College Football Photo Gallery: Reliving the 100 Best Images of the 2011 Season

With the 2012 season right around the corner, it is time to take a final look back at the 2011 season. 

The 2011 season presented fans with plenty of highs and lows and also gave college football fans some lasting images. 

From the opening kickoff between Oregon and LSU in Dallas, all the way up until Alabama was crowned national champions, moments were made the whole season long. 

Here is a look back at the season that was with 100 images that takes us all the way through the wild ride of a college football season.

Let's Get Things Started

Led by Brian Kelly, the Irish took the field for the first time in 2011. Unfortunately for Notre Dame and its fans, the South Florida Bulls came to South Bend and ruined the opening weekend. 

Boise's Proving Ground

In typical fashion, Boise State took on a big-name opponent in the opening week of the season, and this past year, it was Georgia. The Broncos once again found a way to get the job done and appeared to be in the clear with the rest of their schedule

Fashion Statement

The Ducks had their hands full in the opening week of the season against LSU, but before the game, the attention was on the new uniforms that Oregon would be wearing. 

Disaster Avoided

After winning the 2010 BCS National Title, Auburn opened the year against Utah State and got everything it could handle. With the help on an onside kick late, the Tigers were able to come back and avoid an opening week disaster. 

Three Quarters of Fun

The opening week saw a rare sight in the state of Michigan. With the Wolverines taking on Western Michigan, the game was ended early due to weather. Michigan left the game with a three-quarter victory. 

Rockets Give Buckeyes a Scare

At the start of the year, Columbus got a huge scare as Toledo played the Buckeyes and gave them almost more than they could handle. Toledo held a late lead, but eventually, the Buckeyes woke up and won the game. 

General Lee

Oregon and LSU played in the opening week, and it was one of the most anticipated games of the year. Jarrett Lee was given the start and came and executed to perfection as he led the Tigers to a big opening week win. 

Big House Lights Up

This past year, Michigan and Notre Dame had a first in their rivalry. For the first time, Michigan held a night game at the Big House, and it was quite the sight.

Better Late Than Never

Seemingly out of the game, the Wolverines put together a late-game rally that included a touchdown pass that won the game with under 10 seconds remaining. 

Mark Richt on Thin Ice

After an opening week loss to Boise State, Georgia dropped to 0-2, and the Bulldogs' head man, Mark Richt, appeared to be on thin ice down in Athens. 

Bama Invades Happy Valley

After taking care of Penn State at home last year, the Tide came up to Happy Valley and took care of the second half of the home-and-home. 

Clemson Starts Their Run

During the first half of the season, Clemson climbed up the national rankings with big win after big win. This victory over Auburn started out this great run. 

Hurricanes Storm the Buckeyes

After beating Miami in Columbus last year, the Buckeyes headed down to Miami this past season. In their second game in two years, the Hurricanes defended their home field and avenged their loss from 2010. 

Sooners Win Again

For the second straight season, the Seminoles and Sooners went at it in a game that was sure to show which team was a true contender. For the second straight year, the Sooners came out with the win, but this year's was a lot closer than things went in 2010. 

Hoke Takes out Old Team

San Diego State made the cross-country trip to play Michigan and its former head coach, Brady Hoke. The Wolverines were ready to perform for their new coach, as they won 28-7.

Another Big One for Clemson

For the second straight week, Clemson played in a huge game as it hosted Florida State at home. Clemson came out on top and won 35-30 behind the connection of Tajh Boyd to Sammy Watkins. 

The Nightmare Begins

Certain points of the 2011 season were a nightmare for Texas A&M. Things took a turn for the worse when the Aggies took a second-half lead and watched it disappear to the Cowboys. 

Tide Too Much for Hogs

The 2011 saw a true battle in the SEC. Alabama, LSU and Arkansas all had extremely strong teams, but unfortunately for the Hogs, they had to play both teams on the road, and it started with a loss to the Tide. 

Another Blown Lead

As if the loss to Oklahoma State wasn't enough, the Aggies had a second-half meltdown happen again against Arkansas. Once again, a second half-lead disappeared, and the Aggies were stunned. 

Broncos Exact Revenge

After having their BCS dreams ruined by Nevada last year, the Broncos did not leave this game up to a kicker and won big over the Wolf Pack, 30-10. 

