247Sports Names Best 'Playmaking Duo' In College Football History

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07/02/2024 02:13 PM

LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 16: Runningback Reggie Bush and quarterback Matt Leinart of the USC Trojans pose for a portrait during a USC team practice on the USC campus on August 16, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo By Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush formed a nearly unstoppable pairing at USC.

From 2003 to 2005, the Trojans went 37-2 with back-to-back national titles. Leinart won the 2004 Heisman Trophy with 33 touchdown passes, and Bush recently reclaimed his 2005 Heisman earned by submitting 2,218 scrimmage yards for a team that averaged 49.1 points per game.

Their dominance led 247Sports' Brad Crawford to name Leinart and Bush the best playmaking duo in college football history. They finished ahead of Florida's Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin.

Crawford didn't limit his list to quarterback and pass-catching combinations. Arkansas running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones placed fourth, one spot ahead of Auburn's Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams.

Alabama linebackers Derrick Thomas and Cornelius Bennett were the highest-ranked defensive pairing. They placed right above LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu and cornerback Morris Claiborne.

Crawford also noted that Bush and Lendale White also would have justified consideration as an elite backfield duo. White scored 26 touchdowns during Bush's Heisman campaign.

USC's 34-game winning streak ended when falling 41-38 to Texas in a Rose Bowl shootout. Leinart concluded his collegiate career with 365 passing yards, and Bush amassed 177 total yards (82 rushing, 95 receiving) with a touchdown.

In April, Leinart celebrated the Heisman Trust giving Bush back the Heisman vacated for recruiting violations.

"The trophy is back in the hands where it belongs," Leinart said. "The message is very clear: Never stop fighting for what you believe in, never stop fighting for what is yours, and never stop fighting for what you deserve."