Final Project: Adios Network Television

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