The Greatest Game in Each of College Football's Top 50 Stadiums

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on this website entitled "The Top 50 Stadiums in the Country." The article was meant to describe and reflect upon the shrines of college football, ones I consider the greatest in the entire world.

One thing was neglected in that article, though: that is, what games made the stadium great? We discussed the stadium's capacity, architecture and history, but the games were mostly absent from the discussion.

With that, I wanted to revisit the article and supplement it with a list naming the single greatest game played in each stadium. As you can imagine, this is an exhausting endeavor, narrowing down hundreds of great games for each stadium down to one, but it's an endeavor I feel is necessary if we are to fully analyze the top stadiums.

The list of stadiums hasn't changed since that last article. Here is the best game for every stadium to go along with the previous article.

University Stadium: University of New Mexico

Date: December 19, 2009

Game Final: Wyoming 35, Fresno State 28 (2OT)

In addition to hosting New Mexico Lobos football, University Stadium has hosted the New Mexico Bowl since 2006. The game typically kicks off bowl season and offers a matchup between Mountain West and WAC foes.

Those who tuned in to the 2009 edition of the game were treated to a double-overtime thriller. The teams were tied at 14 at the half, but hope seemed to be lost for the Cowboys when Ryan Mathews scored to make it 28-17 Fresno State early in the fourth quarter.

Wyoming quickly went on a seven-play, 77-yard drive and added a two-point conversion to make the deficit three. It quickly forced a three-and-out and was able to kick a field goal with 20 seconds left to force overtime.

Fresno State took the ball first in overtime. Facing a 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line, it decided to go for it and was stuffed. Miraculously, the Bulldogs were not done yet, as Wyoming missed a 40-yard field goal that would have given the Cowboys the win.

Wyoming scored in the second overtime to make it 35-28. Facing a fourth down on the ensuing possession, Fresno State fumbled the ball, giving Wyoming the win.

Robertson Stadium: University of Houston

Date: September 26, 2009

Game Final: Houston 29, Texas Tech 28

Robertson Stadium is a great stadium, but one that has been used sporadically by the Cougars throughout the years. It's true—the Cougars have bounced around from Robertson to Rice Stadium to the Astrodome before finally returning to Robertson full-time in 1999.

This entry comes from 2009. Texas Tech is starting to experience a downswing of sorts following the firing of Mike Leach, while Houston is building itself into the undefeated program we recognize today.

Houston was able to add a field goal right before the half but still trailed by eight at the break. Texas Tech would be virtually shut down in the second half, scoring only seven points, as Case Keenum, a name that is still more than relevant today, led a 16-play, 95-yard drive, capped off with a four-yard touchdown run with 50 seconds left to win the game by one point.

Keenum would finish with 435 yards and one touchdown on the day. He would rush for another 27 yards and had the aforementioned rushing touchdown.

Bulldog Stadium: Fresno State University

Date: October 19, 2001

Game Final: Boise State 35, Fresno State 31

Call this the "changing of the guard" game.

In the early 21st century, Fresno State was known as a potential BCS buster. For most of this era, it was led by eventual No. 1 pick David Carr. Boise State was just some team from the Northwest that played on blue turf.

All that changed in October of 2001.

Fresno State came into the game ranked No. 8 and had already scored upsets over Wisconsin, Oregon State and Colorado. Boise was a mediocre 3-3.

Carr put the Bulldogs up 20-7 early, but Ryan Dinwiddie and the Broncos fought back. The Broncos put together consecutive scoring drives in the third and would allow only eight more offensive points.

Late in the fourth quarter, down five, Fresno had the ball inside the the Boise State 10. Instead of putting the ball in the Heisman hopeful Carr's hands, they elected to run the ball a couple of times. Then, on fourth down, Carr was sacked, sealing the win for the Broncos.

Fresno State hasn't won a conference title since. Boise would win or share the WAC title every year after 2002 (except for 2007).

War Memorial Stadium: University of Wyoming

Date: September 21, 1996

Game Final: Wyoming 24, Air Force 21

Wyoming and Air Force have developed an unsung rivalry of sorts over the years. Their games are always competitive, but none more than the 1996 version.

Joe Tiller's Wyoming squad would finish the season 10-2. This included the early win over the Falcons, 22-19. The game would eventually be the deciding factor in the WAC Pacific division. Wyoming would lose in the WAC title game to BYU, while Air Force would finish 6-5 and not go bowling.

Aloha Stadium: University of Hawaii

Date: December 25, 1982

Game Final: Washington 21, Maryland 20

Aloha Stadium earned its reputation hosting the Aloha Bowl and, starting in 1979, the NFL Pro Bowl. Traditionally the Aloha Bowl would be played on Christmas morning, and the inaugural 1982 edition was no exception.

The game would pit two ranked teams against each other: No. 9 Washington and No. 16 Maryland. Washington was ranked No. 1 in the nation just two months prior, while Maryland was enjoying immediate success under first-year coach Bobby Ross and quarterback Boomer Esiason.

Aloha Bowl officials couldn't ask for anything more, as the two produced a one-point game that ultimately saw Washington come out on top. Maryland would be successful under Ross, but not as much after his resignation in 1987. Washington would compete throughout the 1980s until finally winning a national championship in 1991.

Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium: West Virginia University

Date: November 20, 1993

Game Final: West Virginia 17, Miami 14

Despite being unranked in the 1993 preseason, WVU would climb as high as No. 3. In fact, it reached the lofty ranking following its November win over No. 4 Miami.

