50 Greatest Bowl Moments in College Football History

The college bowl season always brings some thrilling games.

This year has been no exception.

With an amazing Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Outback Bowl, Sun Bowl, and even Potato Bowl, this season has seen some exciting moments.

But how do all those games and moments stack up to history?

Let's take a look at the 50 greatest bowl game moments in the history of college football.

50. Fresno Conquers Virginia

Bowl Game: 2004 MPC Computers Bowl

Teams: Fresno State vs. Virginia

It was one for the ages.

Fresno State was down 14 points only to come back and tie the game in dramatic fashion.

Then, in overtime the Bulldogs held Virginia to a field goal.

Next, the Fresno State quarterback Paul Pinegar threw a 25-yard pass to Stephen Spach for a game-winning touchdown.

It was a great moment for Pat Hill and his Fresno State Bulldogs.

49. Pennington to Moss

Bowl Game: 1997 Motor City Bowl

Teams: Marshall vs. Ole Miss

Although Ole Miss won, it was quite a showing from a receiver named Randy Moss and a quarterback named Chad Pennington.

These two combined on some thrilling plays and moments.

No moment was better than the 80-yard touchdown bomb in the first half.

48. Tee for Two TD

Bowl Game: 1999 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Tennessee vs. Florida State

Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin connected for two touchdown passes to get the victory.

One of those passes was a 79-yard bomb to Peerless Price. It was a great pass and a great moment.

47. Nick Saban Gets His First

Bowl Game: 2004 Sugar Bowl

Teams: LSU vs. Oklahoma

If this picture makes you uncomfortable, you are probably an Alabama fan.

It wasn't that long ago that the hat was on the other head.

Nick Saban led his LSU team past No. 1 Oklahoma for a national championship in the 2004 Sugar Bowl.

Let's see what happens this year.

46. Georgia Goes Outback

Bowl Game: 2000 Outback Bowl

Teams: Georgia vs. Purdue

Georgia had to come back to make a late touchdown to force overtime. Purdue missed their kick in the extra period, and then the Bulldogs got a chance.

Georgia lined up for a dramatic game winning field goal, and their kicker didn't miss.

Final Score: Georgia 28, Purdue 25 (OT)

45. Auburn's Overtime Win

Bowl Game: 2007 Chick-fil-A Bowl

Teams: Auburn vs. Clemson

The game was sold out, tense and everything you could hope for.

It was tied up 17-17 at the end of regulation and overtime was thrilling.

Clemson kicked a field goal, but Auburn was able to punch it in for the game-winning touchdown.

Final Score: Auburn 23, Clemson 20

44. Brewer Has a Talk, Then a Touchdown Walk

Bowl Game: 1982 Cotton Bowl

Teams: Texas vs. Alabama

The Texas quarterback sees something he doesn't like. He calls a timeout and heads over for a talk with the coach.

It seemed the quarterback had an idea. At this point, the coach was willing to try anything since Texas was down 10-0.

Whatever the reason for the chat, it worked as Robert Brewer ran for a touchdown on a quarterback draw on the very next play.

43. Mike Shula Has Fallen but He Does Get Up

Bowl Game: 2006 Cotton Bowl

Teams: Alabama vs. Texas Tech

This is the only moment on this list that doesn't include anything from the game itself.

Instead, it came after the contest in the post-game press conference.

Mike Shula had just sat down in his chair when it decided to collapse.

It was funny, and no one was hurt.

42. The South Rose Again

Bowl Game: 1926 Rose Bowl

Teams: Washington vs. Alabama

Three other colleges declined to play in the 1926 Rose Bowl. Desperate, bowl officials reached down south for an opponent.

Many were against a southern team being paired with a western team. There were vocal critics who thought it was beneath the game to invite a team from the south.

Washington started the game in dominant fashion, but Alabama came back.

With a 65-yard pass by quarterback Pooley Hubert late in the game, the Crimson Tide proved that the south could play football.

Now, if the west could just return the favor.

41. Vinny, Vinny, Vinny

Bowl Game: 1987 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Miami vs. Penn State

In the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, Vinny Testaverde led his No. 1 Hurricanes against the No. 2 Penn State Nittany Lions.

Despite out-gaining Penn State 445 yards to 162, the Hurricanes trailed 14-10 in the last moments of the game.

With 13 seconds left, Testaverde threw what could have been the game winner. Instead, it was intercepted, and Penn State sealed the deal.

