The college football bowl season is honestly one of the most electric stretches on the sports calendar. With 41 games, including the College Football Playoff, there’s this wild energy—every bowl is a last shot for players to end the year on a high note.
This post digs into some of the wildest, most unforgettable bowl games since 2000. We’re talking insane comebacks, last-second drama, and moments you just can’t make up.
East Carolina vs. Marshall (2001)
The 2001 GMAC Bowl? Still the highest-scoring bowl ever. East Carolina stormed ahead 38-8 at halftime, but then Marshall, with Byron Leftwich at quarterback, pulled off an absurd rally.
They erased a 30-point gap and tied it up at 51-51 by the end of regulation. In overtime, Marshall sealed it 64-61 with a touchdown to Josh Davis. Unreal.
Pitt vs. Toledo (2024)
The 2024 postseason clash between Pitt and Toledo turned into the longest bowl game ever—six overtimes. There were two field goals from over 50 yards, a blocked extra point run back for a score, and even a defensive touchdown to force OT.
Toledo finally ended it with a pair of two-point conversions in the sixth overtime. Exhausting just to watch, honestly.
San Jose State vs. USF (2024)
Just two days before Pitt-Toledo, San Jose State and USF took their bowl to five overtimes. The Bulls started strong with a two-score lead, but the Spartans answered with a 20-3 run.
South Florida forced OT with a clutch kick and scraped out a 41-39 win in the fifth overtime. That game was a marathon.
Tulane vs. USC (Cotton Bowl, 2024)
Tulane over USC in the Cotton Bowl? Still can’t believe it. USC was up 28-14 at halftime and 45-30 with under five minutes left.
Somehow, Tulane scored a touchdown, got a safety, and then took the lead with just nine seconds left. That’s the biggest bowl comeback ever, by the way.
Oregon vs. TCU (Alamo Bowl, 2015-16)
In the 2015-16 Alamo Bowl, Oregon raced out to a 31-0 lead over TCU in the first half. Then Oregon’s quarterback got hurt, and TCU just took over—31 straight points to tie it up.
After three overtimes, TCU eked out a 47-41 win. That momentum swing was something else.
USC vs. Penn State (Rose Bowl, 2017)
The 2017 Rose Bowl between USC and Penn State was just bonkers. USC led 27-14 in the second quarter, then Penn State rattled off 28 straight points.
USC came roaring back with a 25-7 run and won it with a field goal as time ran out. You couldn’t script it better.
Michigan vs. Alabama (Orange Bowl, 2000)
Tom Brady’s last college game in the 2000 Orange Bowl? That one sticks with you. Michigan and Alabama were deadlocked at 28 after regulation.
Michigan scored first in overtime, and then Alabama missed the tying extra point. Michigan took it 35-34—by the thinnest margin.
Texas vs. Arizona State (CFP, 2024)
Texas and Arizona State went toe-to-toe for a spot in the 2024 College Football Playoff’s final four. Texas led 17-3 at halftime, but Arizona State stormed back with 16 points in the fourth quarter.
The Longhorns hung on in the second overtime, punching in a touchdown and making a huge defensive stop. That was tense.
Auburn vs. Florida State (BCS Championship, 2013)
The last BCS Championship between Auburn and Florida State was a rollercoaster. Auburn jumped out 21-3, but Florida State answered with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Jameis Winston found Kelvin Benjamin for the game-winner with 13 seconds left. Florida State took it 34-31. Still gives me chills.
Alabama vs. Georgia (CFP Championship, 2018)
The 2018 CFP Championship—Alabama and Georgia. Georgia led 20-7, but Alabama clawed back to tie it.
Then, in overtime, Tua Tagovailoa hit DeVonta Smith for a touchdown on 2nd and 26. Alabama won 26-23. That play is legendary now.
Georgia vs. Oklahoma (Rose Bowl, 2018)
Before losing to Alabama, Georgia pulled off a wild win over Oklahoma in the 2018 Rose Bowl. They came back from 31-14 down to tie it up.
Double overtime, a blocked field goal, and then Georgia ran it in for the win. That was pure chaos.
Alabama vs. Clemson (CFP Championship, 2017)
Alabama and Clemson’s 2017 CFP Championship rematch was intense. Alabama led 24-14 heading into the fourth, but Clemson rallied with three touchdowns.
They scored the winner with just one second left, taking it 35-31. That finish? Absolutely wild.
Boise State vs. Oklahoma (Fiesta Bowl, 2007)
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl—Boise State vs. Oklahoma—was an all-timer. Boise State was up 28-10, then Oklahoma rattled off 25 unanswered points.
Boise State forced overtime with a hook and ladder, then won it on a Statue of Liberty play, 43-42. That’s the stuff of legend.
Ohio State vs. Miami (BCS Championship, 2003)
The 2003 BCS Championship between Ohio State and Miami? That one had it all—controversy, tension, and a wild finish. Ohio State led 17-7, but Miami forced overtime.
Both teams traded touchdowns, and Ohio State sealed it 31-24 in double OT with a goal-line stand. People still debate that ending.
Texas vs. USC (BCS Championship, 2006)
The 2006 BCS Championship between Texas and USC brought together two teams that hadn’t lost a game all season. USC was ahead 38-26 with less than seven minutes left on the clock.
Then Vince Young took over. He led Texas to two late touchdowns, capping it off with a gutsy, game-winning run on fourth down—just 19 seconds left. Texas pulled off the win, 41-38.
For more on these wild games, check out the original article on BroBible.
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