Miami was 8-1 with its lone loss coming to Florida State early in the season. West Virginia was undefeated with wins over ranked Missouri and Louisville.

A record crowd came out to Morgantown to see the Mountaineers upset the Hurricanes (the attendance record still stands today). Robert Walker was able to put the Mountaineers up 17-14 late in the fourth quarter, and the defense held.

West Virginia would finish the regular season undefeated but fall to Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

Bright House Networks Stadium: University of Central Florida

Date: September 15, 2007

Game Final: Texas 35, UCF 32

The best game in the history of Bright House Networks Stadium also happens to be the first one ever played there. The Knights opened the stadium in 2007 and almost upset the No. 6 Texas Longhorns in the process.

UCF forced three turnovers and took the lead early in the fourth quarter on a touchdown run from Kyle Israel. The Longhorns defense stiffened after that, and they were able to put together three consecutive scoring drives to take the lead 35-24. A late touchdown from the Knights wasn't enough, as UT escaped.

Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium: East Carolina University

Date: October 26, 1991

Game Final: ECU 24, Pitt 23

ECU enjoyed its greatest successes in the early 1990s with quarterback Jeff Blake at the helm. In 1991, the Pirates went 11-1, culminating in a 37-34 win in the Peach Bowl against in-state rival N.C. State.

Halfway through the season ECU was slated to square off against perennial power Pitt. Despite experiencing a bit of a down season, Pitt came into the game 5-2, ranked No. 23 in the nation, while the Pirates were ranked No. 20.

The game went down to the wire with the Pirates escaping 24-23. ECU went 11-1 (its only loss came the first week against Illinois) and finished No. 9 in the polls.

The game has lived on in infamy due to the blooper seen here.

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium: University of Mississippi

Date: November 3, 2001

Game Final: Arkansas 58, Ole Miss 56

Prior to this game, no college football game had gone more than four overtimes. This one went seven.

It was only 7-7 at the half. Then, 17-17 at the end of regulation. Somehow, some way, the teams matched each other's move through six overtimes. When one scored a touchdown, the other scored. When one didn't score a touchdown, the other didn't. When one made the two-point conversion, so did the other.  You get the picture.

Eventually, something gave way. Arkansas scored first in the seventh overtime and added the two-point conversion. In Ole Miss' turn, the Rebels scored, but Eli Manning's pass to tight end Brad Zeigler was stopped two yards short of the goal line, giving the Hogs the 58-56 triumph.

The teams combined for nearly 1,000 yards and 114 points, and there were four 100-yard rushers. Oddly enough, the game only lasted four hours and 14 minutes, which seems to be the average time for a regulation game nowadays.

Glass Bowl: University of Toledo

Date: November 1, 2011

Game Final: Northern Illinois 63, Toledo 60

The most recent entry on our list. The Glass Bowl has over 70 years of history to its credit, but it never saw anything like this.

The two teams combined for over 1,100 yards and one turnover in the second-highest-scoring game in MAC history.

Despite the craziness, a team only led the other by more than one score once, which occurred early in the second quarter, when NIU went ahead 28-14. Toledo quickly answered, however, cutting the lead to 28-24 at the half.

The second half alone saw eight lead changes. Eventually, Chandler Harnish would find Perez Ashford for a four-yard touchdown with 19 seconds left to go ahead 63-60. That wasn't enough time for Toledo to respond, and NIU escaped with the win.

Nippert Stadium: University of Cincinnati

Date: November 13, 2009

Game Final: Cincinnati 24, West Virginia 21

Cincinnati enjoyed its greatest successes as a program under coach Brian Kelly in the late 2000s. In 2008 and 2009 combined, the team went 23-3. Perhaps no win was bigger than knocking off West Virginia.

Cincinnati had already won a conference championship in 2008, but it was looking for an undefeated season in 2009. 8-0 and ranked No. 5 in the nation, Cincy would still need to beat rival West Virginia to win the Big East, and it did just that in dramatic fashion.

The Bearcats would go on to eke out wins against Illinois and Pitt before falling to Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

Spartan Stadium: Michigan State University

Date: November 16, 1966

Game Final: Michigan State 10, Notre Dame 10

One of the first games to be labeled the "Game of the Century," this game lived up to the hype.

ND entered No. 1 in the nation, MSU No. 2. ABC originally did not want to show the game, but due to a swarm of letters expressing outrage over the decision, it relented. It ended up being a good idea.

All-world defensive end Bubba Smith knocked ND QB Terry Hanratty out of the game early in the first quarter. The Spartans led 10-7 at halftime.

Then, tied at 10 late in the game, Notre Dame took over deep in its own territory. Rather than trying to move the ball and win the game, it ran out the clock and settled for the tie.

Fans and detractors were outraged and felt ND coach Ara Parseghian was cowardly in his actions. Parseghian has defended his actions to this day.

ND would beat USC the following week. Since ND did not go to bowl games during this time period, it would finish No. 1 in the nation and win the national championship.

Amon G. Carter Stadium: Texas Christian University

Date: Nov. 30, 1935

Game Final: SMU 20, TCU 14

SMU and TCU stands as one of the more heated rivalries in the nation. Despite the dissolution of the SWC, these two continue to play.

