5 worst college football bowl performances of all time

Part of the fascinating nature of college bowl games is the uncharacteristic nature of the matchups. After a season of mostly inter-conference play and games in consecutive weeks, bowl matchups feature intra-conference matchups, with teams typically unfamiliar with each other.

It also provides coaches extra time to prepare for their opponent, and with these factors combined, we often see some unusual results. Let’s look at five of the most disappointing bowl performances of all time.

5. 1972 Orange Bowl: Nebraska vs. Alabama

With Nebraska ranked No. 1 and Alabama at No. 2, this game was highly anticipated. It ended up being a major disappointment, however, as Nebraska completely dominated from the start, jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead and had a 28-0 advantage by halftime. Nebraska won 38-6 against the Bear Bryant-coached Tide to earn a national championship.

4. 2002 Rose Bowl: Nebraska vs. Miami

Nebraska came into the game with recent Heisman trophy winner, Eric Crouch, at quarterback. Aside from a loss against Colorado in their regular-season finale, the Cornhuskers had steamrolled opponents all year with their triple-option power running game.

Miami had a roster full of NFL talent, and in hindsight was arguably the most talented team to have played college football. That talent absolutely dominated Nebraska in a 37-14 win that was much worse than the final score indicates. Nebraska’s offense looked gimmicky against the talent of Miami and very well may have ushered in the end of the Nebraska triple-option dynasty.

3. 2008 Sun Bowl: Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh

This game featured two ranked teams, as Oregon State entered at No. 24 and Pittsburgh was No. 18. The game was eventually won by Oregon State, 3-0, thanks to a late second-quarter field goal. Pittsburgh managed just 178 total yards, and quarterback Bill Stull completed just seven of his 24 passes for 52 yards and an interception.

Each team had three turnovers, and it was comical to watch both teams attempt to execute their offense. This is the most pathetic offensive bowl game in modern history.

2. 2016 Alamo Bowl: Oregon vs TCU

This list would be incomplete without Oregon's collapse against TCU. Oregon jumped out to a 31-0 halftime lead against a TCU team that was without suspended starting quarterback Trevone Boykin, and the rout appeared to be on. But Oregon QB Vernon Adams went down with injury, TCU Coach Gary Patterson famously changed shirts at halftime and all hell broke loose in the second half.

TCU scored on every second-half and overtime possession and won the game 47-41. It was the biggest bowl collapse I can ever recall.

1. 2012 BCS National Championship Game: LSU vs. Alabama

This was the national championship game and a rematch of the “Game of the Century” from earlier in the season, which LSU won 9-6. Alabama prevailed 21-0 in the rematch, and did so by completely removing LSU’s “offense” from the game.

LSU didn’t reach Alabama territory until midway through the fourth quarter. When it did, it lost a fumble. LSU had just five first downs and 92 yards of offense on the biggest stage. LSU can’t be faulted for the talent they faced, but for a national championship contender, I think everyone at least expected the Tigers to surpass 100 yards of offense.

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Which teams will have the best (and worst) bowl performances this year? Check out all the matchups at BetAmerica!