Folks, the end of an era is upon us.
Come 2011, we’ll have to say “goodbye” to FOX, who had broadcast the BCS games for the past three seasons and say “hello” to ESPN, who now has full rights to the games.
We’ll also have to bid ado to ABC’s broadcast of the Rose Bowl, which had been on the network since before the advent of the BCS system.
But before we say farewell, I feel that FOX and ABC both deserve a little tribute to the years of fine post season games that they have provided us.
So, without further ado, here are my picks for the top BCS bowl moments from both networks.
The 2008 Orange Bowl on FOX
Virginia Tech v. Kansas St.
Virginia Tech and Kansas State were paired up to battle it out in this post season clash. A lot of buzz surrounded the game because it paired the #2 scoring offense (Kansas St.) against the #2 scoring defense (Virginia Tech). Both teams performed incredibly well, but a Kansas St. 60 yard interception lead to a Kansas St lead, which eventually helped them win the game 24-21. This was an NCAA record interception return for Kansas State.
The 2009 Sugar Bowl on FOX
Alabama v. Utah
Alabama was heavily favored to win this game, despite the fact that Utah was the only undefeated team in the nation. Tempers flared before this game, when Alabama coach Saban remarked after his loss to Florida in the SEC Championship that the Tide were “the only undefeated team in a real BCS conference”. However, the lack of respect from not only Alabama, but the college football world in general, motivated the Utes enough that they dominated Alabama in a 31-17 win. There’s no specific moment in this game that is better than another, as Utah played outstandingly throughout game. Below is a highlight reel of the best moments from the 2009 Sugar Bowl.
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl on FOX
Boise St. v Oklahoma
No other Fiesta Bowl on or off FOX can even compare to the drama and excitement that was the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. Throughout the game, the two teams fought back and forth in scoring, with Okalahoma leading in the 4th quarter with less than 2 minutes left. However, Boise State, on 4th and 18 ran a hook and lateral for a touchdown, tying the game 35-35 and sent the game into overtime. Normally, this would be enough to consider it one of the best BCS moments, but in the final seconds of overtime, trailing once again, Boise St scored a touchdown. With the extra point not enough to win the game, the Broncos went for 2 and scored with a Statue of Liberty play, winning the game 43-42.
Anyway, my words don’t do it enough justice. See for yourself.
The 2006 Rose Bowl on ABC
USC v. Texas
Showcasing the only two undefeated teams in the nation, the winning play of the game is ranked by ESPN to be one of the top five in college football history. And for good reason. Heisman Winner Reggie Bush faced runner up Vince Young in an epic battle. Both teams fought tooth and nail for victory, with Texas only coming out on top in the final moments. On 4th down, with 5 yard to go, quaterback Vince Young ran the ball into the end zone himself. The Trojans just couldn’t recover and as time ran out, the Longhorns won the game 41-38.
The 2007 BCS Championship Game
Florida v. Ohio State.
Florida came into this game the underdog, with few expecting them to beat an undefeated Ohio State. But the Gators did more than just beat the Buckeyes, they demolished them. The Buckeyes, by their own admission, came into the National Championship out of shape, unprepared, and expected the trophy to basically be handed to them. Despite taking an early lead, it wasn’t enough to win. Little did they know that Florida would end up playing their most well rounded, complete game of the season. This was the first year that the BCS added the 5th game that would determine the National Championship, and as far as beginnings go, this was a great way to start the tradition.
So there you have it, the top moments in BCS history courtesy of FOX and ABC. We've had a good run, don't you think? But now it's time to hand the postseason reigns over to cable TV. It's your move now, ESPN
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Another College Football Playoff Idea
I thought THIS was an interesting article given the recent stand by the Mountain West Conference to the NCAA to change college football’s postseason to a playoff system.
The topic of the a playoff has been going on in college football for years, with claims that the little guys (Utah ring a bell anyone?) are being left out of the National Championship Game. This article suggests that in order for this playoff to happen, college football programs need to kiss the NCAA goodbye all together.
I feel like the likelihood of this happening is slim to none and I don’t really care for the idea of dropping almost half of all college football programs. But this kind of thought is a step in the right direction when it comes to the discussion of a college football playoff.