In what was perhaps the original "Game of the Century," SMU traveled to Amon G. Carter Stadium to take on Sammy Baugh and the Horned Frogs.

SMU scored the first 14 points of the game, but Baugh brought the Frogs back to tie the game early in the fourth. Later, SMU QB Bob Finley would find Bobby Wilson for a 50-yard touchdown pass, which would eventually be the deciding score.

TCU would still be invited to play in the Sugar Bowl. There, it was victorious over LSU, 3-2, in Tulane Stadium. SMU would lose to Stanford in the Rose Bowl.

LaVell Edwards Stadium: Brigham Young University

Date: November 17, 2001

Game Final: BYU 24, Utah 21

The "Holy War" is an intense rivalry of culture, religion and values. The public University of Utah takes on privately owned BYU once a year in a heated bout. It is no surprise, then, that of all the games played at LaVell Edwards Stadium, one against Utah would take top honors. Now, it was just a matter of deciding which one...

The 2001 version narrowly gets the edge. Under first-year head coach Gary Crowton (now offensive coordinator at Maryland), the Cougars came in undefeated and looking to become the first non-AQ to play in the BCS.

The game was tight throughout, but a Luke Staley touchdown run with just over one minute to go gave the Cougars the 24-21 lead. They would hold on and beat their in-state rivals. It was the first time the Cougars beat the Utes in consecutive seasons in a decade.

BYU would lose the next week, ruining its hopes at the BCS. As if that weren't cruel enough, Utah would eventually become the first non-AQ to make the BCS when it did so in 2004.

Rice Stadium: Rice University

Date: December 17, 1960

Game Final: Texas 3, Alabama 3

Rice Stadium has seen a lot through the years. Rice and Houston football are just the tip of the iceberg, as the classic stadium has also hosted bowl games, a Super Bowl and President John F. Kennedy.

Of all the classic matches that have unfolded over the years, perhaps none could match the second installment of the Bluebonnet Bowl.

The game was able to attract two traditional powers, Texas and Alabama. Coaching Alabama was legendary Bear Bryant. Coaching Texas was legendary Darrell K Royal. As the ring announcer in Raging Bull says, "There's the bell, I think you know the boys."

The contest was a hard-fought defensive struggle. The teams were tied at halftime. A late field goal from Texas tied the game, but they weren't finished.

The Longhorns took over at midfield with just seconds left. Time expired on an incomplete pass, but pass interference against Alabama gave the 'Horns one more play. They lined up for a 35-yard field goal, but the try sailed wide left.

Following the game, Royal stated that the score was "indicative of the competitive nature of the two teams."

Oddly enough, Alabama was favored by one point. In today's world, the game would have gone into overtime, and anything could have happened. In 1960, it meant that if you bet on Texas, you were a winner.

Boone Pickens Stadium: Oklahoma State University

Date: November 5, 1988

Game Final: Oklahoma 31, Oklahoma State 28

Until very recently, Oklahoma State had its greatest successes in the late 1980s. Its teams featured current coach Mike Gundy at quarterback, highly touted recruit Hart Lee Dykes at wide receiver and eventual 1988 Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders at running back (and Thurman Thomas before him).

1988 seemed to be the best chance for the Cowboys to knock off big brother. OU was ranked No. 8, OSU No. 12. All the pieces were in place, and they were playing in Stillwater. The game turned out to be a shootout, but OSU couldn't finish off the Sooners.

Sanders would rush for over 200 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Cowboys back from a 24-14 halftime deficit. Still, OU led 31-28 in the waning moments of the game.

That is where the attached video picks up. As you will see, OSU faced a fourth down and nearly pulled off a miracle, but Brent Parker dropped what would have been the game-winning touchdown.

Memorial Stadium: University of California

Date: November 20, 1982

Game Final: Cal 25, Stanford 20

What can be said about this game, this finish, this rivalry, that hasn't been said already?

Stanford QB John Elway led the Cardinal down the field to set up a long field goal that gave Stanford a 20-19 lead. Interestingly, the Cardinal called a timeout early to get into a rhythm for the kick. If they had burned a little more clock, we would have never had the greatest finish in college football history.

Stanford squib kicked to Cal, and Cal did the impossible. As the Bears lateraled the ball all over the field, they knocked off their rival, knocked Elway out of a bowl game again and, of course, knocked out the trombone player.

Williams-Brice Stadium: University of South Carolina

Date: November 19, 1977

Game Final: Clemson 31, South Carolina 27

Clemson was 7-2-1, having just lost to Notre Dame the previous week. South Carolina was under-achieving, having lost five in a row. On paper, it shouldn't have been close.

That's why they throw all the paper out in rivalry games (or to be PC, they recycle all of the paper).

Clemson jumped ahead 24-0, and everything seemed to be going to plan. South Carolina responded, however, scoring 27 unanswered! The last of its points came with just over one minute to play.

Clemson quickly moved the ball down the field. Ultimately, Steve Fuller was able to find WR Jerry Butler for a magnificent hookup, and Clemson regained the lead for good, 31-27.

Four years prior to Dwight Clark stealing the moniker, this play was simply known as "the catch."

Bobby Dodd Stadium: Georgia Tech

Date: November 27, 1999

Game Final: Georgia Tech 51, Georgia 48

The 1999 edition of "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate" saw the most points of any contest between the two. Hate to say it, but Brent Musburger knew it was coming, as he points out how prolific the offenses had been during the season.

