The greatest bowl-game performances of the century

College football history is littered with outlandish performances. Unlike its professional counterpart, the college game still sees dramatic athletic discrepancies and matchup advantages that can result in unstoppable offensive machines. Let’s look at five of the most impressive performances that occurred in the postseason since 2000. This list is based on the statistical output, magnitude of the moment and offensive dominance displayed by the player.

5. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State – 2012 Fiesta Bowl vs. Stanford

Stat line: Eight catches, 186 receiving yards, three touchdowns; one carry, 52 rushing yards

Some might not remember Blackmon was one of the most impressive college receivers the game has ever seen, but throughout his career and in this Fiesta Bowl, he made the biggest plays, even though Stanford knew what was coming.

 

In what became a fantastically entertaining offensive shootout, Blackmon’s heroics bested star Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck’s. Blackmon had more than his share of personal problems after this game went final, but at the time he looked like one of the most dynamic and dominant wide receivers to ever play collegiate football.

4. Mark Sanchez, QB, USC – 2009 Rose Bowl vs. Penn State

Stat line: 413 passing yards, four touchdowns; one rushing touchdown

The Trojans had a tremendous amount of offensive talent for Sanchez to utilize, but on their way to a 38-24 victory, the quarterback looked like he was playing a normal Pac-12 defense, not the seventh-ranked defense in the country. Penn State had given up just 168 yards per game through the air prior to the Rose Bowl, and Sanchez shredded them.

3. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State – 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship vs. Oregon

Stat line: 36 carries, 246 rushing yards, four touchdowns

There hasn’t been a more unstoppable running back on a bigger stage in the sport’s history. It felt like every time Elliott got the ball, he could break enough tackles to score a touchdown. The Buckeyes' power running game won them a national championship, and Elliott was the hammer.

2. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson – 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship vs. Alabama

State line: 420 passing yards, three touchdowns; 43 rushing yards, one touchdown

Watson exhibited tremendous guts when he faced an Alabama defense that had shut down opponents all season. Alabama had the No. 1 scoring defense in the country and had more than a handful of defenders who have already made an impact in the NFL. Watson’s final drive and touchdown against that caliber of defense was simply incredible.

1. Vince Young, QB, Texas – 2006 Rose Bowl vs. USC

Stat line: 267 passing yards; 200 rushing yards, three touchdowns

There likely isn't a more defining moment in the sport’s storied history than Vince Young running to the corner of the end zone against USC to win the national title.

 

Young was never an efficient passer, but he did manage to go 30-for-40 against a great USC defense, and the Trojans could not stop him from scrambling for chunks of yards. Young’s 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns made the difference on the sport’s grandest stage, in arguably the most dramatic bowl game ever.

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