College Football: The 50 Best Bowl Games in History

Guys, we do like our rankings...

Whether it be "best quarterback in the CFL" or "purest shooters whose last names start with a letter between L-Z," lists just seem to get it done for us.

On top of that, there is absolutely no better game than the college bowl game.

From the '63 Rose Bowl to the '10 Rose Bowl, the '07 Fiesta Bowl and the '79 Sugar Bowl, there are games that are indelibly etched in the memories of those who witnessed them.

This is the best of both worlds.

Here you will find a list of the top 50 bowl games in history.

Enjoy...

50. 2005 Outback Bowl: Georgia Vs. Wisconsin

The No. 7 Bulldogs faced No. 17 Wisconsin in this one and emerged victorious.

Quarterback David Greene left with his 42nd win, which set a record for most wins by a quarterback in college football history.

Final score: Bulldogs 24, Badgers 21

49. 1972 Liberty Bowl: Georgia Tech Vs. Iowa State

Jim Stevens, filling in at quarterback after Eddie McAshan was controversially suspended from the team, completed 12-of-15 passes for 157 yards and three TDs.

Tech trailed 21-17 at the half, but Stevens threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter to put them up 31-24.

In the fourth, Iowa State scored, bringing them within one, but a failed field-goal attempt sealed the deal for Tech.

Final score: Tech 31, Iowa State 30

48. 2004 Capital One Bowl: Georgia Vs. Purdue

Georgia started quickly, scoring 24 unanswered points to begin the game. Purdue scored 10 quick points before halftime to make it 24-10. After a scoreless third quarter, the stage was set for a very exciting ending.

With seven minutes left in the game, Purdue's Kyle Orton pulled the Boilermakers within three.

After Georgia coach Mark Richt decided to try to run out the clock by running the ball instead of kneeling, Dawgs back Kregg Lumpkin fumbled the ball, and after a mad scramble, Purdue recovered.

The Boilers kicked a field goal to tie with :49 on the clock and the game went to overtime.

In OT, Purdue quickly became "Purdon't" after Georgia scored a touchdown. On the second of two fourth-down attempts to score due to an offside penalty on the Dawgs, Orton threw an interception to seal the deal in Georgia's favor.

Final Score: Dawgs 34, Boilers 27

47. 1997 Outback Bowl: Alabama Vs. Michigan

In head coach Gene Stallings' last game, No. 16 'Bama scored first on a field goal of 43 yards, but Michigan led at the end of the third quarter, 6-3.

And then the fun started.

With 12:13 left in the game, Dwayne Rudd intercepted a pass from Michigan QB Brian Griese and returned it 88 yards for a touchdown.

With 2:15 left in the game, Tide running back Shaun Alexander broke a 46-yard TD run and the Wolverines didn't have time to catch up.

Final Score: Crimson Tide 17, Wolverines 14

46. 2000 Sugar Bowl: Florida State Vs. Virginia Tech

Peter Warrick was a man in this game.

The Florida State receiver scored a punt-return touchdown, two receiving touchdowns and a two-point conversion, accounting for 20 of the Seminoles' 46 points.

The other player who wowed was Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick, who eventually won an ESPY award for his performance in this game and throughout the season.

Florida State set a precedent in this season, completing the first season that a team was ranked No. 1 from preseason polls to the championship game.

Final Score: 'Noles 46, Hokies 29

45. 2001 Orange Bowl: Florida State Vs. Oklahoma

If you like defense, this is the one for you.

No touchdowns were scored until late in the fourth quarter, in spite of having the Heisman winner, Seminole quarterback Chris Weinke, and runner up, Oklahoma QB Josh Heupel, at the helms.

OU led from start to finish in this one.

Final Score: Sooners 13, Seminoles 2

44. 2000 Orange Bowl: Michigan Vs. Alabama

In shadows of things to come, Michigan quarterback Tom Brady torched the Tide defense for 369 yards and four touchdowns.

The Wolverines erased two 14-point deficits and Alabama blocked a field goal at the end of regulation to force overtime.

Michigan scored on Brady's fourth TD pass, on their first play of overtime, and the Tide answered on their second play.

The game was decided when Ryan Pflugner pushed the extra-point attempt wide right.

Final Score: Wolverines 35, Tide 34

43. 2004 Sugar Bowl: LSU Vs. Oklahoma

This game was the 2004 national championship game, and both teams entered this contest with one loss.

LSU led this one the entire time, as the nation's No. 1 offense was stymied by the beast that was the Tigers' defense.