The game went into overtime tied at 48. On the first drive in OT, UGA QB Quincy Carter threw an interception, giving Georgia Tech the opportunity to win the game with a field goal.

GT elected to try to kick the field goal on third down (which is always the right move). Its cautious approach paid off, as the kick was blocked. GT recovered the kick, which made it fourth down. The second attempt was good, and the Yellow Jackets walked away with a 51-48 win.

Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium: University of Oklahoma

Date: November 25, 1971

Game Final: Nebraska 35, Oklahoma 31

The Game of the Century pitted traditional rivals Nebraska and Oklahoma against each other in Norman. Nebraska No. 1, defending champs and owners of a 20-game win streak. Oklahoma No. 2, undefeated. Big 8 title and top spot in the nation on the line.

Sports Illustrated ran this cover before the game: "Irresistible Oklahoma meets Immovable Nebraska."

It would turn out to be Johnny Rodgers who was irresistible. The 1972 Heisman winner would electrify the Nebraska faithful with an incredible first-quarter punt return.

Twice the Sooners came back from double-digit deficits. In fact, they led, 31-28, halfway through the fourth quarter.

But Nebraska quarterback Jerry Tagge led the Huskers on a long drive, highlighted by a pass to Rodgers. The Huskers would score with two minutes left to take the lead. They wouldn't let go.

Nebraska would win the national championship for the second consecutive season. Rodgers would win the Heisman Trophy the following season.

Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium: University of Texas

Date: November 27, 1998

Game Final: Texas 26, Texas A&M 24

Fans and viewers came to see if Ricky Williams could break the all-time rushing record held by Tony Dorsett. They ended up seeing that and so much more.

Williams broke the record early in the first quarter on a 60-yard touchdown run that had Brent Musburger excited. More importantly, it gave the Longhorns an early lead over No. 6 Texas A&M.

Texas led 16-7 entering the fourth quarter. There, the teams exploded offensively, but A&M came up just short.

Texas A&M's slim hopes of playing for the national championship were gone, but it would go on to upset No. 1 Kansas State in the Big 12 championship game. Texas would beat Mississippi State in the Cotton Bowl.

War Memorial Stadium: University of Arkansas

Date: November 26, 2006

Game Final: Arkansas 31, LSU 26

War Memorial Stadium has served as a home away from home for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Traditionally the stadium plays host to some of Arkansas' bigger games of the season, as Fayetteville is a more difficult of a location to reach than Little Rock.

The stadium played host to the 2006 contest between the Hogs and the Tigers. Arkansas came in ranked No. 5 with only one loss...the opening week against USC. LSU had two losses but was ranked No. 8.

Fans would get a classic game from the classic rivals. LSU would lead 14-12 at the half, thanks in part to the efforts of future No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell.

They would build on their lead in the third, but Arkansas RB Darren McFadden refused to let the Hogs go quietly into the night. The star's 80-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter cut the lead to five.

Just when it seemed as if all the momentum had swung the Razorbacks' way, Trindon Holliday returned the ensuing kickoff to re-establish a 12 point lead.

Felix Jones would add a touchdown later in the fourth, but Arkansas could never get back over the hump.

Jordan-Hare Stadium: Auburn University

Date: November 16, 1996

Game Final: Georgia 56, Auburn 49 (4OT)

"The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry" saw the most combined points in the 1996 edition. There, the Bulldogs escaped Jordan-Hare with a 56-49 victory.

It was the first SEC game to go into overtime. Unsatisfied with just the one, the teams decided to play four overtimes before calling it quits.

UGA trailed 28-7 at the half but rallied to tie the game. Mike Bobo (now offensive coordinator) found Cory Allen as time expired to tie the game at the end of regulation. To Georgia fans, the game has come to be known as "The Miracle on the Plains."

The game is also famous for one more incident. Following a touchdown from Auburn player Robert Baker, UGA V decided to launch himself at the player in an attempt to bite him. Even on the road, UGA defends his team.

Bryant-Denny Stadium: University of Alabama

Date: November 26, 2010

Game Final: Auburn 28, Alabama 27

For the past couple of decades and a half, the Iron Bowl has alternated between Jordan-Hare Stadium and Bryant-Denny. The state of Alabama shuts down when the two square off, and it may not have been treated to a better game than last year's edition in Tuscaloosa.

Auburn entered the game No. 1 behind the talents of eventual Heisman winner Cam Newton. Alabama was having a bit of a "down" year following its national championship and was sitting at 9-2. The Crimson Tide couldn't win the SEC West, but they could do the next best thing...ruin their rival's season.

For a majority of the first half, that's exactly what looked like was going to happen. The Tide stormed out to an early 21-0 lead. They led 24-7 at the half, but there was a sense that they failed to convert all their opportunities and the momentum was shifting.

Auburn came out of the half looking like a different team. Alabama could only muster a field goal in the second half, and Auburn led three impressive scoring drives to win, 28-27. The final drive occurred in the waning moments of the game and was capped off by a Newton pass to Philip Lutzenkirchen.

Auburn would go on to defeat South Carolina in the SEC title game and then Oregon in the national championship game.

Kinnick Stadium: University of Iowa

Date: October 4, 2003

Game Final: Iowa 30, Michigan 27

Iowa had some great teams in the 1980s under Hayden Fry. It then went through a resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s under Kirk Ferentz, making the Orange Bowl in 2002.