Spartans Win Defensive Battle

Both Michigan State and Ohio State went back and forth in a defensive battle. As the game drew on, Michigan grabbed a two-score lead and hung on for a 10-7 win in Columbus. 

Baylor Stumbles, Kansas State Shines

Surprisingly, both teams entered this game undefeated. The teams went back and forth, but ultimately, the 10 points that the Wildcats scored in the fourth quarter handed them their one-point victory. 

Clemson Stunning Road Win

For the third consecutive week, the Tigers found themselves going up against a top 25 team. For a third straight week, the Tigers came up big, and this time, it was with a road win over Virginia Tech. 

Richardson and Tide Steam Ahead

Trent Richardson and the Alabama Crimson Tide continued their march through the SEC, and this time, it was with a commanding 38-10 win over the Florida Gators. 

Ducks Get Huge Scare

During a Thursday night game, Oregon was running away from Cal in every aspect of the game. During the second half, LaMichael James took a carry up the middle, but when being brought down, the Ducks star dislocated his elbow and left everyone wondering about his status. 

Sooners Down Horns

In another installment of the Texas and Oklahoma football rivalry, the Sooners came out swinging and never stopped. By the time the dust had settled, the Sooners had defeated Texas, 55-17. 

Wing Almost Scores

In a game versus Florida, LSU lined up for a punt, but then caught everyone off guard when they had Brad Wing hold the ball and take off on a fake. The fake had worked to perfection until Wing picked up aN unsportsmanlike penalty for celebrating before getting into the end zone. 

All-Time Passing Yards Record Goes Down

In a game against East Carolina, Case Keenum took down the all-time passing yards record with a great performance. The season would be a historic one for Keenum, who battled back from a 2010 knee injury. 

Supersized Husker Comeback

During a home game against Ohio State, Nebraska dropped behind early, and a third-quarter score saw them trailing 27-6. Taylor Martinez and the Huskers found a way to chip away at the lead and complete the comeback late in the fourth, winning 34-27. 

Lattimore Goes Down

In a tight game against Mississippi State, South Carolina suffered a devastating injury when Marcus Lattimore hurt his knee and was lost for the season. 

Spartans Win Fourth Straight over Michigan

Since the arrival of Mark Dantonio, the Spartans have quickly closed the gap when it comes to their annual match up with Michigan. With the win this year, the Spartans have now won four straight over the Wolverines and will look to make it five in 2012. 

Clemson Avoids Disaster Against Terps

After beating three straight opponents in the top 25, Clemson was about to see that go all to waste in the third quarter against Maryland. Facing an 18-point hole, the Tigers woke up and outscored Maryland 38-10 the rest of the way to stay undefeated.

Red Raiders Stun Sooners

With a home winning streak on the line, the Sooners failed to rise to the challenge that the Texas Tech Red Raiders provided. After falling behind 31-7 in the third quarter, the lead proved to be too much.

Barkley Dominates Irish

In their annual game, Notre Dame and USC got after it and had a fairly close game going until an early third-quarter touchdown gave the Trojans some breathing room. Matt Barkley threw for three touchdowns as the Trojans took down the Irish. 

Shock and Awe

Michigan State and Wisconsin gave us one of the greatest games of the season. With no time remaining, wide receiver Keith Nichol finds a way to just get the nose of the football over the line on this Hail Mary play. 

Hail Sparty

After pulling in the Hail Mary pass, Keith Nichol and the rest of the Spartans had to endure a instant replay review. Eventually, the touchdown call was made, and Spartan Stadium went crazy.

The Aggies Crumble Again

Towards the end of the third quarter, Texas A&M found themselves with a comfortable lead over Missouri. What they didn't see coming was the Tigers scoring 21 of the next 24 and handing them another blown lead loss. 

Win No. 409

The record that Joe Paterno seemed destined to break finally fell, as Paterno and Penn State took down Illinois, giving Paterno his 409th win of his career, a new NCAA record.

Triple the Fun

While it may have taken three overtimes to do so, Andrew Luck and the Cardinal found a way to outlast the Trojans at the Coliseum. The win continued to elevate Stanford and left Trojan fans with a hard reality. 

Wisconsin Stunned Again

Wisconsin had picked itself up and dusted itself off after the previous week's loss to Michigan State. With a late lead, the Badgers thought they had rebounded nicely until Braxton Miller heaved up a bomb of his own and earned Ohio State a last-minute victory.

