College Football's 50 Most Thrilling Games of the 2011 Season

The 2011 college football regular season has come to a close. Bowl matchups have been determined, and teams are getting focused on their destinations and the opponents they will face.

It sounds like the perfect time to look back at the 50 most thrilling games of the season as a way to reflect and anticipate the bowls ahead.

Here are the 50 most thrilling games of the 2011 college football season.

Marshall vs. East Carolina

Game: East Carolina at Marshall

Week: 13

Marshall scored the first 10 points, but East Carolina scored the next 17. 

In fact, it was 20-17 going into the half in favor of ECU.

The third quarter belonged to the Thundering Herd, tying the game at 20. It then turned into a defensive battle for the rest of the quarter.

The fourth quarter brought more of the same, but both teams did manage touchdowns to take it to overtime.

In overtime Marshall scored a touchdown and then held ECU to take the win.

It was probably the most exciting game all year in Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

Final Score: Marshall 34, ECU 27 (OT)

Miami vs. Florida State

Game: Miami vs. Florida State

Week: 11

Miami tried to make a comeback in this game, but it just never materialized. It kept it interesting though, and fans were glad to have a good game back.

Final Score: Florida State 23, Miami 19

Northern Illinois vs. Ohio

Game: Northern Illinois vs. Ohio

Week: MAC championship game

After trailing 20-0 at halftime, the Huskies came out and took over the second half.

It took them all of both quarters, but on a 33-yard field goal with no time remaining, Northern Illinois won the MAC title 23-20.

Final Score: NIU 23, Ohio 20

Northern Illinois vs. Ball State

Game: Ball State at Northern Illinois

Week: 12

Ball State jumped out to a 14-0 lead. NIU answered in the second quarter with two TDs.

A touchdown and a field goal before the half gave Ball State the lead, 24-14.

In the second half, more of the same. The two teams went back and forth until NIU tied it at 38-all on a Mathew Sims 23-yard field goal.

It wasn't until eight seconds were left on the clock that the Huskies would get their chance once again. With the golden foot of Sims the Huskies won 41-38.

Final Score: NIU 41, Ball State 38

Ohio vs. Bowling Green

Game: Ohio at Bowling Green

Week: 12

You could call this game seesaw. Five lead changes and a whole lot of craziness.

Ohio had to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter and a field goal with no time left to complete the comeback.

Final Score: Ohio 29, Bowling Green 28

Syracuse vs. Wake Forest

Game: Wake Forest at Syracuse

Week: 1

In Week 1 any overtime game is considered thrilling. Teams are all 0-0, so the game is judged strictly on its own merits.

Syracuse was down 29-14 in the fourth quarter, and it didn't look good. However, Ryan Nassib's two-yard touchdown pass to Adam Harris with just over eight minutes to go brought the Orangemen within eight points.

At just over the seven-minute mark the Orange scored again, this time on an amazing 53-yard run by Antwon Bailey. Then on the point-after attempt, Ross Krautman passed to Van Chew for two, locking the game up at 29-all.

In overtime Chew caught a short pass from Nassib in the end zone, and the point after was good. Syracuse was then able to stop Wake forest for the win.

Final Score: Syracuse 36, Wake Forest 29 (OT)

Eastern Michigan vs. Kent State

Game: Eastern Michigan at Kent State

Week: 12

Eastern Michigan came to play, and it jumped out to a 13-0 lead.

Kent State battled back in the second quarter to take the lead 14-13.

The third and fourth quarters saw four lead changes, but eventually a 70-yard pass from Spencer Keith to Tyshon Goode and a subsequent two-point conversion gave the Golden Flashes the victory.

Final Score: Kent State 28, Eastern Michigan 22

San Jose vs. Navy

Game: Navy at San Jose State

Week: 12

A game with four lead changes, it went back and forth all night. 

San Jose State scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, and then no one could move the ball. Lost opportunities and near misses made it ugly but very exciting.

Final Score: San Jose State 27, Navy 24

Clemson vs. Wake Forest

Game: Wake Forest at No. 9 Clemson

Week: 11

Clemson should have dominated this game, but it didn't. The only reason it was exciting is because of the silly mistakes the Tigers made.