Oklahoma came into the game averaging 462 yards and 45.2 points per contest, but was held to only 154 yards and 14 points.

The Sooners' Heisman-winning quarterback, Jason White, was sacked seven times and intercepted twice.

Final Score: Tigers 21, Sooners 14

42. 2001 GMAC Bowl: Marshall Vs. East Carolina

I hear ya: "Come on, the GMAC Bowl?"

This game was incredible.

Marshall, led by Byron Leftwich, trailed 38-8 at the half.

But after a 28-point third quarter, Leftwich and the Thundering Herd forced overtime.

Then they forced another one.

Finally, after East Carolina was held to a field goal, Leftwich connected on the winning pass.

Final Score: Thundering Herd 64, Pirates 61

41. 2003 Insight Bowl: Cal Vs. Virginia Tech

It's like we've seen this before.

In a big game, the Cal quarterback, a guy named Aaron Rodgers, stepped up and led his team to victory against Frank Beamer's Virginia Tech Hokies.

The Golden Bears were down 21-7 at the end of the first, but at halftime, they had cut the lead to seven, 28-21.

Cal scored 21 unanswered points in the third to jump out to a 42-28 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Tech answered the call, tying the game with 3:11 left in the game.

With time running out, Cal kicker Tyler Frederickson kicked a 35-yard field goal to win it for the Bears.

Final Score: Golden Bears 52, Hokies 49

40. 2005 Sugar Bowl: Auburn Vs. Virginia Tech

Auburn capped off an undefeated season with a 16-13 victory over Virginia Tech.

The Tigers capped off their perfect season with this victory and received several first-place votes in the end of season polls, but it was not enough to earn them a national championship.

Final Score: Tigers 16, Hokies 13

39. 1998 Alamo Bowl: Purdue Vs. Kansas State

Drew Brees had three touchdown passes in this one, as he led the Boilermakers against the heavily-favored Kansas State Wildcats.

K-State was just coming off of a double-overtime loss to Texas A&M in the Big 12 championship, and Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Bishop had the Wildcats leading 34-30 heading into the final minute.

But Brees and Co. had some tricks up their sleeves, driving 80 yards in the final minute to pull out a stunner.

Final Score: Boilermakers 37, Wildcats 34

38. 2005 Alamo Bowl: Nebraska Vs. Michigan

Michigan went up 28-17 at the beginning of the fourth quarter in this one, then the Huskers stormed back.

Running back Cory Ross scored on a 31-yard scamper and the Huskers converted the two-point conversion to pull within three.

With 4:29 left, Nebraska QB Zac Taylor completed his third touchdown pass of the night, putting Nebraska up 32-28.

In a controversial end to this one, Michigan tried a seven-lateral final play to score.

Several members of the media and coaching personnel entered the field of play long before the play was over, thinking the ball was dead.

However, no flag was thrown and Michigan's hopes of winning ended just 16 yards short of paydirt.

Final Score: Huskers 32, Wolverines 28

37. 2008 Capital One Bowl: Florida Vs. Michigan

This game was significant for several different reasons.

Michigan's head coach, Lloyd Carr, announced his retirement on Nov. 19, 2007.

Carr employed the spread offense to attack on the first drive against Florida's defense.

The game was also the last game for the Michigan senior class, which had lost each of their three previous bowl games.

Michigan, the heavy underdog, won in spite of turning the ball over four times, twice within one yard of scoring.

Final Score: Wolverines 41, Gators 35

36. 2006 Insight Bowl: Texas Tech Vs. Minnesota

This game featured the biggest comeback in FBS history.

Texas Tech trailed 38-7 halfway through the third quarter.

The Red Raiders then put up 31-unanswered points to send the game to OT.

In the extra period, Raiders running back Shannon Woods scored his third rushing touchdown, and Tech emerged victorious.

Final Score: Red Raiders 44, Golden Gophers 41

35. 1941 Cotton Bowl: Fordham Vs. Texas A&M

Maybe the most memorable thing about this game was Earl “Alabama” Smith’s “hideout pass.”

Smith was a surprise starter in the Aggies’ backfield, and his first-half performance left little indication of what he had up his sleeve.

Trailing 6-0 at the start of the third quarter, it was time for some razzle dazzle, even if the term had yet to be invented...

Instead of returning to the huddle after a play that gained three yards, Smith trotted toward the east
sideline while his teammates returned to the huddle.