The Hawkeyes established themselves as a program that could compete with Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan. Their games against Michigan seemed to be the most entertaining, and the 2003 edition stands out as the best.

Iowa was 4-1 and ranked No. 19 in the nation. Michigan was 4-1 and ranked No. 10.

Michigan jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, but the Hawkeyes battled back. Iowa was able to cut the deficit to three at the half and later tied it at 20 in the third.

Clicking on all cylinders, the Hawkeyes took a 30-20 lead halfway through the fourth. Michigan responded with a long touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards. The Wolverines got the ball back once more, but the Hawkeyes held John Navarre and the Wolverines, winning 30-27.

Michigan would run the table in the Big Ten following this game and win the Big Ten outright. Iowa would finish 5-3 in conference before beating Florida in the Outback Bowl. Michigan would lose to USC in the Rose Bowl.

Stanford Stadium: Stanford University

Date: October 9, 2010

Game Final: Stanford 37, USC 35

In the previous article, I made the mistake of confusing the old Stanford Stadium with the new Stanford Stadium. The old one was demolished following the 2005 season, and a new one was built right on top of it. (In one year...wow! Give credit to those architectural design majors such as Andrew Luck.)

With that said, we're only going to consider games that have taken place in the new Stanford Stadium. A short time span, yes, but great games nonetheless.

Part of the Andrew Luck lore comes from the 2010 edition of the Stanford-USC rivalry. The teams traded touchdowns throughout the first three quarters. The game was tied at seven after one, 14 after two and 21 after three.

Luck threw two quick touchdowns in the fourth quarter to take the lead 34-28. Matt Barkley and the Trojans responded and scored with 72 seconds to left to take a 35-34 lead. Unfortunately for Trojan fans, it was enough time for Luck.

Luck quickly led the Cardinal down the field to set up a game-winning field goal. Stanford would escape, 37-35. It finished the season 12-1, culminating in a win over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

Falcon Stadium: Air Force Academy

Date: October 5, 1985

Game Final: Air Force 21, Notre Dame 15

Air Force had its greatest success in the mid 1980s, reaching No. 2 in the national polls in 1985! Conversely, Notre Dame was struggling during the mid 1980s. Neither fact takes away from the win the Falcons experienced over the Irish one October Saturday.

It was the fourth straight time the Falcons beat the Irish, but never were the Falcons this highly ranked.

Notre Dame led 15-13 and had the ball inside the Air Force five. Consecutive running plays were followed by a Steve Beuerlein intentional grounding call. As a result, Notre Dame called out the field goal unit.

The kick was blocked, and A.J. Scott returned it 77 yards for a touchdown. The favored Falcons converted the two-point conversion and were able to avoid an upset.

Air Force would start off 10-0 before falling to BYU in Provo. The Falcons would win the WAC championship and beat Texas in the Cotton Bowl.

Liberty Bowl: University of Memphis

Date: December 31, 2004

Game Final: Louisville 44, Boise State 40

Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium fittingly plays host to the Liberty Bowl. The annual contest regularly pits two quality opponents, but perhaps never as high as the 2004 edition.

The game took on a BCS-type flavor, as undefeated No. 10 Boise State squared off against No. 9 Louisville (which was in C-USA at the time). Experts expected a shootout and were not disappointed.

Boise led 31-21 at the half but was shut down for the most part in the second. The Broncos only managed nine second-half points, and Michael Bush of Louisville was able to grind out big runs to get the Cardinals back in the game. Ultimately, QB Stefan LeFors won MVP honors as the Cardinals won 44-40.

Sun Bowl: University of Texas, El Paso

Date: December 26, 2006

Game Final: Oregon State 39, Missouri 38

The 2006 edition of the Sun Bowl wasn't the highest scoring in the game's history, nor was it even the closest (there was a tie once), but it was the best.

Missouri was on the precipice of breaking through into the national spotlight. Oregon State had competed for a Pac-10 championship. All in all, the Brut spokesmen got what they wanted with this Sun Bowl.

Mizzou led 17-14 at the half and 31-21 after three quarters. Oregon State kicker Alexis Serna got the deficit back to seven, but Chase Daniel quickly gave Mizzou its biggest lead of the game, 38-24.

Matt Moore recorded a touchdown for Oregon State with just six minutes left. A stop got the ball back to the Beavers. Moore led them on another long drive, and they scored what appeared to be the game-tying score with seconds left.

Only head coach Mike Riley was feeling lucky and decided to go for two. Moore handed the ball off to Yvenson Bernard, and Bernard plowed ahead for a two-yard conversion. The Beavers came back to shock the Tigers, 39-38.

Legion Field: University of Alabama-Birmingham

Date: November 30, 1985

Game Final: Alabama 25, Auburn 23

As a non-partisan observer of the Iron Bowl, the 1985 edition always stood out to me as the best of the bunch.

Auburn jumped out to a 14-0 lead early behind the efforts of eventual Heisman trophy winner Bo Jackson. Alabama was able to stay in the game by forcing turnovers but had to settle for early field goals.

Alabama led 16-10 in the fourth but failed to knock out the Tigers when it threw an interception in the end zone. Bo went through the Bama defense and made it 17-16.

Just a minute later, Alabama RB Gene Jelks rushed for a 74-yard touchdown to regain the lead, 22-17. Auburn responded with a long drive to make it 23-22 but failed on the two-point conversion.