Wake Forest came out in the second half and overcame a seven-point deficit to take a 28-14 lead. Clemson answered with a couple of touchdowns to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.

With no time left on the clock, Chandler "say my name five times fast" Catanzaro made an amazing 43-yard game-winning field goal.

Clemson fans sighed; Wake Forest fans shrugged.

Final Score: No. 9 Clemson 31, Wake Forest 28

Marshall vs. Memphis

Game: Marshall vs. Memphis

Week: 12

Marshall was trailing in the fourth quarter 22-10 until Tron Martinez ran for 21 yards and a touchdown to pull within five 22-17.

Later in the fourth, after holding Memphis, Marshall had a 19-yard run by Travon Van go in for six. The two-point try failed, but Marshall led 23-22.

The two teams battled back and forth, but the Thundering Herd were able to hold on.

Final Score: Marshall 23, Memphis 22

Purdue vs. Ohio State

Game: Ohio State at Purdue

Week: 11

Purdue led most of the game. It was 17-10 at the half in favor of the Boilermakers. Ohio State came back to tie it up with only 55 seconds on the clock to send it to overtime.

All the Buckeyes could muster was a field goal on their possession, but Purdue ran it into the end zone for the win.

Final Score: Purdue 26, Ohio State 20

Rutgers vs. South Florida

Game: South Florida at Rutgers

Week: 10

South Florida took a 10-0 lead into the half. Rutgers could only manage a field goal in the third, but then the fourth quarter got interesting.

Down 17-3, the Scarlet Knights scored two touchdowns, one with just over a minute to play to tie the game and send it to overtime.

In overtime, South Florida missed its chance, but Rutgers kicked a field goal to win it.

Final Score: Rutgers 20, USF 17 (OT)

Arizona State vs. Missouri

Game: No. 21 Missouri at Arizona State

Week: 2

It was a back-and-forth game all night long. However, if you went to bed on the East Coast, you missed out.

Going into the fourth quarter the score was 23-16 in favor of the Sun Devils. They wasted no time adding to that lead, as they scored again before a minute of the fourth had been played.

With the score 30-16 ASU, it appeared as if finally the game was tipping in favor of Arizona State. However, Missouri didn't give up.

With two unanswered touchdowns, Missouri sent the game to overtime, but it fell short in the desert.

Final Score: ASU 37, Missouri 30 (OT)

Colorado vs. California

Game: Cal at Colorado

Week: 2

A 2-0 Cal team went to Colorado to take on an 0-2 Buffaloes team that no one expected to beat the Bears.

For most of the first half it looked like the game everyone thought it would. Cal was up 16-6 at half, but if it weren't for some coaching decisions and simple mistakes, the Bears would have been up by more.

In the second half the Buffaloes looked much better. They came out and scored the first points of the third quarter, bringing the game to 16-13 Cal.

Cal answered with a touchdown, but a few minutes later so did Colorado.

Early in the fourth quarter Colorado took its first lead of the game since making the opening field goal. Paul Richardson caught a 78-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Hansen, and the score was 27-23 Colorado.

With just under 10 minutes left in the fourth, the Bears scored again. This time it was a 19-yard touchdown run by C.J. Anderson. This gave them the lead again until Colorado kicked a game-tying field goal with 30 seconds left.

In overtime Colorado could only muster a field goal, but Cal scored a touchdown on a short pass from Zach Maynard to Keenan Allen to seal the victory.

Final Score: Cal 36, Colorado 33 (OT)

Michigan vs. Ohio State

Game: Ohio State at No.15 Michigan

Week: 13

This game is always a classic, and this year was no exception.

Ohio State struck first, but Michigan answered. By the end of the first quarter it was 16-7 in favor of the Wolverines.

It went back and forth, and by halftime it was a one point game: 24-23 Ohio State.

Michigan had the lone score of the third on a Martavious Odoms touchdown grab from Denard Robinson for 20 yards. 30-24 Michigan.

Ohio State answered early in the fourth with a field goal to bring it within three, 30-27.

Michigan tried to put the game away with a short touchdown pass from Robinson to Kevin Koger, taking the Wolverines to a 10-point lead. However, the Buckeyes fought back and with just over seven minutes left pulled within three with a touchdown of their own.

