There is and never will be anything better than a very-exciting CFB game. The BCS/CFP era (1998-present) has provided many, “where were you when” games.
Here, I will look at the five best games. While there are games like in 2018 where West Virginia had a come-from-behind 42-41 victory in Texas, the game was very exciting to watch but was ultimately meaningless. There needs to have some significant importance behind the game.
Honorable Mentions
- 2013 BCS National Championship: Florida St- 34 Auburn- 31
- 2017 Rose Bowl: USC- 52 Penn State- 49
- 2016 CFP Championship: Alabama- 45 Clemson- 40
- 2017 CFP Championship: Clemson-35 Alabama- 31
- 2013 Iron Bowl (Kick Six): Auburn-34 Alabama- 28
- 2016: Ohio State- 30 Michigan- 27
5. 2015 CFP Semi-Final: Ohio State- 42 Alabama- 35
In the first-ever college football playoff system, a very controversial No. 4 seed defeated the No. 1 seeded Alabama at the Sugar Bowl. Alabama came out and punched Ohio State in the mouth. Alabama was up 21-6 as the first half was winding down. Ohio State, led by former third-string QB Cardale Jones, was able to cut the lead to 21-20 at the half.
From there, Ohio State took over. They opened the second half with a 47-yard TD pass to Devon Smith to take a 27-21 lead. After a Steve Miller pick-six, Alabama responded by scoring for the first time since the early in the second quarter to cut the lead to 34-28.
That’s when Ezekiel Elliot ran the ball 85-yards through the heart of the south to help Ohio State advance to, and win, the first-ever CFP championship game over Oregon.
4. 2007 Fiesta Bowl: Boise State- 43 Oklahoma- 42
As an Ohio State fan, I try to block out the BCS championship game in 2007. This is my national championship game, and Boise State is my 2007 National champion.
You want to talk about a back-and-forth game? Well, here you go. This game was your classic David vs Goliath.
Boise State, from the MWC with no known players, and no national recognition. Oklahoma, from the Big-12, one of the best programs in CFB history, with Sam Bradford (didn’t play), Adrian Peterson (also didn’t play), Demarco Murray, and Gerald McCoy.
A big fourth-quarter comeback by Oklahoma, headlined by a Marcus Walker pick-six gave Oklahoma a 35-28 lead with 1:02 left. Boise State was faced with fourth and 18 with 0:18 seconds left. You have all seen what happens next.
Now, you’re probably saying to yourself,
“No way Boise State runs another trick-play with the game on the line. Certainly not twice.”
Buddy,
3. 2018 Rose Bowl: Georgia-54 Oklahoma- 48
Honestly, if this game was not played at the Rose Bowl, it might not be as high. But the Rose Bowl is just that magical.
Two great teams, two historic programs, playing for a spot in the championship game, at the Rose Bowl? *Chef’s kiss*
It’s safe to say this game had it all, except for defense. From Jake Fromm, Sony Michel and Nick Chubb to Baker Mayfield, CeeDee Lamb, and Marquise Brown, the talent on the field was unmatched.
Georgia blocked an Oklahoma field goal in the second overtime and then Michel sent Georgia to the championship game on a direct-snap touchdown.
2. 2003 BCS National Championship Game: Ohio State- 31 Miami- 24
The game that ended quite possibly the greatest team ever assembled, Ohio State defeated Miami (-12) at the Fiesta Bowl to win their first national championship since 1970.
This Miami team featured so many future NFL stars. Sean Taylor, Ken Dorsey, Willis McGahee, Andre Johnson, Frank Gore, Kellen Winslow, Jonathan Vilma, and Antrel Rolle headlined a dominate Miami roster.
Ohio State only had five players drafted in the 2003 draft. Their best player, Maurice Clarett, would never play in the NFL.
The game was close the whole way through. It took a Miami field goal as time was expiring to tie the game at 17 and send the game into overtime.
Miami scored first in OT with a Winslow TD to take a 24-17 lead. After converting a fourth and fourteen, the Buckeyes had to convert a fourth and three to keep the game going. A pass to Chris Gamble fell incomplete, however, Gamble was completely and totally interfered with.
Ohio State eventually tied the game and took a 31-24 lead after a Clarett TD. Ohio State was able to force a fourth and goal and needed one stop to win the national championship.
1. 2006 BCS National Championship Game: Texas-41 USC- 38
Was there any doubt which game would be number one?
Again, I think the Rose Bowl factor plays into this. After the Miami dynasty, in came USC. They came into the game as the defending national champions, winners of 33 straight, and had two Heisman Trophy winners on the team in Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush.
Texas was very talented, but not on the same level as USC. They were Rose Bowl champions the year before and were led by Vince Young.
The game was close from start to finish. USC took a 12 point lead with 6:40 left in the game. After a Young rushing TD to cut the game to five, USC had a chance to end the game with their dynamic running back duo of Bush and Lendale White.
USC was faced with a fourth and two with 2:03 left. They elected to go for it and seal the championship. White was stuffed and Texas had the ball, with a chance to win the championship. This birthed one of the most iconic moments in sports.