It is one of the most heart-breaking moments for any team in bowl history.

40. Saddle Up the Colt There Are Some Longhorns to Deliver

Bowl Game: 2009 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Texas vs. Ohio State

With just a couple minutes left, Ohio State looked like they were going to pull off the upset. Up 21 to 17 all they had to do was reign in Colt McCoy.

However, Texas and their quarterback had other plans.

In one of the greatest drives in Fiesta Bowl history, McCoy herded his Longhorn team and corralled them in the end zone.

Final score: Texas 24, Ohio State 21

39. Big Faker

Bowl Game: 2006 Sugar Bowl

Teams: West Virginia vs. Georgia

This was an incredible and exciting contest. West Virginia was up 31-21 at the half, but Georgia came roaring back.

With the score 38-35 in favor of the Mountaineers, one of the gutsiest calls in Sugar Bowl history occurred.

Georgia was lined up to get the ball back on a West Virginia punt. However, the ball never got kicked. It was a fake, and it worked perfectly.

West Virginia gained 10 yards for a first down. They kept the ball, and they sealed the game.

38. Triple Overtime Thriller

Bowl Game: 2006 Orange Bowl

Teams: Florida State vs. Penn State

It was a thrilling triple-overtime adventure. It all came down to a single kick.

Penn State lined up, and the kick went just inside the uprights for the win.

Final score: Penn State 26, Florida State 23 (3 OT)

37. One Kick Makes a Huge Difference

Bowl Game: 2000 Orange Bowl

Teams: Michigan vs. Alabama

It came down to one moment. It was an incredible game with many twists and turns.

It was about to go to overtime as Alabama had just scored what appeared to be the game-tying touchdown.

However, Ryan Pflugner lined up to kick the extra point and proceeded to miss.

Heart breaking for the Crimson Tide, but just fine for the Wolverines, the game ended 35-34 in favor of Michigan.

By the way, the quarterback that day for Michigan was some guy named Tom Brady.

36. No Respect for Rodney

Bowl Game: 1988 Rose Bowl

Teams: USC vs. Michigan State

This was a very good and close game. With under three minutes, it looked like USC had a chance to win the game.

They had drove down to the Michigan State 29-yard line and looked like the Spartans couldn't stop them.

They couldn't stop them, and they wouldn't need to because USC stopped themselves.

Quarterback Rodney Peete fumbled the snap, turning the ball over. Michigan State took over the game and sealed the victory.

35. TCU Smells the Roses

Bowl Game: 2010 Rose Bowl

Teams: TCU vs. Wisconsin

It was the first time a "Non-A.Q." team played in the Rose Bowl. The Horned Frogs made it count.

TCU went into the game after being denied the chance to play for the national title.

It was a great game and came down to a tense fourth quarter. Wisconsin scored with not much time left, and then had to go for a two-point conversion to tie.

The TCU defense stepped up and stopped the Badgers short. It was one of the greatest moments in TCU history.

34. Ron Dayne Caps off a Very Good Day

Bowl Game: 1999 Rose Bowl

Teams: Wisconsin vs. UCLA

Ron Dayne had a career day in the 1999 Rose Bowl. He scored four touchdowns on the day and dominated the UCLA defense nearly by himself.

It was a truly dominating performance capped off by an incredible run.

33. Idaho Defeats Bowling Green on the Blue with a Two

Bowl Game: 2009 Humanitarian Bowl

Teams: Idaho vs. Bowling Green

This was an incredible game with an even more amazing ending.

It was back and forth all second half with Bowling Green taking a 42-35 lead with just 32 seconds left in the game.

However, Idaho marched down the field in 28 seconds and scored a touchdown on a 16-yard pass.

Instead of tying the game, head coach Robb Akey opted to go for a two-point conversion. They scored on another pass play to seal the victory 43-42.

32. Utah Dominates Alabama

Bowl Game: 2009 Sugar Bowl

Teams: Alabama vs. Utah

Utah proved they belonged and made a statement for every non-automatic qualifying conferences struggling to get a chance.

The whole game was one solid moment of inspiration and recognition.

This performance by Utah ranks as one of the most memorable in history. The Utes were up 21-0 before the Crimson Tide scored anything.

Utah ended up winning 34-17, but it really wasn't that close.

31. Tennessee Turnaround

Bowl Game: 1981 Sugar Bowl

Teams: Tennessee vs. Virginia

Tennessee was behind by nine points in the fourth. However, they would play their hearts out and score 20 points in that final quarter.