Ohio State missed some chances late, and Michigan scored a touchdown with under two minutes to play, sealing the fate of the Buckeyes.

Final Score: Michigan 40, Ohio State 34

Virginia Tech vs. Miami

Game: Miami at No. 21 Virginia Tech

Week: 6

It was a crazy finish in Blacksburg. VT led 14-0 before Miami scored to make it 14-7. However, it was still 21-7 Hokies at the half.

It was 24-14 going into the fourth quarter in favor of Virginia Tech. But that is when it got a bit crazy. 

Miami scored, Virginia Tech scored, Miami scored and it was 31-28 Hokies.

Miami then scored another touchdown and took the lead with just under three minutes to play. Virginia Tech had one last drive to take the game back, and with 56 seconds left on the clock Logan Thomas broke open for a 19-yard run into the end zone.

Final Score: VT 38, Miami 35

New Mexico State vs. Fresno State

Game: Fresno State at New Mexico State

Week: 11

Five lead changes and a combined score of 93. It sounds like a recipe for a great game.

It was 23-17 at half in favor of New Mexico State, but Fresno came roaring back in the second half.

The fourth quarter saw New Mexico State take the lead back at 41-38, but Fresno stole it back 45-41.

With less than two minutes left Taveon Rogers caught a 37-yard pass from Matt Christian and put the Aggies ahead for good.

Final Score: NMSU 48, Fresno State 45

Illinois vs. Northwestern

Game: Northwestern vs. No. 24 Illinois

Week: 5

Illinois trailed at half 14-10, but nobody panicked. That is, until Northwestern scored the first 14 points of the second half.

By the time they knew what hit them, the Illini trailed 28-10. However, they answered with three straight touchdowns of their own. That made the score 31-28 in favor of Illinois late in the fourth quarter.

Northwestern then scored a touchdown on a six-yard run by Jacob Schmidt to retake the lead 35-31.

Then Illinois made a crazy drive down the field to get in field-goal range and kicked the game-winner with 13 seconds on the clock.

Final Score: Illinois 38, Northwestern 35

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M

Game: No. 18 Arkansas at No. 14 Texas A&M

Week: 5

Can you believe that Texas A&M was at one time ranked higher than Arkansas?

Well, the game the two played is certainly in the top 10.

Texas A&M was up big time at the half, 35-17. It looked bad for the Hogs.

However, the Razorbacks rolled off 18 straight to tie the game; Texas A&M countered with a touchdown late. That brought it to 38-35 in favor of the Aggies.

With 1:41 left to play Broderick Green had a three-yard scamper that put the Hogs out front for good.

Final Score: Arkansas 42, Texas A&M 38

BYU vs. Utah State

Game: Utah State at BYU

Week: 5

Utah State led at halftime and through the third quarter. The score was 24-13 early in the fourth.

BYU scored to bring it within four at 24-20, but then neither offense could find pay dirt.

It wasn't until there were just 11 seconds left that the Cougars got into the end zone.

Final Score: BYU 27, Utah State 24

Auburn vs. Utah State

Game: Utah State at No. 23 Auburn

Week: 1

Everyone knew Auburn was going to have to regroup and rebuild a little after losing several key players, including Cam Newton.

However, no one expected Utah State of the WAC to come into Jordan-Hare Stadium and nearly knock off the Tigers on opening week.

Utah State was up 38-28 with three minutes to play. It looked like Auburn was going to suffer one of the most embarrassing losses in its history. Then something strange happened.

First, Barrett Trotter threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Philip Lutzenkirchen—point after good.

Next, an onside kick and recovery with two minutes to play.

Then a Michael Dyer one-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds on the clock.

Auburn fans left shaking their heads.

Final Score: Auburn 42, Utah State 38

Rutgers vs. Syracuse

Game: Rutgers at Syracuse

Week: 5

The game went back and forth all day. It was low-scoring and a bit boring until the end.

In the first overtime the teams traded field goals, but in the second overtime only Rutgers could find the foot.

Final Score: Rutgers 19, Syracuse 16 (2OT)

Air Force vs. Navy

Game: Air Force at Navy

Week: 5

The traditional game rarely flops. This year was no exception.

