Best Bowl Games in the History of College Football
Some games are remembered for the stakes, others for the way they unfolded. College football’s biggest bowl matchups have given fans both. A well-timed risk, a momentum swing that changed everything, or a finish no one saw coming—these games became famous for how they played out.
Texas vs. USC (2006 Rose Bowl) – Texas 41, USC 38
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There are great bowl games, and then there’s the 2006 Rose Bowl. USC, riding a 34-game winning streak, was expected to steamroll Texas, but Vince Young had other plans. Every time USC took control, Young answered by putting together a performance that still stands as one of the greatest in college football history. At 26 seconds left, Texas trailed 38-33, staring at a fourth down. Young took the snap, saw the defense collapse, and took off for the end zone, gliding in untouched. This delivered Texas its first national title since 1970.
Miami vs. Nebraska (1984 Orange Bowl) – Miami 31, Nebraska 30
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This was the night Miami officially arrived on the college football scene. Nebraska had been the most dominant team all season on their way to a national title. The Hurricanes, led by a young Bernie Kosar, jumped out to an early lead and made Nebraska play catch-up all night. Down by one, Nebraska could have kicked the extra point to tie and likely secure the national title. But head coach Tom Osborne didn’t believe in backing into championships. He went for two. The pass was batted away, and Miami pulled off one of the greatest upsets in history.
Boise State vs. Oklahoma (2007 Fiesta Bowl) – Boise State 43, Oklahoma 42
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If you love an underdog story, it doesn’t get any better than this. Boise State wasn’t supposed to win this game. Oklahoma, a college football blue blood, had the size, strength, and talent advantage. But Boise State had the guts to pull out every trick play in the book. The Broncos pulled off three jaw-dropping plays: a hook-and-lateral to force overtime, a wide receiver pass for a touchdown, and then the Statue of Liberty play for the two-point conversion that won it.
Ohio State vs. Miami (2003 Fiesta Bowl) – Ohio State 31, Miami 24 (2OT)
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This game had everything—controversy, defensive grit, and an ending that still sparks debates. Miami was the defending champion with a 34-game winning streak. But Ohio State’s defense kept making life miserable for Heisman finalist Ken Dorsey. Ultimately, Miami forced overtime with a last-second field goal, but Ohio State won in double OT thanks to a goal-line stand that denied Miami on fourth down. Miami fans will forever argue about the late pass interference call in the first overtime, but Ohio State’s relentless defense delivered them a national championship, no matter how you slice it.
Penn State vs. Miami (1987 Fiesta Bowl) – Penn State 14, Miami 10
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If you love high-powered offenses, this wasn’t the game for you. But if you appreciate tough, physical, grind-it-out football, it doesn’t get much better. Penn State’s defense put on a clinic, forcing seven Miami turnovers in a stunning upset. The Hurricanes entered the game with one of the most explosive offenses in history, but they ran into a brick wall. With the game on the line, Penn State intercepted Vinny Testaverde in the end zone to seal the national title.
BYU vs. SMU (1980 Holiday Bowl) – BYU 46, SMU 45
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With under three minutes to go, BYU was down by 20 points. Most fans had probably checked out. But the Cougars, led by quarterback Jim McMahon, stormed back in what became one of the wildest finishes in bowl history. McMahon launched a 41-yard Hail Mary as time expired, and somehow, BYU pulled off the miracle win. It was a game that proved no lead is ever safe and put BYU on the national map.
Notre Dame vs. Alabama (1973 Sugar Bowl) – Notre Dame 24, Alabama 23
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Two blue-blood programs. A national title on the line. A game that remained in doubt until the final minutes. This one had all the makings of an instant classic, and it didn’t disappoint. With Alabama hoping for one last chance, Notre Dame’s offense sealed the victory with a clutch third-down pass from Tom Clements to Robin Weber, allowing them to run out the clock. The Fighting Irish clinched the national championship in a game that was as tense as they come.
USC vs. Ohio State (1975 Rose Bowl) – USC 18, Ohio State 17
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Ohio State controlled most of the game, but USC saved its best for last. With just over two minutes left, quarterback Pat Haden found receiver J.K. McKay in the end zone to cut the deficit to 17-16. Instead of kicking for the tie, USC went for two. Shelton Diggs made the catch, the Trojans took the lead, and Ohio State never got another chance. It was a gamble that paid off and delivered USC another Rose Bowl triumph.
Florida State vs. Nebraska (1994 Orange Bowl) – Florida State 18, Nebraska 16
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Bobby Bowden’s Seminoles had been knocking on the championship door for years. This time, they finally got through. Florida State trailed Nebraska in the final minutes, but Heisman winner Charlie Ward led a clutch drive to set up a go-ahead field goal. Nebraska had one last chance to win it, but their last-second kick sailed wide left and delivered Bowden his first national title.
Nebraska vs. Miami (1995 Orange Bowl) – Nebraska 24, Miami 17
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For years, critics said Nebraska’s smashmouth, option-heavy offense couldn’t win against fast, modern defenses. The Huskers silenced those doubters with a punishing performance, running all over Miami to claim the national title. It was the beginning of Nebraska’s dominance under Tom Osborne and proved that power football still had a place in the game.
Texas vs. Alabama (1965 Orange Bowl) – Texas 21, Alabama 17
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Alabama, led by Joe Namath, had a chance to win it late. The Crimson Tide drove deep into Texas territory, but Namath was stopped inches short of the end zone on fourth down. The play—and the game—remains one of the most debated finishes in bowl history.
USC vs. Penn State (2017 Rose Bowl) – USC 52, Penn State 49
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A thriller from start to finish, this game featured two teams trading punches in a high-scoring shootout. Penn State erased a 13-point deficit in the third quarter, only for USC to mount a comeback of its own. With the score tied in the final seconds, USC kicker Matt Boermeester drilled a 46-yard field goal to win it. The game was packed with future NFL stars and remains one of the most exciting Rose Bowls ever.