Why 2012 Has Had the Most Exciting New Year's College Football Bowl Games Ever

Many aren't exactly thrilled with the college football postseason. They believe that there are way too many bowl games to begin with and that there should be a playoff of some kind.

Although this season may not change many critics minds, it's hard to argue that this bowl season wasn't one to remember. The majority of the games were fantastic, came down to the final minutes and provided a ton of drama.

Here are a few reasons why this season has provided us with the greatest bowl season ever.

A Lot of Points on the Board

One of the main reasons many don't like the national championship matchup, is because there will likely be very few points scored. That hasn't been a problem in this years bowl games leading up to the national championship.

In seven games since new years, there have been eight teams that have scored 30 or more points. Two of them have scored in the 40s.

You could argue that it's a lack of defense, but who cares? Offense is what makes games exciting and we have had quite a few exciting moments lately.

Overtime Anyone?

I don't know about you, but I think there are very few things in sports as exciting as overtime in college football. I absolutely love it, because it gives both offenses a chance to do something and provides a chance the game could last forever.

In eight bowl games in 2012, there have been three games that have needed extra regulation to be decided. Georgia and Michigan State needed three overtimes.

These type of games just add to the excitement because you never know what's going to happen next.

Missed Field Goals

Nothing drives coaches and fans crazier than the game being on the line and the kicker missing a field goal. When you don't care who wins the game or just want excitement, it's awesome.

There have been several missed field goals this bowl season, including two missed by Stanford with the game on the line and one in overtime by Virginia Tech. All of these missed field goals is even starting a debate whether or not kicking should be removed from football all together.

While I highly disagree with that, I do believe that it has put more value at the kicker position. It also has shown us that nothing comes easy in this great sport.

Star Power

One of the reasons a casual fan watches college football is to see the players everybody is talking about.

This season there have been several star players and it seems like they all have shown up to play. Andrew Luck played well, despite his team losing and has turned the few nonbelievers left into fans. Justin Blackmon had over 150 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions. Case Keenum threw for over 500 yards and three touchdowns against a solid Penn State defense. LaMichael James ended his Oregon career with over 150 rushing yards and a touchdown.

The list goes on and on.

The big time players play big on the biggest stage. This season they didn't disappoint.

There's Still More Left

While we have already seen several great games, there is still a lot of football left.

The BCS Orange Bowl is another game that should feature high-scoring a possibly a last minute finish. Kansas State is an underrated team that will take on a explosive offensive attack in the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Then of course you have the national championship with two SEC powerhouses in Alabama and LSU.

This bowl season has left us with many memories already and with a few great matchups left it will likely continue to get even better.

If that's possible.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]