They capped off an amazing game winning drive and held on to victory 23-22.

Tennessee quarterback Andy Kelly is remembered for having the best moments of his career. In the fourth quarter, he went 14 of 18 for 143 yards and led his team to 20 points.

30. Vince Young's Warm Up Performance

Bowl Game: 2005 Rose Bowl

Teams: Texas vs. Michigan

It all culminated in one moment. Garrett Rivas kicked the go-ahead field goal after another amazing drive led by Vince Young.

Texas ended up winning the game 38-37 and capping off one of the most exciting bowl games in history. Of course, Vince Young would top this performance the next year against USC.

No.29 Marshall Law

Bowl Game: 2001 GMAC Bowl

Teams: Marshall vs East Carolina

The Thundering Herd was more like the bumbling nerd going into the second half of the 2001 GMAC Bowl.

They were down 38-8, but came out in the second half and played much better.

The game went into two overtime periods where quarterback Byron Leftwich hit his receiver for the game-winning touchdown.

It was an incredible comeback and amazing moment.

Final Score: Marshal 64, ECU 61 (2 OT)

28. "The Rose Bowl Drive"

Bowl Game: 1980 Rose Bowl

Teams: USC vs. Ohio State

Fans know it as "The Rose Bowl Drive." It was Charles White and the USC Trojans cherry on top of an incredible season.

USC was behind 16-10 with just over five minutes to play.

The Trojans needed 83 yards for a game winning touchdown. They got all of them.

Charles White carried the ball six times for 70 yards on the drive and scored a dramatic diving touchdown over the Ohio State defensive line.

It was an incredible moment in bowl game history.

27. Clements to Weber

Bowl Game: 1973 Sugar Bowl

Teams: Notre Dame vs. Alabama

Howard Cosell said it best, "At Notre Dame football, is a religion. At Alabama, it's a way of life."

This game had both those elements and then some.

Throwing from in his own end zone, Notre Dame quarterback Tom Clements completes a dangerous pass to Robin Weber for a crucial first down. If he had missed, they would have had to punt from their own end zone.

That play sealed the victory for the Irish, who went on to win 24-23.

26. Hawkeye Magic

Bowl Game: 2005 Capital One Bowl

Teams: Iowa vs LSU

With time quickly running down and some clock management problems Iowa's quarterback hurls one deep down the field.

Touchdown Iowa! Touchdown Iowa!

Final Score: Iowa 30, LSU 25

25. "The Riddler"

Bowl Game: 2010 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Boise State vs. TCU

A fake punt code named "The Riddler" was the difference in this game.

A 4th-and-9 situation in a stagnant game was the perfect recipe for some trickery. Punter Kyle Brotzman threw the ball instead of kicking it, and the result was a first down.

That play sparked a touchdown drive. That would be the difference as the Broncos won 17-10.

24. 1993 Sugar Bowl Strip Play

Bowl Game: 1993 Sugar Bowl

Teams: Alabama vs. Miami

Lamar Thomas looks to be cruising in for a 90-yard touchdown. However, George Teague has another idea.

The Alabama safety strips the ball from Thomas and steals six points.

23. Rose Bowl "The Deuce"

Bowl Game: 1975 Rose Bowl

Teams: USC vs. Ohio State

Head coach John McKay showed everyone that he had the pair to call for the deuce. A two-point conversion, that is.

Late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Pat Haden threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to bring the Trojans within one. Instead of tying, the Trojans went for the win.

On the two-point conversion try, Haden completed a pass to put USC ahead 18-17. This play and its results pushed USC to the final No. 1 ranking.

22. The "Pass Interference Call" and Celebrating Too Soon

Bowl Game: 2003 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Ohio State vs. Miami

This is one of the most controversial calls in bowl history. Was it pass interference? People are still debating it.

Miami thought they had won it all, and fans and players started streaming on to the field. Then, a flag was thrown.

It was called pass interference and the rest is history. It gave Ohio State another chance from the one yard line.

Game over, Ohio State wins in double overtime 31-24.

Oh yeah, and it decided the national championship.

21. Texas Tech Gut Check

Bowl Game: 2006 Insight Bowl

Teams: Texas Tech vs. Minnesota

This bowl game is recognized as one of the best comebacks in bowl game history.

Down 38-7 late in the third quarter, Texas Tech began a furious comeback.

