The SEC-Big Ten debate over which is the better conference just won’t go away.
As a matter of fact, four SEC-Big Ten matchups are coming up: Alabama-Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl, Tennessee-Northwestern in the Outback Bowl, Florida-Michigan in the Citrus Bowl and Georgia-Penn State in the TaxSlayer Bowl.
Before those games kick off, let’s look back at some of the best SEC-Big Ten matchups in recent years:
Jan. 1, 2015 Sugar Bowl: Alabama surrendered a 15-point lead – as well as a Sugar Bowl-record 230 rushing yards by Ezekiel Elliott in 42-35 loss in a College Football Playoff semifinal. This game — and the SEC’s mediocre 7-5 bowl record last season — gave critics ammunition to suggest the SEC’s glory days were over.
Jan. 2, 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl: Joshua Dobbs accounted for three TDs, Jalen Hurd ran for two scores and Tennessee beat Iowa 45-28 in the TaxSlayer Bowl for its first postseason victory since the Phillip Fulmer era.
Jan. 1, 2012 Outback Bowl: Blair Walsh had a 47-yard field-goal attempt blocked on the final play of the game as Georgia lost 33-30 to Michigan State in triple overtime. In the second extra session, Walsh became the SEC’s career scoring leader with a field goal, but missed a 42-yard attempt in the first OT. The Bulldogs blew a 16-0 halftime lead to Kirk Cousins and the Spartans.
Jan. 1, 2013 Outback Bowl: Connor Shaw’s 56-yard TD pass to Damiere Byrd opened the scoring for South Carolina, which capped its 33-28 victory over Michigan with Dylan Thompson’s 32-yard scoring strike to Bruce Ellington in the final minute. The victory was the Gamecocks’ 11th win of the season, which matched a school record.
Jan. 2, 2012 Gator Bowl: Andre Debose returned a kickoff 99 yards – the longest scoring play in bowl history – and Chris Rainey blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown in Florida’s 24-17 victory over Ohio State. With the win, the Gators (7-6) avoided their first losing season since 1979.
Jan. 1, 2011 Sugar Bowl: In Ohio State’s first postseason win over an SEC school, Solomon Thomas’ interception of Ryan Mallett sealed the Buckeyes’ 31-26 victory against Arkansas. The Razorbacks, who set up their final possession with a blocked punt, surrendered 2 TD passes to Terrelle Pryor.
Jan. 1, 2011 Gator Bowl: Chris Relf accounted for 4 TDs, Vick Ballard ran for 3 scores and Mississippi State mauled Michigan 52-14 to hand the Wolverines their worst bowl loss in school history. It was Rich Rodriguez’s final game as Michigan’s coach.
Jan. 1, 2010 Outback Bowl: Wes Byrum’s 21-yard field goal in overtime proved to be the difference in Auburn’s 38-35 victory over Northwestern. The Wildcats had a chance to tie it but went for the win with a fumblerooski play that was stopped by Auburn’s Neiko Thorpe.
2007 season BCS National Championship Game: Matt Flynn threw 4 TD passes as LSU routed Ohio State, 38-24 to cap the 2007 season. The Tigers rallied from an early 10-0 deficit, taking a 24-10 lead that held up.
2006 season BCS National Championship Game: Chris Leak and Tim Tebow ran Urban Meyer’s 2-quarterback system to perfection as Florida flattened Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and Ohio State 41-14 to cap the 2006 season. The Gators forced 3 turnovers and held the Buckeyes to just 82 yards.
Stan Chrapowicki is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Alabama and Auburn.
