The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) was a selection system used to determine the national champion of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) from 1998 to 2013. During its 16-year existence, the BCS produced some of the most memorable moments in college football history. Here are 12 BCS game highlights that showcase the excitement and drama of the series.
Key Points
- The BCS aimed to create a more equitable system for determining the national champion.
- The system used a combination of polls and computer rankings to select the top two teams.
- Some of the most iconic games in college football history were played during the BCS era.
- The BCS was replaced by the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014.
- The CFP has continued to evolve, with changes to the selection committee and ranking system.
Early BCS Highlights
The first BCS national championship game was played on January 4, 1999, at the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona. The Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Florida State Seminoles 23-16, capping off an undefeated season. This game set the stage for the excitement and controversy that would come to define the BCS era.
BCS Controversies and Upsets
One of the most notable BCS games was the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Miami Hurricanes 31-24 in double overtime. This game is often referred to as one of the greatest college football games of all time, with the Buckeyes overcoming a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win the national championship. The game was also notable for the controversy surrounding the BCS selection process, with some arguing that the Hurricanes were unfairly denied a chance to play for the title.
| Season | Game | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1998-1999 | Tennessee vs. Florida State | 23-16 |
| 2002-2003 | Ohio State vs. Miami | 31-24 (2OT) |
| 2005-2006 | Texas vs. USC | 41-38 |
Later BCS Highlights
The 2006 Rose Bowl is often referred to as one of the greatest games in college football history. The Texas Longhorns defeated the USC Trojans 41-38, with Vince Young accounting for 467 total yards and three touchdowns. This game marked a turning point in the BCS era, with the system coming under increasing scrutiny and criticism.
BCS Legacy and Impact
The BCS was replaced by the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014, with the new system aiming to create a more equitable and fair way of determining the national champion. However, the legacy of the BCS continues to be felt, with many of the games played during the era remaining some of the most iconic and memorable in college football history.
The BCS may be gone, but its impact on college football continues to be felt. The system produced some of the most exciting and memorable moments in the sport's history, and its legacy continues to shape the way we think about and approach the game today.
What was the main goal of the BCS?
+The main goal of the BCS was to create a more equitable system for determining the national champion of college football. The system used a combination of polls and computer rankings to select the top two teams, with the goal of creating a more fair and accurate way of determining the champion.
What were some of the criticisms of the BCS?
+The BCS was criticized for being unfair and biased towards certain teams and conferences. Some argued that the system was flawed and that it did not accurately reflect the strength of the teams. Others argued that the system was too complex and that it was difficult to understand.
What replaced the BCS?
+The College Football Playoff (CFP) replaced the BCS in 2014. The CFP uses a selection committee to choose the top four teams, with the teams competing in a playoff to determine the national champion.