It was all capped off by a three-yard touchdown run at the end of the game. In that moment, Texas Tech finished off a 44-41 victory and made its place in history.

20. The Sooner Schooner Game

Bowl Game: 1985 Orange Bowl

Teams: Oklahoma vs. Washington

In the 1985 Orange Bowl, Oklahoma made a 22-yard field goal, but there was a penalty.

Not knowing that a penalty nullified the kick, the Sooner Schooner rolled out on to the field in its normal celebration journey. This earned another Oklahoma penalty—this time for delay of game.

The Schooner penalty pushed the Sooners back even farther, and it made the 22-yard field goal attempt a 42-yard task.

This time, the kick was blocked.

Many people, to this day, saw the Sooner Schooner moment as the key momentum switch in the game.

19. Call Him Rocket, but Call It Back

Bowl Game: 1991 Orange Bowl

Teams: Notre Dame vs. Colorado

Rocket Ismail goes 91 yards for a remarkable touchdown punt return. It was going to be the winner, and go down as one of the greatest game-winning runs in bowl history.

However, it was called back on a penalty.

The call was clipping, but if you look closely at the footage, it was a very bad call.

Still, it was a great moment in bowl game history.

18. Ohio State Stops Em' Short

Bowl Game: 2003 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Ohio State vs. Miami

Miami was heavily favored, but that didn't stop Ohio State from showing up.

Well, the Buckeyes did more than that. This game was the one that would decide the national title, and Ohio State came ready.

With just seconds left, Miami had one last chance to score, but that relentless defense of Ohio State forced a bad pass and it was over.

Ohio State won the game 31-24.

17. Wrong Way Riegeles

Bowl Game: 1928 Rose Bowl

Teams: California vs. Georgia Tech

You don't remember this one?

Well, most people don't. However, reading through piles of bowl game documents, this one stood out.

In the 1928 Rose Bowl, an All-American center for Cal recovered a fumble. He then proceeds to run 67 yards in the wrong direction.

The results of the play was a two-point safety for Georgia Tech, and that would be the difference.

Final score: Georgia Tech 8, California 7

It sounds a lot like the score we can expect in this year's title game.

16. Nebraska's Gamble

Bowl Game: 1984 Orange Bowl

Teams: Nebraska vs. Miami

Nebraska scores an amazing touchdown to seemingly tie the game. However, head coach Tom Osborne decides to gamble and go for a two-point conversion to win instead of the tie.

With the score 31-30, Nebraska tries to win it all with a short pass into the end zone.

That pass goes incomplete, and the Cornhuskers lose the game and the national championship.

Sometimes gambling pays off, but when it doesn't, it sure is painful.

15. Boise State's Hook and Ladder

Bowl Game: 2007 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Boise State vs. Oklahoma

This is one of several great moments in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

Boise State's "Hook and Ladder" goes down in history as one of the most amazing plays in bowl game history.

With just seven seconds left, the Broncos scored on this play to tie the game and send it into overtime.

14. Tommie Frazier's Amazing Run

Bowl Game: 1996 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Nebraska vs. Florida

The 1996 national title game featured two excellent teams, but only one looked that way.

Nebraska routed Florida 62-24 in a very one-sided contest.

Proof of that dominance is this signature run by quarterback Tommie Frazier. On the last play of the third quarter, Frazier proceeded to have one of the greatest runs in bowl game history.

Seven or eight broken tackles and 75 yards sealed Frazier's place in history.

13. Ohio State Avoids the Snake Bite

Bowl Game: 1997 Rose Bowl

Teams: Ohio State vs. Arizona State

The game looked to be over when Jake "The Snake" Plummer threw a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter for Arizona State.

However, Ohio State did not give up.

With just 17 seconds left, the Buckeyes scored the game winner.

12. Cotton Bowl Sideline Tackle

Bowl Game: 1954 Cotton Bowl

Teams: Rice vs. Alabama

It was a game known for one distinct statistic—bench tackles.

As Rice's Dicky Maegle is running for a touchdown he got a little too close to the Alabama sideline. At that point Tommy Lewis reached out and tackled Maegle.

The problem was Lewis was not in the game at the time. Rather, he was standing on the Alabama sideline.

It is one of those moments that no one ever forgets, especially Dicky Maegle.

11. Penn State's "Catch"

Bowl Game: 1983 Sugar Bowl

Teams: Penn State vs. Georgia

Penn State's quarterback throws the long ball to Gregg Garrity for a touchdown and the national title.