Air Force was absolutely dominating, and by the half it was 21-3.

Navy came out and scored the only touchdown of the third, and Air Force answered in the fourth.

Navy then went on to roll off 17 unanswered points to tie the game and send it to overtime. In overtime Navy scored a touchdown, but it missed the point after because Air Force blocked it.

The Falcons then scored, but they made their kick.

Final Score: Air Force 35, Navy 34 (OT)

Syracuse vs. Toledo

Game: Toledo at Syracuse

Week: 4

This game was exciting for a few reasons. One, it went to overtime, and two, it was a great contest. However, what made it most exciting was the game of replay roulette.

This is the game where Syracuse had an extra point called good by the replay official, but everyone watching could see clearly that it was not good. The ball moved clearly in front of the goalpost.

However, the replay booth called it good, and that caused overtime.

In overtime Syracuse actually made the kick that sent Toledo packing.

Final Score: Syracuse 33, Toledo 30 (OT)

Utah State vs. Idaho

Game: Utah State at Idaho

Week: 12

At the half it was 21-10 Utah State, but Idaho wasn't giving up that easily. The third quarter brought 17 points for the Vandals and a tie game at 28.

The fourth quarter saw the two teams exchanging touchdowns, and it went to overtime.

First overtime, trading seven again.

Second overtime, Utah State found the end zone but held the Vandals out.

Final Score: Utah State 49, Idaho 42 (2OT)

Missouri vs. Texas A&M

Game: Missouri at No. 16 Texas A&M

Week: 9

Missouri led 14-7 at the end of one quarter. Texas A&M was up at halftime 28-17. The score didn't change in the third, but Missouri took the lead in the fourth with two touchdowns, 31-28.

Texas A&M rallied and kicked a field goal to force overtime.

In overtime Texas A&M failed to convert after Missouri scored a touchdown.

Final Score: Missouri 38, Texas A&M 31 (OT)

Kansas State vs. Texas A&M

Game: Texas A&M at No. 14 Kansas State

Week: 11

This game was a track meet. Kansas State had to come back from 10 down in the fourth just to tie it up. When the Wildcats did it went into overtime, and overtime, and overtime, and overtime.

They matched touchdowns in the first OT. They matched field goals in the second. Touchdowns again in the third, but A&M could only get a field goal in the fourth overtime.

This left it open for that amazing Kansas State offense, and the Wildcats made their way to the end zone for the win. Collin Klein ran it in from one yard out.

Final Score: Kansas State 53, Texas A&M 50

Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina

Game: North Carolina at No. 25 Georgia Tech

Week: 4

Georgia Tech led at the half 17-7, but North Carolina didn't quit, even when it fell behind 28-14 in the third quarter.

In the fourth North Carolina came alive and scored 14 unanswered points to tie it up 28-all.

However, Georgia Tech would score late and hold off a UNC rally.

Final Score: GT 35, UNC 28

Baylor vs. Kansas

Game: No. 25 Baylor at Kansas

Week: 11

Baylor came into the game a heavy favorite, but it left just thankful for a win.

After being down 24-3 in the fourth quarter, the Bears decided to come out of hibernation. Robert Griffin III got on fire and threw three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to tie the game.

In overtime, more of the same, but Kansas decided to go for two instead of kicking for one on its point after touchdown. It missed.

Final Score: Baylor 31, Kansas 30

Clemson vs. Florida State

Game: No. 11 Florida State at No. 21 Clemson

Week: 4

It was a premier Week 4 matchup, and it didn't disappoint.

Going into the half it was 14-10 in favor of Clemson.

The second half saw Clemson lead the whole way, but FSU was clawing constantly at the Tigers lead. 

Final Score: Clemson 35, FSU 30

Iowa vs. Pitt

Game: Pitt at Iowa

Week: 3

Pitt dominated this game until the fourth quarter. At that time it was 27-10 in favor of the Panthers.

However, Iowa woke up in a big way and scored 21 unanswered points late to take the victory. It was truly an exciting game—if you weren't a Pitt fan.

Final Score: Iowa 31, Pitt 27

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt

Game: Vanderbilt at Tennessee

Week: 12

This SEC matchup in Week 12 had no influence on the conference except for who might finish next to last. However, it was a great game worthy of champions.