After that, Alabama took over and marched down the field to set up a game-winning, 52-yard field goal from Van Tiffin (seen here).

Another Iron Bowl, another classic...

Sun Devil Stadium: Arizona State University

Date: September 21, 1996

Game Final: Arizona State 19, Nebraska 0

Here is the largest margin of victory of any game on the slideshow. Ask any Arizona State fan if that matters to them, and I think you'll get a laugh of disregard.

Nebraska was the back-to-back national champion, ranked No. 1 in the nation and had won 26 straight games.

Arizona State's defense, led by Pat Tillman, dominated the Huskers. It rolled to a 19-0 win and would eventually go on to play for a national championship in the Rose Bowl against Ohio State. Nebraska would rebound, climbing back to No. 3 in the nation before falling to Texas in the Big 12 title game.

Doak Campbell Stadium: Florida State University

Date: October 3, 1987

Game Final: Miami 26, FSU 25

This game gets less publicity than all the "Wide Rights," but make no mistake—it's a classic.

FSU was ranked No. 4 and had LeRoy Butler and Deion Sanders in the secondary. Miami was ranked No. 3 and had Bennie Blades and Michael Irvin.

Prime Time returned a long punt to set up a field goal that put FSU up 19-3 late in the third. After that, the 'Canes took over.

Miami scored two touchdowns and two two-point conversions to quickly tie the game. FSU missed a field goal (wide right) to give the ball back to Miami. Steve Walsh found Irvin for a 73-yard touchdown to give the Canes a 26-19 lead.

FSU came back and miraculously scored, converting fourth downs and completing passes into double coverage. Coach Bobby Bowden initially said he would go for one in such situations, but he relented and went for two. The attempt was no good, and Miami stole a game at Doak.

Lane Stadium: Virginia Tech

Date: October 25, 2007

Game Final: Boston College 14, Virginia Tech 10

Lane Stadium has become one of the most intimidating, must see venues in the nation. With Metallica's "Enter Sandman" serving as entrance music for the Hokies and quality play to back it up, many have entered Lane and had hopes and dreams quashed.

For approximately 3.5 quarters in October of 2007, the familiar narrative was playing out. VT built a 10-0 lead and had its suffocating defense all over No. 2 Boston College and its Heisman hopeful, Matt Ryan.

Then, suddenly, BC's offense came alive. The Eagles went 92 yards in two minutes to cut the lead to three. They quickly got the ball back and went 66 yards in two minutes to score with 11 seconds left, giving them the win.

First 57 minutes of the game, zero points. Last 2.5, 14 points.

Kyle Field: Texas A&M University

Date: October 10, 1998

Game Final: Texas A&M 28, Nebraska 21

Earlier we saw the 1998 Texas A&M team fall to the Longhorns in the regular-season finale. Earlier in the season, however, the Aggies were able to climb to No. 6 in the rankings with wins such as the game against Nebraska.

The Huskers were No. 2 in the nation, defending champions and undefeated. The Aggies were 4-1 with a loss against FSU but were still ranked in the top 20.

The Aggies dominated Nebraska early, building a 28-7 lead. They later gave up two touchdowns but were able to hold on for the victory.

As previously stated, the Aggies would later beat KSU in the Big 12 championship game and go on to lose to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl.

Folsom Field: University of Colorado

Date: September 29, 1990

Game Final: Colorado 20, Washington 14

Colorado had to endure a crazy path to its 1990 national championship. The Buffaloes tied their opening game against Tennessee. Two weeks later they lost to Illinois, and a month later they needed five downs to defeat Missouri.

Lost in the shuffle is a home game against the Huskies. Washington came to Folsom ranked No. 12. The Buffaloes were No. 20 and had no dreams of winning the national championship.

Colorado would jump to No. 12 in the polls following the victory. After that, it never looked back. It would go on to defeat Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl and claim a national title. Washington would defeat Iowa in the Rose Bowl and have to wait one more year before claiming a national title of its own.

Camp Randall Stadium: University of Wisconsin

Date: October 30, 1993

Game Final: Wisconsin 13, Michigan 10

Wisconsin suffered through some losing seasons in the 1980s and early '90s. In 1992, the Badgers were just 5-6. They did not develop into the powerhouse we know them as today until the 1993 season.

The Badgers welcomed the Wolverines into Madison. Michigan was coming off two straight Rose Bowl games, and what better way to announce to the world you are ready to compete than knocking off the former champs?  This is exactly what Wisconsin did in Camp Randall, beating the Wolverines 13-10.

Unfortunately, the game is known for an additional incident that occurred following the game. Wanting to celebrate the team's first win over Michigan in nearly a decade, students began to rush the field. They were impeded by a guardrail, but the fans in back were unaware of the halt. They continued to rush forward, and several students were trampled and injured. The incident has come to be known as "The Camp Randall Crush."

Wisconsin would go on to defeat UCLA in the Rose Bowl.

Autzen Stadium: University of Oregon

Date: October 22, 1994

Game Final: Oregon 31, Washington 20

Oregon was 4-3 and unranked. Washington came into the game ranked No. 9. At this point, no one believed that Oregon would eventually go on to win the Pac-10 and play in the Rose Bowl. Cue the mystique of Autzen Stadium.