It was a great pass, a great catch and an all-time great moment.

10. Wedding Proposal

Bowl Game: 2007 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Boise State vs. Oklahoma

This one is for the ladies.

Now, after you stop rolling your eyes, you might watch the video so you can feel all warm inside, or throw up, whichever you choose.

Whatever your reaction you have to admit, this was one of the greatest and most memorable moments in bowl game history—whether you like it or not.

9. Woody Hayes Judo Chop

Bowl Game: 1978 Gator Bowl

Teams: Ohio State vs. Clemson

"Greatest" does not mean classy. In the case of Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes one of the "greatest" moments in bowl game history has to be one of his most forgettable.

Still, it is funny looking back that the coach of a major college football team would be so into the game that he would punch an opposing player.

Woody Hayes punched Clemson's Charlie Bauman and was fired the next day.

What a surprise.

8. Namath Is Stopped Short

Bowl Game: 1965 Orange Bowl

Teams: Alabama vs. Texas

Texas was leading 21-17 late in the fourth quarter. Joe Namath took the Alabama Crimson Tide on a late-game drive.

The Tide pushed the ball all the way to the 1-yard line, and a chance to win the game.

However, Joe Namath was stopped short of the goal line on a quarterback sneak turning the ball over, and sealing the victory for Texas.

7. Nebraska Hooks It Left

Bowl Game: 1994 Orange Bowl

Teams: Florida State vs. Nebraska

After making a field goal to go ahead in the game, Florida State found itself defending against one.

With just one second on the clock, Nebraska lined up for a game-winning kick of their own. However, that kick hooked left, and the Seminoles held on to win 18-16.

6. BYU's Prayers Are Answered

Bowl Game: 1980 Holiday Bowl

Teams: BYU vs. SMU

In what is certainly one of the greatest comebacks in bowl game history, the 1980 Holiday also had one of the greatest moments of all time.

With BYU trailing as time wound down, quarterback Jim McMahon throws a 50-yard Hail Mary pass into the end zone for a game winning touchdown.

BYU wins the 1980 Holiday bowl 46-45.

5. Alabama's Goal Line Stand

Bowl Game: 1979 Sugar Bowl

Teams: Alabama vs Penn State

It was No. 2 Alabama vs No. 1 Penn State playing in front of 76,824 fans.

Penn State runs the ball three times straight, and three times they are turned away.

Not quite at the 4-yard line, Penn State ran it again. Again, Alabama stopped them short.

It was an epic goal-line stand, and certainly a great moment in bowl game history.

4. Chicken Soup and Montana's Miracle

Bowl Game: 1979 Cotton Bowl

Teams: Notre Dame vs Houston

Joe Montana led Notre Dame to an impossible comeback in the 1979 Cotton Bowl.

At halftime, the entire Irish team was fed hot chicken soup to warm them up. Well, it worked.

The score was 34-12 in favor of Houston with just over seven minutes left in the game.

Montana brought the Irish all the way back. With no time left, he threw a game winning touchdown to Chris Haynes.

Was it the soup?

Was it Montana?

Some say it was divine intervention. Whatever the case, it was incredible.

3. Vince Young's Touchdown

Bowl Game: 2006 Rose Bowl

Teams: Texas vs. USC

On a 4th-and-5, the game was on the line. USC was leading 38-33, but Vince Young and the Longhorns had every intention of getting into the end zone.

Texas scored and won the game 41-38. It went down as one of the best games ever played in college football history.

2. Fumblerooski

Bowl Game: 1984 Orange Bowl

Teams: Nebraska vs. Miami

"Fumblerooskie" was one of the greatest moments of any bowl game in history.

In the 1984 Orange Bowl, quarter back Turner Gill faked taking the snap. What he actually did was let the ball fall to the ground.

At that point, right guard Dean Steinkuhler picked up the ball and ran the ball around the left side for a touchdown.

Truly, it was one of the greatest moments in bowl game history.

1. Boise State Statue of Liberty

Bowl Game: 2007 Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Boise State vs. Oklahoma

No matter what you might think, the moment Boise State scored a two-point conversion with a Statue of Liberty, the college football world changed.

The Broncos not only capped off what is arguably the best college football bowl game of all time, but this moment is certainly one of the all-time greatest sports moments.

Final Score: Boise State 43, Oklahoma 42.