Just don’t expect it to happen anytime soon.
The topic of the a playoff has been going on in college football for years, with claims that the little guys (Utah ring a bell anyone?) are being left out of the National Championship Game. This article suggests that in order for this playoff to happen, college football programs need to kiss the NCAA goodbye all together.
I feel like the likelihood of this happening is slim to none and I don’t really care for the idea of dropping almost half of all college football programs. But this kind of thought is a step in the right direction when it comes to the discussion of a college football playoff.
Just don’t expect it to happen anytime soon.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bad News for the Vols
Once again, the University of Tennessee Vols are in the news.
And no before you even ask, it’s not because of Lane Kiffin.
This time, it’s their wide receivers who are the topics of conversation. Senior Austin Rogers and junior Denarius Moore are reported to have a torn ACL and a broken foot, respectively.
What does that mean for Tennessee? Well, it sure doesn’t do them any favors. In an off season filled with hype and big claims, the possibility of losing two returning players, one of whom was supposed to play a key role in the upcoming season is a huge blow to the program.
Karma much, Kiffin?
And no before you even ask, it’s not because of Lane Kiffin.
This time, it’s their wide receivers who are the topics of conversation. Senior Austin Rogers and junior Denarius Moore are reported to have a torn ACL and a broken foot, respectively.
What does that mean for Tennessee? Well, it sure doesn’t do them any favors. In an off season filled with hype and big claims, the possibility of losing two returning players, one of whom was supposed to play a key role in the upcoming season is a huge blow to the program.
Karma much, Kiffin?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Bit of History...
Sports history is always interesting because there's always something to argue about. So, using the excuse that theres's kind of been a lull these past few days in the world of college football; let's go back and revisit one of the most controversial games in the history of the sport-the 5th Down Game.
Background: Colorado-Missouri at Missouri in 1990. Colorado was down 31-27 in the last few minutes of the game, but was making a drive to come back. Colorado called a timeout after the 2nd down, just a few yards short of the goal line, but officials forgot to flip the down marker to 3rd down. Colorado came back after their timeout and were given 3 shots to score, instead of 2. On the 5th down, Colorado ran the ball into the endzone, winning the game 33-31.
Anyway, people went ballistic.
The officials realized what they'd done, but didn't have the authority to go back and change it. So the score still stands today and Colorado went on to share the National Championship with Georgia Tech.
Now, while 5th downs are pretty uncommon, they do happen in college football. What makes this game so special is that it's the only one where it's so blatantly affected the outcome of the game and, more importantly, the National Championship.
(The following clip is a little long, if you wanna get to the meat of it, fast forward a few minutes)
Clip taken from Youtube
Background: Colorado-Missouri at Missouri in 1990. Colorado was down 31-27 in the last few minutes of the game, but was making a drive to come back. Colorado called a timeout after the 2nd down, just a few yards short of the goal line, but officials forgot to flip the down marker to 3rd down. Colorado came back after their timeout and were given 3 shots to score, instead of 2. On the 5th down, Colorado ran the ball into the endzone, winning the game 33-31.
Anyway, people went ballistic.
The officials realized what they'd done, but didn't have the authority to go back and change it. So the score still stands today and Colorado went on to share the National Championship with Georgia Tech.
Now, while 5th downs are pretty uncommon, they do happen in college football. What makes this game so special is that it's the only one where it's so blatantly affected the outcome of the game and, more importantly, the National Championship.
(The following clip is a little long, if you wanna get to the meat of it, fast forward a few minutes)
Clip taken from Youtube
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Best American?
Happy 4th of July everyone!
In honor of the most patriotic day of the year, I find that there is only one person that I can write about today in good conscious.
That’s right, Tim Tebow…God bless.
Anyway, while there hasn’t been a whole lot of news lately concerning the “Chosen One”, there has been a steady amount of talk going on this summer about 1.) Tebow just not being good enough for the NFL, 2.) The Gator’s attempting to make him more appealing to the National Football League folks by working on his throwing mechanics, and 3.) how he is the single best college quarterback who ever played and how he can make a blind man see and cure leprosy with a single touch.