Oregon was clinging to a 24-20 lead late as Washington was driving. The Huskies had the ball inside the Oregon 10 when Damon Huard was intercepted by Kenny Wheaton for a touchdown. The play sealed the win for the Ducks.

After that, the Ducks won four in a row. They would finish 7-1 in the Pac-10 and lose to Penn State in the Rose Bowl.

Memorial Stadium (Death Valley): Clemson University

Date: September 17, 1988

Game Final: Florida State 24, Clemson 21

There may not have been a more hyped game at Memorial Stadium than the 1988 contest between Florida State and Clemson.

Clemson was ranked No. 3 and had serious aspirations of a national title. FSU was ranked No. 10 and was its usual talented self.

The game swung on a "puntrooskie" play by FSU. Deep in their own territory, the Seminoles ran a fake punt that went for a long touchdown to silence the Clemson crowd and put the Tigers away.

Husky Stadium: University of Washington

Date: September 19, 1992

Game Final: Washington 29, Nebraska 14

Washington was a machine in the early 1990s. It won the national championship in the 1991 season, but unfortunately all of its home games were so lopsided that they didn't qualify for this list.

Enter the No. 12 Cornhuskers in 1992. Washington was ranked No. 2 and was defending its home turf and the national championship.

The game was hard-fought and competitive, and Washington played excellently to win. It would eventually lose to Arizona late in the season, ruining its chances of a repeat national title.

Beyond all that, this game is known for another mark. While on the sidelines, ESPN reported that the decibel level reached 133.6 late in the first quarter. This still stands as the loudest moment in college football history.

Sanford Stadium: University of Georgia

Date: September 22, 1984

Game Final: Georgia 26, Clemson 23

This was only the second game of the season for the Dawgs, but it carried major early-season implications. Clemson was ranked No. 2 in the nation, UGA No. 20.

The teams were tied 23-23 in the waning moments of the game. Kicker Kevin Butler lined up to kick a game-winning, 60-yard field goal. I will let the late Larry Munson describe what followed.

Memorial Stadium: University of Nebraska

Date: October 27, 2001

Game Final: Nebraska 20, Oklahoma 10

Thirty years following the aforementioned "Game of the Century," the two tried to do it again.

Nebraska was ranked No. 3 in the nation, Oklahoma No. 2. Oklahoma was the defending national champion, while Nebraska was considered the better team in 2001.

The game swung on a trick play from the Huskers. The play? Black 41 Flash Reverse. The play started off as a reverse but was then thrown back to the quarterback, Eric Crouch. Crouch took it 70 yards for a touchdown in the defensive struggle.

The play would be the staple of Crouch's Heisman portfolio. Nebraska would lose to Miami in the national championship game.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: University of Florida

Date: Nov. 22, 1997

Game Final: Florida 32, FSU 29

This game has come to be known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played in the Swamp." I suppose I don't need to do any explaining after that, right?

Well, here goes. FSU was No. 1 in the nation and on its way to play for the national championship. Florida was defending national champs but was suffering through a down year of sorts, tallying only an 8-2 record.

The teams traded blows all day long. All seemed lost when Sebastian Janikowski nailed another field goal (and subsequently mocked Gator Nation with a chomp). Undeterred, the Gators went 80 yards in three plays to seal the victory.

Beaver Stadium: Penn State University

Date: October 8, 2005

Game Final: Penn State 17, Ohio State 10

Two storied programs squared off in 2005 in a game that would ultimately decide the Big Ten race. Additionally, it was the first white-out for Penn State and the second-largest crowd in the stadium's history.

The expected defensive battle came to fruition, as the Nittany Lions led 14-10 at the half. Following this there were only three more points scored, as PSU held on to win 17-10.

The big play came in the second quarter, when Calvin Lowry intercepted Troy Smith and returned it to the 2-yard line to set up a Penn State touchdown.

Down seven and needing a score, OSU would drive to midfield. There, Smith was sacked by Tamba Hali and fumbled, giving the ball back to PSU. It would run out the clock.

Neyland Stadium: University of Tennessee

Date: November 14, 1998

Game Final: Tennessee 28, Arkansas 24

Arkansas came into the game undefeated and ranked No. 12 in the nation. Tennessee was undefeated as well and had just reached the No. 1 ranking.

Tennessee fell behind 21-3, and its national title aspirations seemed all but dead, as Arkansas led 28-24 with the ball with less than two minutes left.

Arkansas could have run the clock down to under one minute. If it picked up a first down, it would be over. Instead, QB Clint Stoerner "stumbled and fumbled" the ball. Tennessee took over and drove the ball down the field (and the band probably broke the record for how many times it played "Rocky Top" in five minutes).

Tennessee would run the table and win the national championship in the first year of the BCS. Arkansas would lose the following week to Mississippi State, costing the Hogs the SEC West. They would eventually lose to Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.

Rose Bowl: University of California, Los Angeles

Date: January 4, 2006

Game Final: Texas 41, USC 38

Rose Bowl stadium annually plays host to the "Granddaddy of them All," the Rose Bowl. All the history, tradition, legends and pageantry associated with the game makes the Rose Bowl one of the more difficult stadiums from which to select only one game.

The entry comes with a non-traditional Rose Bowl matchup, pitting Big 12 foe Texas against USC. But with two undefeated teams and the national championship on the line, I don't think anyone will mind.

USC came in as winners of back-to-back AP championships (and just one BCS). It also had the past two Heisman Trophy winners in Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, along with a plethora of other future pros. Texas came in loaded as well, led by all-American Vince Young at quarterback.

