On November 13, 1982, one of the most iconic plays in college football history occurred during the annual rivalry game between the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) and Stanford University. The game was tied at 19-19 with only four seconds remaining on the clock. Stanford had just taken the lead on a field goal, and all they needed to do was kick off to seal the victory.
However, what followed was a moment that would forever be known as "The Play." Cal's Kevin Moen received the kickoff and began a series of five lateral passes as his teammates frantically tried to keep the ball alive. The ball was tossed around like a hot potato, with Cal players barely avoiding tackles from the Stanford team.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Moen received the last lateral near the Stanford 25-yard line. He sprinted toward the end zone, weaving through Stanford players, and finally reached the end zone as the Stanford band, thinking the game was over, had already stormed the field. Moen famously ran through the band members and into the end zone, scoring the game-winning touchdown for Cal with no time left on the clock.
The chaos on the field made it difficult for the referees to determine if all the laterals were legal. After a lengthy review, the touchdown was upheld, and Cal won the game 25-19. The Play has since been immortalized in college football lore and remains one of the most unbelievable finishes to a game in sports history. It showcased the never-give-up attitude and the unpredictable nature of college football, cementing its place in the annals of sports history.
