Fansided

15 best college football moments of 2016

By Nathaniel Reeves

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions fans celebrate their teams victory on the field against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions fans celebrate their teams victory on the field against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the second overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the second overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Curtis Samuel seals double OT win over Michigan

This year’s version of The Game will go down as not only the top matchup of the 2016 season but one of the best showdowns in college football history. While any number of moments could have made the list, Ohio State fans will never forget Samuel’s game-winning touchdown.

A win would have put No. 3 Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game with a chance to advance to the playoff. The second-ranked Buckeyes also had no margin for error, as they were basically guaranteed a spot in the top four with a victory.

Michigan statistically dominated the first two-plus quarters of the game, as Ohio State’s offense could get nothing going. Still, three Wolverines turnovers including a pick six kept the Buckeyes close, and Ohio State managed to get within 17-14 entering the third.

After missing a chip shot earlier in the fourth, Tyler Durbin kicked a 23 yard field goal with one second left to send the rivalry to overtime for the first time. Both teams scored on their opening possession of overtime, although the Wolverines had to convert a dramatic fourth down to extend the game.

Michigan was held to a three-and-out on its double overtime possession and settled for a field goal to take a 27-24 lead. Facing fourth and short while out of field goal range, J.T. Barrett reached the line to gain by inches on a controversial spot that many felt was quite generous.

On the next play, Samuel raced past the Wolverines defense for the 15-yard game-winning touchdown. Jim Harbaugh went off on the officiating afterward, as the Wolverines finished the season ranked fifth while Ohio State made the College Football Playoff.

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