It was 14-7 at half with Tennessee leading.

Vanderbilt came out playing hard in the second half, however, and took a 21-14 lead in the fourth quarter. Tennessee answered late, and the game went to overtime.

In overtime Tennessee intercepted a Vanderbilt pass and ran it back 90 yards for the game-winner.

Final Score: Tennessee 27, Vanderbilt 21 (OT)

Utah vs. Washington State

Game: Utah at Washington State

Week: 12

Tied at halftime 7-7, the game seemed like a dud. Then the third quarter came around, and it ended 10-10. People at the game were trying hard to stay awake, and then the fourth quarter happened.

Utah went ahead 13-10 and then 20-10, but WSU scored a TD to make it 20-17.

Utah scored another touchdown, but the Cougars answered. By the end of regulation it was 27-all.

In overtime the Utes were the only ones to score.

Final Score: Utah 30, WSU 27

South Carolina vs. Navy

Game: Navy at No. 10 South Carolina

Week: 3

A tight game at the half was 17-15 in favor of South Carolina. Navy scored a go-ahead touchdown in the third, and it didn't look good for the Gamecocks.

However, South Carolina drove down the field to score the go-ahead TD. It then held Navy scoreless the rest of the game.

Final Score: South Carolina 24, Navy 21

SMU vs. TCU

Game: SMU at No. 20 TCU

Week: 5

SMU took off to a 17-0 lead, but TCU made it a 17-10 game by the half.

The second half started the same way the game did with the Mustangs taking charge. By the start of the fourth it was SMU 27, TCU 10.

TCU found the end zone to make it 27-17, but SMU answered to make it 33-17.

TCU then scored 17 unanswered points to send it to overtime.

In overtime SMU scored, but TCU didn't.

Final Score: SMU 40, TCU 33 (OT)

LSU vs. Alabama

Game: No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama (Part 1)

Week: 10

The game of the century, No. 1 vs. No. 2, the real national championship—it was billed as this and even more.

It was an exciting game if you like smash-mouth defense. 

Back and forth all night long. Of course, if it weren't for all those missed field goals there might have been a different result.

In overtime, LSU made its kick, and that is all it took.

Do you think Alabama will work on its kicking game before the rematch?

Final Score: LSU 9, Alabama 18-12 = 6 (OT)

Northwestern vs. Nebraska

Game: Northwestern at No. 10 Nebraska

Week: 10

It was the comeback that didn't happen but shouldn't have had to in the first place.

Nebraska was heavily favored in this one. However, Northwestern forgot to read all about that.

It was 14-10 at half in favor of NW, but most people thought it would be okay for the Cornhuskers.

After all, it was a home game.

Second half, however, more of the same. Nebraska trailed 21-10 early in the fourth, but it scored with just under nine minutes to play to pull within three, 21-18.

Northwestern then scored another touchdown late. The Cornhuskers got a touchdown with 18 seconds left but failed to get the onside kick.

Final Score: Northwestern 28, Nebraska 25

Southern Miss vs. UCF

Game: UCF at No. 22 Southern Miss

Week: 11

It was a tight game until the fourth quarter with Southern Miss leading 16-9. However, the fourth quarter erupted.

Southern Miss kicked a field goal to go ahead 19-9, but UCF got a touchdown on a 69-yard kickoff return. The Golden Eagles answered on their next drive with their own TD. That brought the score to 22-16 Southern Miss.

UCF got in the end zone again, but so did Southern Miss. Then UCF scored with no time left on a 25-yard pass from Blake Bortles to J.J. Worton. However, instead of going for the tie, the Knights went for the two-point win and didn't convert.

Final Score: USM 30, UCF 29

Baylor vs. TCU

Game: No. 14 TCU at Baylor

Week: 1

No one knew for sure what to expect from TCU after losing key players, including outstanding quarterback Andy Dalton, to graduation. Similarly, no one really knew how Baylor would come out in 2011. Most expected it to be improved, but most didn't expect Mr. RGIII.

The game looked like it was going to be a blowout by Baylor and a long season for TCU. However, the fourth quarter changed all of that.