Reality Check

After some great wins, including the Hail Mary win over Wisconsin, Michigan State headed out on the road and got a reality check from Nebraska. The Huskers shut down the Spartans and made things tight in the Big Ten race.

Michigan Not Quite There

With a 7-1 record, Michigan headed on the road to play Iowa with some pretty high hopes. For most of the game, Iowa dominated play. Michigan found a way to get back into the game late, but ended up falling short on its final drive.

KState and Okie State Go Toe to Toe

In one of the more surprising games of the year, Kansas State and Oklahoma State delivered on a great matchup. The two teams continued to go back and forth scoring at will until finally, the Cowboys ended the game with a 52-45 victory, which kept them undefeated on the season. 

Game of the Century

With Alabama and LSU both playing undefeated, the Tigers headed on the road to take on the Tide. Both teams had the roster to win a national championship, and no other game received the hype that this one did.

Kicking and Screaming

With a game with so much hope and promise, the Tigers and Tide played a field-goal kicking contest that was finally won by the Tigers in overtime, giving them a 9-6 win and the inside track to the national title. 

All Hell Breaks Loose

After breaking the all-time wins record, the college football world is shocked when the Penn State program is rocked with allegations of sexual assault that occurred under Joe Paterno's watch. Jerry Sandusky is charged with these crimes, but more people are stunned at the fact that Paterno was made aware of the situation and failed to do more.

The Board Speaks

With the evidence of the Jerry Sandusky allegations flooding in, the board of trustees at Penn State began to scramble and called for an emergency meeting. Before the game against Nebraska, they stepped forward and fired Joe Paterno effective immediately. 

A Community United

With the recent firing of Joe Paterno, the Nittany Lions played their next game at home against Nebraska. While many speculated what the game would be like, the game ended up uniting the Penn State faithful. 

Kicked out

With a home winning streak on the line, Boise State hosted TCU, and things had a familiar feel to them. After TCU had taken a late lead in the game, Kellen Moore scrambled the Broncos and got them into field-goal range only to see another missed field goal end their perfect season for a second consecutive year. 

Ducks Dominate on the Farm

With a shot at the national title potentially in their future, Stanford had to face the hurdle of beating Oregon at home. While the game remained close early on, Andrew Luck was held in check for the second straight year against the Ducks. Oregon eventually won, 53-30.

Friday Night Lights

After Stanford got dropped the previous week, Oklahoma State knew it had a path cleared for it to the national title game. While the school was rocked with a tragic plane crash that killed two women's basketball coaches, the football team had to play one day later and could not get past Iowa State on the road. 

Missed Opportunity

With the loss by Oklahoma State, one-loss teams around the nation were put on notice that a spot in the national championship was up for grabs. Oklahoma was one of those one-loss teams that was in the running, but a Robert Griffin III touchdown pass with :08 remaining sealed the Sooners' fate and locked them out of the title game. 

NBA Stars Shine in Eugene

With Oregon taking on USC at night in Autzen stadium, some of the NBA's brightest stars took time out to enjoy the game. LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade all enjoyed the Pac-12 battle. 

Autzen Goes Silent

After USC jumped out to a huge lead, the Ducks woke up in the second half and began to chip away at the lead. With time running out, Alejandro Maldonado missed a field goal that could have sent things to overtime. 

Kelly Goes off

As was the case most of the season, Brian Kelly struggled to control his temper. Kelly regularly blew up on the sideline and even caused some embarrassment to Notre Dame fans. 

Michigan Breaks the Hold

Ohio State has had Michigan's number and has continued to beat it as of late. This past year, Michigan used its home crowd to its advantage and broke the hold that the Buckeyes had in this rivalry. 

Missed Opportunity

With a chance to win the Pac-12 South and go to the conference title game, Utah took on Colorado in a game that most figured it would win. Throughout the game, the Utes struggled, and with only seconds remaining, the Buffaloes made a game-winning field goal.

Close but Not Close Enough

Not many would have guessed that going into the last week of the season, Virginia would have a shot of going to the ACC title game, but that is the exact position it found itself in. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers came out flat against Virginia Tech and got rolled, 38-0.

