2005 Rose Bowl - Aftermath

Aftermath

Texas coach Mack Brown was criticized for publicly politicking voters to put Texas ahead of California. Cal coach Jeff Tedford called for coaches' votes to be made public. California's cause was hurt when it was less than impressive in a 26-16 victory over Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, Mississippi the night before bowl bids were extended. This game was rescheduled from September due to Hurricane Ivan. Weakening Cal's cause after the fact was their 45-31 loss to Texas Tech University in the 2004 Holiday Bowl. Cal played without two of the highest performing receivers in the NCAA, however, this loss was attributed in many press reports to the Bears' disappointment over being denied their first Rose Bowl appearance in 45 years.

The Associated Press, as a result of two consecutive seasons of BCS controversy, pulled its poll out of the BCS formula. The AP poll was replaced by the Harris poll, and the AP continues to give out its own national championship trophy.

Regardless, many in the press consider the 2005 Rose Bowl to be one of the most exciting contests the Bowl has ever produced. Ratings were spectacularly high and the game itself was an instant classic. Many players from the game (e.g. Young, Edwards, Breaston, Henne, Woodley) would move on to prominent roles in the National Football League.

This win set the stage for Texas to return to the Rose Bowl for the BCS Championship in the 2006 Rose Bowl. Vince Young would be the Offensive MVP for a second consecutive year.