Down 47-23 entering the last quarter, TCU wasted no time scoring. Dalton's replacement Casey Pachall threw a short pass to Logan Brock for a touchdown, bringing the score to 31-47 after the point after was good.

TCU went on to rattle off another 17 unanswered points to take the lead on a field goal by Ross Evans with just over four minutes to play.

With the score 48-47 in favor of TCU, RGIII led his team down the field and set it up for a game-winning field goal with just over one minute to play.

TCU couldn't answer, and the game ended. Robert Griffin III had made his presence known. He threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns in the win.

Final Score: Baylor 50, TCU 48

Iowa State vs. Iowa

Game: Iowa State vs. Iowa

Week: 2

With the score 24-17 late in the fourth quarter in favor of the Hawkeyes, it looked like they would take home the win—except no one told Iowa State that.

With just over one minute left in regulation, Iowa State scored a game-tying touchdown on a short pass from Steele Jantz to Darius Darks.

In the first two overtime periods both teams matched touchdowns. However, in the third overtime Iowa could only muster a field goal. This put Iowa State in perfect position to win, and it did.

With a four-yard run by James White, the Cyclones took the victory.

Final Score: Iowa State 44, Iowa 41 (3OT)

Michigan vs. Notre Dame

Game: Notre Dame at Michigan

Week: 2

The Irish were dominating this game until the fourth quarter. 

The score was 24-7 as the fourth started, but it didn't take long for Michigan to get a touchdown. Add to that three more touchdowns compared to Notre Dame's one in the last quarter, and you have a huge collapse or comeback, depending on your point of view.

With two seconds left Roy Roundtree caught a 16-yard pass from Denard Robinson for the game-winner.

Final Score: Michigan 35, Notre Dame 31

Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State

Game: No. 14 Kansas State at No. 3 Oklahoma State

Week: 10

It was such a crazy game! Eight lead changes and a whole lot of yards, over a thousand combined.

In the fourth quarter, Oklahoma State was ahead 37-31, but Collin Klein ran it in for a touchdown and the lead for the Wildcats.

OSU answered with a 54-yard pass from Brandon Weeden to Justin Blackmon and tacked on a two-point conversion to make it OKST 45, KSU 38.

Kansas State answered with a little TD party of its own, tying it up at 45.

With just over two minutes to play Joseph Randle broke a 23-yard run to glory.

Final Score: Oklahoma State 52, Kansas State 45

USC vs. Oregon

Game: USC at No. 4 Oregon

Week: 12

Call it what it really was—the real Pac-12 championship game.

It was a valiant attempt by Oregon to come back against USC, but to no avail.

The score was 21-7 at half, but everyone figured Oregon would do what it does almost every second half, and it did—kind of.

USC started to pull away 38-14, but the fourth quarter belonged to the Ducks.

Oregon scored 20 unanswered points to make the score 38-35. However, that would be as close as it got.

The last seven minutes of the game were intense, tense and full of defense.

Final Score: USC 38, Oregon 35

TCU vs. Boise State

Game: TCU at No. 5 Boise State

Week: 11

It was a game of inches—and feet. 

If Boise State had not fumbled while up by seven and getting ready to score again late in the fourth quarter, it would have been different.

If Boise State stopped quarterback Casey Pachall from stretching out over the goal line, it would have been different.

If Boise State stopped No. 82 Josh Boyce from getting his arm free and slipping into the end zone for a two-point conversion, it would have been different.

Finally, if Dan Goodale, Boise State's kicker, didn't go wide right with no time left, it would have been much different.

Boise State beat itself, but it was exciting for TCU fans, BCS fans and people who love self-destructive football.

Final Score: TCU 36, Boise State 35 minus $21 million

Texas A&M vs. Texas

Game: No. 25 Texas at Texas A&M

Week: 13

Texas A&M came out and took a 13-0 lead. However, the Longhorns didn't panic.

In the second quarter a little razzle-dazzle gave Texas a much-needed touchdown when Blaine Irby caught a 41-yard pass from Jaxon Shipley.

Texas A&M wasted no time answering, however, when it kicked a field goal with just over four minutes to go in the half. This brought the score to 16-7 Aggies going into halftime.

The third quarter belonged to the Longhorns. Two touchdowns and a field goal unanswered by Texas A&M gave the Longhorns a 24-16 lead.