Trojan Explosion

With the final game of the season against the Bruins, the Trojans took out their frustration by putting up 50 points and shutting out the Bruins. 

Iron Bowl Payback

In 2010, the Auburn Tigers went to Alabama's stadium and took it down in their annual rivalry game. This past year, Alabama returned the favor by heading on the road and winning 42-14.

Another SEC Showdown

With a chance to go undefeated in the regular season and head to the SEC title game, LSU took on Arkansas in their regular season finale. The Tigers came out with a strong performance, winning 41-17 and handing the Hogs their second loss on the season.

UCLA Knocked out

During the Pac-12 title game, UCLA earned a spot by default. In the middle of the second quarter and facing a three-touchdown deficit, UCLA quarterback Kevin Prince got knocked out by defensive end Dion Jordan. 

First Pac-12 Champions

The Pac-12 had its first season with its new members this year and also had its first Pac-12 title game. The unique aspect of the game is it is held at one of the team's home stadiums, and this year, Oregon became its first champion. 

BCS Busted

With an undefeated season on the line and a potential berth into a BCS game, Houston played in its conference title game against Southern Miss. The Cougars were blindsided as the Golden Eagles took control from the start and won, 49-28.

Bedlam

With rumors swirling about the possibility of Alabama getting in to the title game as the one-loss team, Oklahoma State came out and put it to Oklahoma in the Battle of Bedlam. 

Griffin Clinches Heisman

With one game left in the season, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III put on a show as he threw for four touchdowns and led the Bears to a 48-24 win over the Longhorns. 

Clemson Delivers Again

As if the first beating wasn't enough, Virginia Tech and Clemson met up in the ACC title game, and Clemson delivered once again, beating the Hokies handily. 

Spartans vs Badgers: The Sequel

As if the thriller earlier in the year wasn't enough, Michigan State and Wisconsin hooked up in the Big Ten title game. The game went back and forth until the Spartans were flagged for a questionable running into the kicker call that ended the game.

Rosey Outlook

After transferring to Wisconsin for his final year of eligibility, Russell Wilson was on his way to the Rose Bowl, and Wisconsin was making its second straight appearance. 

Jerry Sandusky Heads to Court

In a sight that has become too familiar, Jerry Sandusky finds himself heading into court once again. The Sandusky allegations rocked the college football world and continue to stun everyone. 

Fast Start, No Finish

After pulling off 10 straight victories, Georgia came into the SEC title game with plenty of momentum. In the first quarter, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 10-0 lead but quickly saw that disappear as the Tigers won, 42-10.

LSU Punches Its Ticket

After a long SEC season, the LSU Tigers outlasted the Georgia Bulldogs to win the SEC title and punch their ticket to the national championship.

Honoring Our Nation

Every season, Army and Navy get together at the end of the season and go at each other. While the game is great, it serves as a reminder that these young men are fighting for something much more important than a football game.

RG3 Wins the Heisman

After a long season, the Heisman finalists were selected and sent to New York City. At the end of the night, it was Robert Griffin III winning Baylor its first Heisman Trophy.

Wilson Who?

Mike Glennon did an outstanding job of filling in for Russell Wilson in the 2011 season. During the Belk Bowl, Glennon stepped up big time as he threw for three touchdowns and led NC State to a win over Louisville. 

One Left Standing

In 2010, all of the service academy schools were bowl eligible; this year, only Air Force earned that distinction. In the Military Bowl, the Falcons passed up a last second opportunity to tie the game and came up short on a two-point conversion. A truly hard way to go out.

4th-Quarter Push

The Champs Sports Bowl saw two iconic teams go head-to-head. In a battle between Florida State and Notre Dame, the Seminoles outlasted the Irish, winning the game 18-14 with the help of 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter

Remember the Alamo

When the Huskies and Bears got together in the Alamo Bowl, not many could have predicted what we would see. Both teams went back and forth embarrassing the opponent's defense until finally, Baylor closed it out with a 67-56 win. 

Ballard Runs Wild in Music City Bowl

The Music City Bowl saw a matchup between Mississippi State and Wake Forest. The Bulldogs were able to come out on top due to the efforts of Vick Ballard, who rushed for 180 yards and two scores. 

Boomer Sooner

In the Insight bowl, Oklahoma found itself going up against Iowa. After some stingy defense by the Sooners, the Hawkeyes closed the 21-0 lead down to 21-14, but could not get over the hump as Oklahoma won another bowl game. 

