ESPN Films Season 1 Episode 13 The Play That Changed College Football

In the 1982 college football season, the Stanford Cardinal faced off against the California Golden Bears in a rivalry game that would go down in history as one of the wildest and most incredible moments of the sport. Known simply as "The Play," it involved a series of laterals where the ball was passed backwards from player to player, ultimately resulting in a touchdown and a game-winning score for Cal as time expired. In ESPN Films' season 1 episode 13, "The Play That Changed College Football," viewers are taken through the twists and turns of this unforgettable moment.

The episode is filled with interviews from players, coaches, reporters, and fans who were there to witness the madness firsthand. The story is told chronologically, starting with the build-up to the game and the intense rivalry between the two schools. The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, with Stanford leading by five points and the clock ticking down to zero.

With just four seconds left on the clock, Cal scored a touchdown on a short pass play, bringing the score to 20-19 in favor of Stanford. The Golden Bears decided to go for a two-point conversion and the win, but their first attempt was stopped short of the end zone. However, a penalty against Stanford resulted in the Bears getting another try, this time from just a few yards out.

And that's when the chaos began. Cal quarterback Joe Kapp instructed his teammates to start lateraling the ball backwards, trying to evade the pursuing Stanford defenders and keep the play alive. Amazingly, they succeeded, and the ball was passed all the way across the field, with players dodging tackles and diving for extra yards. Eventually, the ball landed in the hands of Kevin Moen, who plowed through a crowd of defenders and into the end zone to score the winning touchdown.

The episode does an excellent job of breaking down all the intricacies of the play, from the players' split-second decisions to the referees' controversial calls. Viewers will see the play from multiple angles and hear from players who were involved in every stage of the sequence. They'll also get a sense of the pandemonium that broke out on the field and in the stands as Cal pulled off the improbable upset.

But the episode goes beyond just recounting the play itself. It also explores the cultural impact that "The Play" had on college football and sports in general. Many people consider it one of the greatest moments in the sport's history, and the play has been replayed countless times on TV and across social media. The episode features commentary from sports journalists and historians who discuss how the play changed the way people think about underdog teams and the power of sports to create unforgettable moments.

Overall, "The Play That Changed College Football" is a must-watch for any sports fan, especially those who love college football and its unique brand of drama and excitement. The episode is expertly crafted, weaving together interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis to tell the story of one of the most incredible moments in sports history. Even if you already know the basic details of "The Play," this episode will give you a new appreciation for the skill, courage, and sheer luck that went into making it happen.