So, for your enjoyment, here’s a few Tebow links to explore.
ESPN
College Football News
Tim Tebow Zone/
In honor of the most patriotic day of the year, I find that there is only one person that I can write about today in good conscious.
That’s right, Tim Tebow…God bless.
Anyway, while there hasn’t been a whole lot of news lately concerning the “Chosen One”, there has been a steady amount of talk going on this summer about 1.) Tebow just not being good enough for the NFL, 2.) The Gator’s attempting to make him more appealing to the National Football League folks by working on his throwing mechanics, and 3.) how he is the single best college quarterback who ever played and how he can make a blind man see and cure leprosy with a single touch.
So, for your enjoyment, here’s a few Tebow links to explore.
ESPN
College Football News
Tim Tebow Zone/
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
A college football lover's dream?
Is there really anything better than a good football movie? Well...yeah; but that still doesn't make this story any less awesome.
Picture this: a college football movie with a supporting cast that includes Nick Saban, Houston Nutt, Tommy Tuberville, Philip Fulmer, and Lou Holtz. College football fans (and especially SEC lovers), are you drooling yet?
The movie, "The Blind Side" chronicles the hardknocked life of Ole Miss offensive lineman Michael Oher, who was drafted in the first round this year by the Baltimore Ravens.
The movie also stars Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw as Oher's foster parents, but honestly...who cares? What makes a football movie are the players and coaches, and by adding some of the most highly recognizable names in college football, it makes it that much more better. Do I honestly care whether or not Nick Saban is a great actor? No. Do I think that Philip Fulmer is polishing up his Oscar acceptance speech as we speak? Definetly not. But just their presence in this film makes me want to see it even more, and I'm pretty sure I won't be the only one.
Picture this: a college football movie with a supporting cast that includes Nick Saban, Houston Nutt, Tommy Tuberville, Philip Fulmer, and Lou Holtz. College football fans (and especially SEC lovers), are you drooling yet?
The movie, "The Blind Side" chronicles the hardknocked life of Ole Miss offensive lineman Michael Oher, who was drafted in the first round this year by the Baltimore Ravens.
The movie also stars Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw as Oher's foster parents, but honestly...who cares? What makes a football movie are the players and coaches, and by adding some of the most highly recognizable names in college football, it makes it that much more better. Do I honestly care whether or not Nick Saban is a great actor? No. Do I think that Philip Fulmer is polishing up his Oscar acceptance speech as we speak? Definetly not. But just their presence in this film makes me want to see it even more, and I'm pretty sure I won't be the only one.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Let's go to the polls...
Preseason polls are a neccessary evil that college football teams have to deal with. They don't mean anything, could be completely wrong, and (probably worst of all) can potentially screw with the minds of voters, skewing how they rank teams.
But gosh, they are so darn fun
Everyone wants to know how experts view their favorite teams coming into the season, so the media just keeps 'em coming. So, despite the issues with them, I'll resign myself to being part of the problem...here are some of the polls out so far.
USA Today this is the earliest of all the preseason polls, dating back to January after the last bowl game. Also, it should be noted that these rankings are based off of last season's results, and don't take into consideration things like recruiting and key player losses.
But gosh, they are so darn fun
Everyone wants to know how experts view their favorite teams coming into the season, so the media just keeps 'em coming. So, despite the issues with them, I'll resign myself to being part of the problem...here are some of the polls out so far.
USA Today this is the earliest of all the preseason polls, dating back to January after the last bowl game. Also, it should be noted that these rankings are based off of last season's results, and don't take into consideration things like recruiting and key player losses.
College Football News (1-10) Click below to see 11-25
College Football News Part 2
The general concensus? Unless you are Florida, Texas, or Oklahoma, you can kiss your national title hopes goodbye (Sorry Utah, but there're probably a better chance of hell freezing over than you getting into the big game this year, no matter what the coaches poll says)
Interesting things to note:
The fairly high ranking of Virgina Tech in two of the polls (5 and 7). Maybe this will signal a rise in ACC stock this coming season?
The ESPN rankings, which put VT above USC, who in the other polls was ranked higher consistently.
What do you guys think? What two teams do you think will battle it out in January for all the marbles?
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