Texas led 16-10 at the half but trailed 24-23 after three quarters. USC immediately extended the lead to 31-23 and seemed to have locked the game up on a Jamaal Charles fumble. A controversial call ruled the fumble an incomplete pass, however, and Texas was able to maintain possession. It made it a five-point game later in the drive. USC would respond, going up 38-26 with just seven minutes left to play.

Texas quickly scored to make it 38-33 and now needed a stop. USC milked most of the clock but was faced with a 4th-and-2 from midfield. A first down would give the Trojans the win and the national championship. With that mindset, coach Pete Carroll decided to go for it, handing it off to LenDale White. He was stopped short, and Texas took over.

Young led the Horns down the field but still ended up facing a fourth down for the national championship. Young initially dropped back but quickly tucked the ball and took off to the right side. He easily found the corner of the end zone and put the Horns up for good.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: University of Southern California

Date: November 18, 1967

Game Final: USC 21, UCLA 20

Another edition of the "Game of the Century" that more than lived up to the hype.

UCLA was No. 1 in the nation and despite also playing in the Coliseum was the road team against No. 2 USC. The Athletic Association of Western Universities (now Pac-12) conference title was on the line. A berth in the Rose Bowl was on the line. The No. 1 ranking was on the line.

Down six with around 10 minutes to go, USC faced a 3rd-and-7 from its own 36. A pass play was originally called, but QB Toby Page audibled to get O.J. Simpson the ball. The result was a 64-yard scamper by The Juice for the go-ahead touchdown.

UCLA QB Gary Beban would go on to win the Heisman Trophy, and Simpson would win the next season. USC would beat Indiana in the Rose Bowl and win the national championship.

Tiger Stadium (Death Valley): Louisiana State University

Date: October 8, 1988

Game Final: LSU 7, Auburn 6

LSU couldn't score the entire game. It trailed 3-0 at the half and then 6-0 in late in the fourth.

Given one last chance, the Tigers began to drive in the waning moments of the game. Faced with a 4th-and-long, QB Tommy Hodson found RB Eddie Fuller in the back of the end zone to finally break through. The extra point was good, and LSU went ahead 7-6.

On the following Monday, it was found that a seismograph at the geological studies building from across campus recorded an earthquake. It occurred at the exact same second Fuller caught the touchdown pass. In other words, the crowd at Tiger Stadium was so loud...it caused an earthquake.

Michigan Stadium: University of Michigan

Date: September 24, 1994

Game Final: Colorado 27, Michigan 26

Michigan has had hundreds of great games in Michigan Stadium. Most of them came against its rivals Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan State or Minnesota.

But the best of them all may have come from its inter-conference tilt against Colorado.

Michigan had just beaten Notre Dame and was ranked No. 4 in the nation. Colorado was ranked No. 7 in the nation.

Colorado led 14-9 at the half, but 17 points from the Wolverines put them ahead 26-14 entering the fourth. With just under three minutes left, Colorado scored to cut the lead to 26-21.

The Buffaloes got the ball back late and deep in their own territory. To win, they needed a miracle...

We all know what happened next. Kordell Stewart threw it 70 yards, and Colorado stunned the Wolverines 27-26.

Notre Dame Stadium: University of Notre Dame

Date: October 15, 2005

Game Final: USC 35, Notre Dame 31

One of the best rivalries in the nation got an extra dose of hype in 2005, as ND was going through its resurgence and USC was in the midst of its 27-game winning streak. The game lived up to the hype.

The teams traded blows all game, but Notre Dame led 31-28 with only a couple of minutes left. USC faced a 4th-and-9 deep in its own territory, but Matt Leinart was able to find Dwayne Jarrett for a huge gain, setting up a 1st-and-goal for USC.

Leinart would attempt a scramble a few plays later and fumbled out of bounds. Time initially expired, causing fans to rush the field, but the ball was fumbled out of bounds with three seconds left.

With time back on the clock, USC elected to go for the win instead of the tie. Leinart sneaked ahead and was initially stuffed, but Reggie Bush came to his aid and pushed him across the goal line.

USC escaped with a 35-31 win in a game that has come to be known as the "Bush Push."

Ohio Stadium: Ohio State University

Date: November 25, 1972

Game Final: OSU 14, Michigan 11

As was usually the case with these two, a trip to the Rose Bowl was on the line in late November 1972. Michigan was ranked No. 3 in the nation and had an outside chance at a national championship. OSU had already lost once and was ranked No. 9 but could still win the Big Ten.

The first touchdown came in the second quarter and was set up by a long Archie Griffin run. Michigan drove back down the field. Facing a 4th-and-goal from the three, Bo Schembechler decided to go for it. The snap was fumbled, and OSU went into the half up 7-3.

OSU took the ball down the field to start the second half, capped off with a 30-yard TD run by Archie Griffin. On the ensuing drive, Michigan went right down the field and added the two, cutting the lead to 14-11.

Down three with a few minutes left in the game, Michigan faced a fourth down from the 20-yard line. Consistent with his game plan, Schembechler once again went for it. Once again, he was denied.

Thanks to an interception, Michigan got the ball back once again. Michigan drove down to set up a 1st-and-goal from the five. Three straight runs and it was stuffed. On fourth down, Schembechler went for the win once again—and again was denied by OSU's stout defense.