The Aggies kicked a field goal of their own in the fourth and added a touchdown to retake the lead, 25-24.

This brought it to the final drive of the game, and with no time left Justin Tucker nailed a 40-yard game-winning field goal for the Longhorns.

Final Score: Texas 27, Texas A&M 25

Wisconsin vs. Michigan State, Part II

Game: No. 15 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 Michigan State

Week: Big Ten championship game

A rematch of a thrilling game earlier in the season, this one had all the signs of being another great one. It didn't disappoint.

In the first quarter it looked like Wisconsin was going to run away with it. It was 21-7 going into the second.

Michigan State dominated the second quarter, scoring 22 unanswered points to take the lead 29-21 at the half.

Wisconsin came out and scored the first touchdown of the second half to pull within one point. But before the quarter was over the Spartans found the end zone once again on a 44-yard Kirk Cousins to B.J. Cunningham touchdown pass.

Wisconsin brought it back to within one early in the fourth, but Michigan State added a field goal to keep the lead at 39-34.

The Badgers scored a go-ahead TD with 3:45 to go in the game, and the Spartans couldn't answer. However, it looked like they would get the ball back in great field position when Wisconsin had to punt and Michigan State returned it to the 5-yard line.

Not so fast—a running into the kicker penalty was called, and it gave Wisconsin a first down and the game.

Final Score: Wisconsin 42, Michigan State 39

Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma

Game: Texas Tech at No. 3 Oklahoma

Week: 8

No one saw this one coming.

After a weather delay the game finally started. Everyone back east was near asleep at the opening kickoff.

However, it was Oklahoma that seemed to be sleeping.

At halftime Texas Tech was up on OU 24-7. But it got worse.

The opening drive of the second half for the Red Raiders ended in a touchdown, making the score 31-7.

Oklahoma then woke up a bit and started to come back. By the fourth quarter it was 31-24 Texas Tech, but everyone watching thought that the Sooners were going to take the game.

Texas Tech had other ideas, and it didn't give up. After another touchdown and a field goal it was 41-24 with just over six minutes to play. OU scored two late TDs, but it only left just over a minute on the clock.

Final Score: Texas Tech 41, Oklahoma 38

Michigan State vs. Wisconsin, Part I

Game: No. 6 Wisconsin at No. 16 Michigan State

Week: 8

This game started with Wisconsin dominating. After the first quarter the Badgers were up 14-0. Michigan State got into the action with a safety early in the second. It then went on to rattle off 21 more total unanswered points to lead at the half 23-14.

Wisconsin got back in the game in the third with a field goal but still trailed 23-17.

In the fourth quarter the Spartans began to pull away after scoring another TD, bringing it to 31-17.

Wisconsin battled back with two unanswered touchdowns. This tied the game at 31, and it looked like overtime—until the famous "Hail Mary" with no time left, where Keith Nichol just barely crossed over the goal line.

It took replay to prove it.

Final Score: Michigan State 37, Wisconsin 31

Stanford vs. USC

Game: No. 6 Stanford at USC

Week: 9

It was one for the ages—exciting from the very first quarter and right through the third overtime.

USC took the lead early in the fourth quarter 27-24, but Stanford answered with a field goal to tie it. USC then scored another touchdown, but again Stanford answered with its own touchdown this time. This sent the game to overtime.

First overtime, both teams traded touchdowns.

Second overtime, touchdowns each again.

Third overtime, USC failed to score after Stanford got a touchdown and two-point conversion.

Final Score: Stanford 56, USC 48 (3OT)

Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State

Game: No. 2 Oklahoma State at Iowa State

Week: 12

Why don't we call this game the reason we have to have a BCS rematch of LSU and Alabama?

Oklahoma State came into the game riding high. It left feeling low.

This was a strange game. OSU had the lead at halftime 17-7, and you figured it would come out in the second half and clean up.

However, Iowa State was no pushover—this night anyway.

The old saying goes, "Any team can beat any team at any time." None of us really believe that, but over the years it has proven its worth.

The game went to two overtimes, and a lost opportunity for the Cowboys sent them home in defeat.

Final Score: Iowa State 37, Oklahoma State 31 (2OT)