Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

WATCH: Stanford Wide Receiver Makes 'Catch Of The Year'

Tony Avelar AP

Catching a touchdown pass is impressive.

Hauling in a 50-yard throw while under smothering defensive coverage by pinning the ball to the defender's back as you tumble to the ground? That's something else.

"Utterly incredible," was how one commentator described Stanford wide receiver Francis Owusu's catch during the Thursday night college football showdown. Twitter also blew up with praise for the play.

Advertisement

But perhaps the best reaction to the catch came from Stanford coach David Shaw, whose team won the game 56-35.

The catch harkened back to a nearly identical play in 2006 by Alabama wide receiver Tyrone Prothro, which earned him an ESPY award for best play.

Check out the similarities for yourself and be grateful for how far TV quality has come.

Copyright 2015 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.

Fact-based local news is essential

KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.

Without federal funding, community support is our lifeline.
Make a gift to protect the future of KPBS.