This victory announced TCU’s presence as a legitimate Big 12 contender. Texas A&M squashed Auburn’s playoff hopes while handing the program its first home loss of the coach Gus Malzahn era. The Tigers climbed back to within 38-31 early in the fourth quarter, but consecutive fumbles on their final two possessions gift-wrapped an Aggies’ upset. Ben Glicksmanįreshman quarterback Kyle Allen burst out of the gate by throwing four first-half touchdown passes against Auburn to stake Texas A&M to a 35-17 lead. Alabama was pushed to the brink in Death Valley, but emerged very much alive. Adam Griffith drilled a 27-yard field goal to force overtime, and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin dialed up his finest play yet: a 24-yard pass to 304-pounder Brandon Greene that led to the game-winning touchdown. Then he hit Howard again, and then Christion Jones, and then DeAndrew White. But the Tigers were forced to settle for a field goal, and Alabama found a way. Yeldon fumbled the ball deep in Alabama territory with the score tied at 10 and less than two minutes remaining, setting the stage for an LSU upset that would’ve prompted pandemonium in Baton Rouge. The Crimson Tide were dead, and suddenly they weren’t. After a few close calls, Marshall finally fell. Instead, Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty threw eight touchdown passes, dashing the Herd’s hopes on a two-point conversion to Willie McNeal. 28)Īlthough Boise State was slotted ahead of the Thundering Herd in the College Football Playoff rankings entering this game, there was an outside chance for Marshall to land the Group of Five’s automatic bid to a New Year’s Six bowl and continue its undefeated season. Western Kentucky 67, Marshall 66 OT (Nov.
This season was strange, stunning and spectacular - and everything in between.īefore we get to the list, here are some honorable mentions that missed the cut: From opening weekend to the national championship game, the first year of the playoff era featured some truly indelible moments.Īs we bid this campaign farewell, here’s a look at the 25 best games of the year. The 2014 college football season is officially over, and it featured no shortage of memorable games.