College football isn’t merely a sport, on the contrary, it’s a tradition that found its way into history. Now it’s a source of pride for students and communities alike, but also a show that gathers the best of athletic competition almost to the same level as professionals. No matter if you are at the roaring crowds in great stadiums, or at the other side of a TV, college football games are moments where legends are born and unforgettable memories are made.
The games we will describe are more than just scores on a board or statistics, they are dramatic and epic narratives filled with triumphs, heartbreaks, and moments of sheer magic. In some cases, they even been a complete upset or a great day for college football odds, since their outcome was for many a great surprise.
Every fall college fields across the US transform into great centers of excitement. People set up their grills, bands hit fight songs, and fans display their school colors with pride. The energy in the air is palpable, and the anticipation is almost electric. This game has the ability to nuclei both fans and college attendants alike, let’s check the best 7 games college football has ever had:
1) The Game of the Century (Nebraska vs. Oklahoma, November 25, 1971): This wasn’t just a game, it was a clash of great titans! The number one Nebraska, was led in the 70’s by Jhonny Rodgers, the Heisman winner known by his exclusive plays. On the other side was the number 2 team, Oklahoma with their famous wishbone offense. There were some eclecticizing plays, like a 72 yards punt return by Rodgers. But even that wasn’t enough, Nebraska finished above 35-31, in a nail biting game.
2) Iron Bowl Kick Six (Auburn vs. Alabama, November 30, 2013): The classic of the classics as some say. They faced in the SEC championship round were tied 28-28, with only a few seconds to go. The southern team tried a field goal to end it all, but, but Chris Davis really wanted Auburn to win. He grabbed the kicked ball and took to the end zone 100 yards away, as time had expired. They won 34 to 28, cementing their heirloom as one of the greatest teams in college football.
3) The Big House Miracle (Michigan vs. Michigan State, October 17, 2015): Some games have magic or a great history behind them, and they can get a little heated. But Michigan vs State, ended up in pure chaotic madness. Michigan lead State 23 to 21 with only a few seconds left. After a botched punt, State’s Watts-Jackson took the fumble and ran like a car to give the victory to State 27 to 24.
4) Rose Bowl Rematch for the Ages (Texas vs. USC, January 4, 2006): A great rematch to the great 2004 game. This experience marked most of the attendance for life, since it lived to everybody’s hype. USC’s powerful offensive led by Leinart and Bush, helped them to fight the electrifying Texan quarterback Young. He proved to be a great adversary, as he scored a game-winning touchdown with only 19 seconds left, allowing Texas to bring the game home 41-38.
5) Miracle in Miami: Birth of a Dynasty (Miami vs. Nebraska, January 2, 1984): The famous Orange Bowl was a rebirth for Miami. In a true underdog story, they shocked everyone with a very early lead, but soon after they had Nebraska close to their tails. The play of the night was a two-point play that ultimately gave them the victory 31-30, in the first Miami’s national championship, and a turning point in College football.
6) Holy War: Catholics vs. Convicts (Notre Dame vs. Miami, October 15, 1988): Aside from the jokes, it was really a Holy War. The Convicts faced the tradition-rich Notre Dame, went head to head with the flashy Miami Hurricanes, a champion growing really fast. In a heart-stopping finish, Notre Dame held strong, halting a 2 point conversion attempt from Miami, giving them the victory 31 to 30.
7) Red River Rivalry Heats Up (Texas vs. Oklahoma, October 11, 2008): A true battle of titans between two of the biggest names in the league. The Longhorns and the Sooners were at the top five ladder, with two of the best quarterback promises in college football. Some describe it as one of the highest-octane offensive show in history, with some un-human passes from Bradford, and McCoy on the other side leading the charge. Texas wouldn’t back down to the Sooners offensive and 11 point lead. The great McCoy’s poise allowed them to grab a game changer kickoff, grabbing hard to the victory after an impressive 45-35 difference. This is considered a textbook comeback, now learned in most of college football trainings.