Still undetected, Smith took off on the snap, heading straight downfield.

Quarterback Marion Pugh whirled around, retreated to his 25 and let go a long, graceful spiral. 

By now, Smith was several yards behind Fordham defensive back Len Eshmont and only had to turn and momentarily slow his pace to take the pass on the 35.

Smith scored the game-tying touchdown and put A&M back in the game.

Final Score: Texas A&M 13, Fordham 12

34. 1997 Rose Bowl: Ohio State Vs. Arizona State

The Sun Devils were undefeated and looking to cap a perfect season with a victory heading into this one, but OSU had different ideas.

The game was up for grabs in the fourth with OSU leading 14-10.

The Devils, led by comeback king Jake Plummer, scored after blocking an OSU field-goal attempt to take the lead 17-14.

OSU quarterback capped off a crazy night by leading a scoring drive in the last minute of the game, and the Buckeyes emerged victorious.

Final Score: Buckeyes 20, Sun Devils 17

33. 2006 Sugar Bowl: West Virginia Vs. Georgia

West Virginia, led by the incredible rushing duo of Pat White and Steve Slaton, never trailed in this one.

Slaton scored on two separate 52-yard runs and the Mountaineers finished with all their touchdowns being scored by freshmen.

Final Score: Mountaineers 38, Bulldogs 35

32. 1978 Rose Bowl: Michigan Vs. Washington

Warren Moon won the MVP in this one, scoring two rushing touchdowns and one through the air.

Michigan made it interesting in the fourth, but Moon and the Huskies held on for the victory.

Final Score: Huskies 27, Wolverines 20

31. 1961 Liberty Bowl: Syracuse Vs. Miami

Jim Brown never won the Heisman Trophy, but the man who came after him, Ernie Davis, won it after the '61 season.

Davis became the first African-American player to win the Heisman, and he was key in the Orangemen coming from behind to win this one after being down 14-0.

Final Score: Syracuse 15, Miami 14

30. 1957 Cotton Bowl: TCU Vs. Syracuse

Jim Brown scored two touchdowns and both extra points to tie this game 14-14, then gave away one of the fumbles that led to TCU's final two touchdowns.

Final Score: Horned Frogs 28, Orangemen 27

29. 1971 Fiesta Bowl: Arizona State Vs. Florida State

At halftime of this one, the hometown Devils were down 28-21 to the 'Noles.

The Sun Devils scored on a running play from the two with less than a minute left to win.

Final Score: Sun Devils 45, Seminoles 38

28. 2006 Alamo Bowl: Texas Vs. Iowa

The unranked Hawkeyes led Texas 21-20 going into the final stanza.

Two field goals sealed the deal for Texas in the fourth.

Final Score: Longhorns 26, Hawkeyes 24

27. 1993 Rose Bowl: Michigan Vs. Washington

This game was tied going into the fourth, 31-31.

Michigan scored the game-winning touchdown with 5:29 left in the game, and then their defense held to finish off the win.

Final Score: Wolverines 38, Huskies 31

26. 2004 Liberty Bowl: Louisville Vs. Boise State

In a back-and-forth affair, Boise State led by 10 at the half.

Louisville outscored the Broncos 23-9 in the second half to pull away and win this bowl game between two top 10 teams.

Final Score: Cardinals 44, Broncos 40

25. 1980 Rose Bowl: USC Vs. Ohio State

USC scored the game-winning touchdown with little more than a minute left in this one.

USC back Charles White was named player of the game after rushing for a Rose Bowl-record 247 yards.

Final Score: Trojans 17, Buckeyes 16

24. 2009 Humanitarian Bowl: Bowling Green Vs. Idaho

This one is somewhat surprising, but one would be hard-pressed to find a more entertaining contest.

Idaho converted the two-point conversion to put this one away in a seesaw affair.

Final Score: Vandals 43, Falcons 42

23. 1974 Sugar Bowl: Florida Vs. Nebraska

Quarterback Terry Luck took over for David Humm (who had thrown four interceptions) and moved the Huskers 99 yards for a Monte Anthony touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Luck then led the Huskers on two drives resulting in field goals, putting the Huskers up for good.

Final Score: Huskers 13, Gators 10

22. 1970 Cotton Bowl: Texas Vs. Notre Dame

Joe Theismann, Notre Dame quarterback, threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns, but his interception late in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Longhorns.

Final Score: Longhorns 21, Fighting Irish 17

21. 1999 Rose Bowl: UCLA Vs. Wisconsin

Meet the "Great Dayne."

