25 best college football bowl games in history

15. Auburn vs. Oregon, 2011 BCS National Championship 

Oregon managed to somewhat limit Heisman winner Cam Newton in the 2011 title game, but lost a chance at its first national title on perhaps the strangest play in BCS history.

Chip Kelly’s offense reached its peak in 2010, as the Ducks rolled to a 12-0 regular season record and No. 2 ranking. The Ducks led the nation with 47 points per game behind terrific seasons from quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James, who finished third in the Heisman voting.

Newton compiled one of the best seasons in college football history after transferring from Florida and JUCO Blinn College, piling up over 4,300 total yards and 51 touchdowns. The 13-0 Tigers earned the No. 1 ranking after Newton helped erase a 24-0 road deficit at No. 9 Alabama to close out the regular season.

Both defenses managed to hold in the first quarter before Auburn opened up a 16-11 lead by half, aided by a safety where James was taken down in the end zone. With the Tigers up 19-11 and just 2:33 to go, Thomas hit James on a short touchdown pass, and Oregon was successful on the ensuing two-point conversion to tie the score.

Rather than Newton, Auburn running back Michael Dyer would end up being the championship hero. On the second play of the ensuing Tigers drive, Dyer appeared to be stopped for a short gain, but landed on top of Oregon defender Eddie Pleasent and took off for a 37-yard gain, as everybody other than the Auburn sideline thought the play was over.

Auburn moved to the one-yard line and kicked a short field goal as time expired to win its first national championship since 1957. Oregon fans will forever question the call on Dyer’s run, as it could have easily gone either way.