® Champions with a final score of 38-37."