Wisconsin running back Ron Dayne scored a Rose Bowl-record four touchdowns in this win over UCLA.

Eight separate records were tied or broken in this offensive explosion.

Final Score: Badgers 38, Bruins 31

20. 1940 Sugar Bowl: Texas A&M Vs. Tulane

Tulane played essentially a home game in this one but fell short due to a blocked extra point at the end of the third.

A&M scored the eventual winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Final Score: Aggies 14, Green Wave 13

19. 1939 Rose Bowl: Duke Vs. USC

In this 25th edition of the Rose Bowl, USC wide receiver Al Krueger scored a touchdown in the fourth to win it for the Trojans.

This touchdown was the only one allowed by the Blue Devils all season.

Final Score: Trojans 7, Blue Devils 3

18. 1999 Fiesta Bowl: Tennessee Vs. Florida State

The year after Peyton Manning left, Tennessee finally made it to the national championship.

And they took advantage.

The Volunteers limited standout receiver Peter Warrick, and Peerless Price was, well, peerless in this victory.

Final Score: Vols 23, 'Noles 16

17. 2011 Rose Bowl: Wisconsin Vs. TCU

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs rushes with the ball as J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs after him in the first quarter of the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Pho

These teams averaged 43.3 points per during the regular season.

Both teams featured solid defenses.

TCU's was better that day.

Final Score: Horned Frogs 21, Badgers 19

16. 2011 BCS National Championship Game: Auburn Vs. Oregon

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers tosses the ball after being sacked by the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo

After all the controversy that surrounded Cam Newton during the regular season, the Tigers were focused and prepared for the high-flying Ducks' offense.

Final Score: Tigers 22, Ducks 19

15. 2006 Orange Bowl: Penn State Vs. Florida State

This tangle took over four hours and three overtimes to finish.

After the game, Penn State coach Joe Paterno stated: "It's almost past my bedtime."

The game was completed near 1 a.m. Eastern time.

Final Score: Nittany Lions 26, Seminoles 23 (3 OT)

14. 1987 Fiesta Bowl: Penn State Vs. Miami

Over 70 million TV viewers tuned in for this clash of the titans.

After a seesaw affair, Penn State's DJ Dozier scored last, sealing the victory for PSU.

Final Score: Nittany Lions 14, Hurricanes 10

13. 1965 Orange Bowl: Alabama Vs. Texas

Quarterback Joe Namath and coach Bear Bryant's top-ranked Tide squad are upset by the determined Longhorns.

Final Score: Longhorns 21, Crimson Tide 17

12. 1994 Orange Bowl: Florida State Vs. Nebraska

Wide left...

Final Score: 'Noles 18, Huskers 16

11. 1983 Sugar Bowl: Penn State Vs. Georgia

This game marked JoePa's first national championship, and it was a doozy.

Todd Blackledge, Curt Warner and Herschel Walker highlighted the players in this game.

Final Score: Nittany Lions 27, Bulldogs 23

10. 2003 Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State Vs. Miami

A questionable penalty on the 'Canes in the first OT helped force a second one, and OSU and quarterback Craig Krenzel eked out a victory.

Final Score: Buckeyes 31, 'Canes 24 2 OT

9. 2005 Rose Bowl: Michigan Vs. Texas

In the first meeting between these two schools, Texas and Vince Young overcame a 10-point deficit at the beginning of the fourth quarter to win the first of their two Rose Bowls in a row.

Final Score: Longhorns 38, Wolverines 37

8. 2006 Rose Bowl: Texas Vs. USC

The two longest winning streaks in the nation collided in this one.

Matt Leinart was incredible.

Vince Young was better.

Final Score: Longhorns 41, Trojans 38

7. 1973 Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame Vs. Alabama

Both Alabama and Notre Dame have storied pasts.

Each went undefeated in the 1973 regular season.

Alabama was coached by the legendary Bear Bryant, while Notre Dame was led by the legendary Ara Parseghian.

On a trick play, with Notre Dame leading 21-17, Alabama halfback Mike Stock tossed a 25-yard TD pass to backup QB Richard Todd, putting the Tide ahead 23-21.

After a missed extra point by 'Bama, Notre Dame kicked the game-winning field goal, winning the game and the national championship.

Final Score: Irish 24, Tide 23

6. 1984 Orange Bowl: Miami Vs. Nebraska

Nebraska averaged 52 points a game and was considered one of the best teams ever to walk on a football field.