Wildcats Bowl Woes Continue

In the Meineke Bowl, the Wildcats had hopes of ending their bowl drought in which they haven't seen a bowl win since 1949. It wasn't meant to be, as the Aggies cruised to a 33-22 win.

Utes Pull It out Late

When Georgia Tech entered the fourth quarter with a 14-point lead, it looked like they had things under control in the Sun Bowl. With less than half of the quarter remaining, the Utes pulled out some magic, scoring two touchdowns and then another in overtime, which gave them the win.

Something Has to Give

In a matchup between UCLA and Illinois, something had to give, whether it be the ineptitude of the Bruins or the six-game losing streak of the Illini. In the end, the Illinois losing streak came to an end, and it finished the season with a 20-14 win.

Not a Great Way to Go out

After a great regular season, Virginia earned a spot in the Chick-fil-A bowl and went up against Auburn. Not only did Virginia lose to Virginia Tech in the final week of the season, but ended the year on a sour note as it got beat up in the bowl game, losing 43-24.

TicketCity Bowl Redeems Season for Cougars

After losing in its conference title game, Houston found a way to rebound as it headed into the TicketCity Bowl. Behind a solid performance by Case Keenum, the Cougars beat Penn State and ended the season on a high note.

Finally over

After a loss to Houston in their bowl game, Penn State finally was able to finish the 2011 season and begin the process of moving on and leaving this year in the past.

Big Names Collide

Florida and Ohio State went at it in the Gator Bowl this past season. The last time these two teams stepped on the field against each other was in the national title game, but the stakes were much lower this past season.

Working Overtime in the Outback

The Outback Bowl was one of the more surprising games of the bowl season. Georgia and Michigan State had both lost in their conference title games and had pushed each other into triple overtime. Finally, the Spartans outlasted the Bulldogs, winning 33-30.

Gamecock Victory

In the Capital One Bowl, Nebraska and South Carolina went at it, but after the first quarter was over, the Huskers checked out. The game ended with a score of 30-13 as the Huskers failed to score in the game's final three quarters.

Cotton Bowl Domination

In the Cotton Bowl, Arkansas and Kansas State hooked up for what many thought could be an offensive explosion. Instead, the Razorbacks defense stood tall and led them to a 29-16 victory. 

Fiesta Party for Oklahoma State

Going up against Andrew Luck seemed like a tall task, but the combination of Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden was too much for Stanford as the Cowboys finished the year with a win. 

Michigan Is Sugar Sweet

After a long absence from the BCS, Michigan earned an at-large bid to the Sugar Bowl and did not disappoint. The Wolverines needed overtime, but still managed to overcome Virginia Tech.

Explosion in the Orange Bowl

When looking at the matchup between Clemson and West Virginia, the Tigers offense appeared to be the highlight coming into this game. Instead of Clemson, the Mountaineers offense was the unit to explode and help West Virginia run away with a victory. 

Rose Bowl Drama

With a back-and-forth affair in the Rose Bowl, Wisconsin appeared to be going in for the tie when Jared Abbrederis took a pass deep into Oregon territory. Before heading out of bounds, the ball was forced loose, and the Ducks took over. 

95-Year Wait Is over

After some late-game heroics by Russell Wilson put the Badgers in position to score, time ran out, and the Ducks had won their first Rose Bowl in 95 years. 

Saban Gets an Enjoyable Gatorade Bath

When Alabama won their previous national title, Nick Saban almost seemed annoyed by the Gatorade bath ritual. This year, the Tide head man embraced the tradition and enjoyed the moment. 

The Best Is Crowned Again

In this shot, Alabama head man Nick Saban and LSU head coach Les miles meet at midfield to congratulate each other after the Crimson Tide had won the national title. 

Perfect No More

With time running out in the national title game, LSU players begin to realize that the months of work leading up to this moment have gone to waste as the season ends on a not-so-perfect note.

Parting Shot

With all the time gone in the national title game, Alabama coaches and players stand in front of the nation as the national champions. This win is celebrated with a shower of confetti and is the parting shot of the year. 

Support for Joe

Despite his death happening after the start of the new year, this was a major storyline of the 2011 college football season. Paterno had been a part of college football for decades, and masses of people came out to show their support.