30 most memorable college football games of 2017

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban speaks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on January 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The Alabama Crimson Tide won the game in overtime 26-23. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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BIRMINGHAM, AL – DECEMBER 23: Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Cameron Batson (13) dives for the end zone in the Birmingham Bowl between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the South Florida Bulls. South Florida defeated Texas Tech by the score of 38-34 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

27. South Florida vs. Texas Tech (Birmingham Bowl)

Date: Dec. 23
Outcome: USF wins 38-34

As the only ranked team from the Group of Five in the preseason, the South Florida Bulls had some lofty expectations entering the 2017 campaign. But, a few upset losses cost USF its chance at representing the Group of Five in a New Year’s Six Bowl.

Meanwhile, the Texas Tech Red Raiders started off the season hot and even got themselves ranked at one point. Yet, head coach Kliff Kingsbury had a tough stretch through Big 12 play and found himself playing in the Birmingham Bowl in the postseason.

Getting bowl eligible was a battle, in and of itself, for the Red Raiders. The high-powered Texas Tech offense, led by senior quarterback Nic Shimonek, made for an interesting matchup with USF. Shimonek and Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers are pure opposite styles of quarterbacks.

A touchdown reception in the final minute from USF wide receiver Tyre McCants pushed the Bulls to the four-point victory. The Texas Tech defense was improved this year, but not good enough to keep an athletic array of weapons from USF behind them on the scoreboard.

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