The Hurricanes were better.

Nebraska coach Tom Osborne called for a two-point conversion down 31-30, and it failed.

Final Score: 'Canes 31, Huskers 30

5. 1963 Rose Bowl: USC Vs. Wisconsin

In this comeback that never was, the Trojans had a seemingly insurmountable lead 42-14 in the fourth quarter.

The Wisconsin quarterback, Ron VanderKelen, got rolling.

VanderKelen finished with 401 yards, but the Badgers fell just short.

Final Score: Trojans 42, Badgers 37

4. 1979 Cotton Bowl: Notre Dame Vs. Houston

The city of Dallas is covered in snow as players prepare to take the field.

In the "chicken soup game," the legend of Joe Montana was birthed.

Montana was extremely ill with the flu, and after Notre Dame went into halftime down 20-12, Montana stayed in the locker room trying to keep warm.

When Houston went up 34-12, TVs started clicking off all over the country.

Then things got interesting.

Notre Dame returned a blocked punt for a TD and converted the two-point conversion to pull within two touchdowns.

On their next possession, Notre Dame drives 61 yards with Montana running the last three into the end zone, then throws for another successful two-point conversion with 4:15 remaining: 34-28. There it remains, until the Irish get the ball for a final chance.

With the clock reading :00, Montana connects with Kris Haines on an eight-yard TD pass, and walk-on kicker Joe Unis nails the PAT.

Final Score: Notre Dame 35, Houston 34

3. 2007 Fiesta Bowl: Boise State Vs. Oklahoma

David took down Goliath in this epic.

In a game featuring a Statue of Liberty play and a running back proposing to his cheerleader girlfriend after the game, the Boise State Broncos served notice that the little guy was here to stay.

Oklahoma scored 25 unanswered to take its first lead in the fourth quarter, and the teams combined for 22 points in the last 1:26 of regulation and 15 in overtime.

Boise scored its last touchdown of regulation on a lateral after the catch by Drisan James to Jerard Rabb, and won the game in overtime with the aforementioned Statue of Liberty for the two-point conversion.

Final Score: Broncos 43, Sooners 42

2. 1980 Holiday Bowl: SMU Vs. BYU

BYU had never won a bowl game in the entire history of the school, and for the first 56 minutes of the 1980 Holiday Bowl, it appeared the Cougars were headed for another bowl loss.

BYU's defense couldn't handle SMU's offense, as Craig James ran for 225 yards and Eric Dickerson added 110.

With just four minutes left in the game, the Mustangs scored to take a commanding 45-25 lead over the Cougars.

Cougar fans started streaming out of the stadium and quarterback Jim McMahon screamed that the game was not over.

BYU scored two quick touchdowns to pull within six, and BYU blocked SMU's punt with :13 on the clock

After he threw two incomplete passes, McMahon heaved a Hail Mary toward the end zone as time expired.

Somehow, with four defenders draped all over him, tight end Clay Brown pulled in the touchdown catch, and BYU converted the extra point, completing one of the most unlikely comebacks in history.

Final Score: Cougars 46, Mustangs 45

1. 1979 Sugar Bowl: Penn State Vs. Alabama

The great Keith Jackson called this game the best he had ever seen.

Penn State gained only 29 total yards in the first half and struggled to slow the Alabama offense.

PSU coach Joe Paterno made some adjustments in the third quarter, and the defense started to tighten up.

After the Nittany Lions tied it 7-7 in the third, Alabama and coach Bear Bryant jumped back in front on a surprise run play that resulted in a touchdown.

In the fourth, Penn State's offense was once again ineffectual, and it looked as if Alabama was en route to a sure victory.

Then 'Bama fumbled and PSU recovered deep in Crimson Tide territory.

After an 11-yard run by Matt Suhey, the Lions had 1st-and-goal from the eight.

First down netted two yards.

On a second-down pass, Scott Fitzkee looked destined to score, but Alabama cornerback Don McNeal made an incredible tackle and stopped him at the one.

Third down, Suhey tried the middle of the line and got nowhere, so he tried to leap the pile.

Bad decision.

He was met in midair by Rich Wingo and Curtis McGriff, and it was 4th-and-1.

On the final play of the drive, Alabama defender Barry Krauss made a thunderous tackle to stop the Penn State rushing attack, and knocked himself unconscious in the process.

Alabama took over and nearly ran the time out before punting away, and the win was sealed.

Final Score: Tide 14, Lions 7