Football
The Thrilling Comebacks in College Football Playoff History
2024-12-19
College football is a sport filled with excitement and drama, and few moments are more exhilarating than a thrilling comeback. Since the inception of the College Football Playoff in 2014, there have been numerous instances of teams coming from behind to secure victory. Let's take a look at some of the biggest comebacks in College Football Playoff history.

Unforgettable Comebacks that Define College Football

Georgia's Dramatic Comeback in the 2018 Rose Bowl

In the Rose Bowl Game against Oklahoma during the 2018 playoff semifinals, Georgia found themselves in a 31-14 deficit with just six seconds remaining in the second quarter. However, the Bulldogs showed incredible resilience and fought back valiantly. They scored 40 points in the second half and overtime to secure a stunning 54-48 victory. This comeback was a testament to Georgia's determination and ability to overcome adversity.The second half was a seesaw battle, with both teams trading touchdowns. In overtime, Georgia's defense held firm, forcing Oklahoma to turn the ball over on downs. On the ensuing possession, Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm led the team down the field and connected with wide receiver Riley Ridley for a touchdown, sealing the win.

Clemson's Late Rally in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl

In the 2019 Fiesta Bowl playoff semifinal, Clemson faced a 16-0 deficit with just 7:20 remaining in the second quarter. But the Tigers didn't panic. They started to mount a comeback, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence leading the charge. Lawrence completed several key passes and found running back Travis Etienne for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 16-7.In the second half, Clemson continued to pressure Ohio State, and Lawrence found wide receiver Justyn Ross for a 75-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 23-23. With just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, Clemson's defense forced a turnover on downs, giving the Tigers the ball back with a chance to win. Lawrence then led the team down the field and connected with Ross again for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 14 seconds left, giving Clemson a 29-23 victory.

Ohio State's Heroic Comeback in the 2015 Sugar Bowl

In the 2015 Sugar Bowl playoff semifinal, Ohio State found themselves down 21-6 with 8:07 remaining in the second quarter. But the Buckeyes didn't give up. They started to mount a comeback, with quarterback J.T. Barrett leading the way. Barrett completed several key passes and found wide receiver Michael Thomas for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21-13.In the second half, Ohio State continued to pressure Alabama, and Barrett found running back Ezekiel Elliott for a touchdown to tie the game at 21-21. With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Barrett connected with Thomas again for a 75-yard touchdown pass, giving Ohio State a 28-21 lead. Alabama tried to mount a comeback, but Ohio State's defense held firm, and the Buckeyes won 42-35.

Georgia's Incredible Comebacks in the 2022 Peach Bowl

In the 2022 Peach Bowl playoff semifinal, Georgia faced two 14-point deficits. First, they were down 21-7 with 10:56 remaining in the second quarter, and then they were down 38-24 with 31 seconds to play in the third quarter. But once again, the Bulldogs showed their fighting spirit.In the second half, Georgia's offense came alive, with quarterback Stetson Bennett leading the way. Bennett completed several key passes and found running back James Cook for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 38-31. With just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, Bennett found wide receiver George Pickens for a 44-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 38-38. In overtime, Georgia's defense forced a turnover on downs, and Bennett led the team down the field and connected with Cook again for a 10-yard touchdown pass, giving Georgia a 42-41 victory.

Clemson's Late Charge in the 2017 National Championship Game

In the 2017 national championship game against Alabama, Clemson found themselves down 14-0 with 10:42 left in the second quarter. But the Tigers didn't back down. They started to mount a comeback, with Lawrence leading the way. Lawrence completed several key passes and found wide receiver Hunter Renfrow for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-7.In the second half, Clemson continued to pressure Alabama, and Lawrence found running back Travis Etienne for a touchdown to tie the game at 14-14. With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Lawrence found Renfrow again for a 44-yard touchdown pass to give Clemson a 21-14 lead. Alabama tried to mount a comeback, but Clemson's defense held firm, and the Tigers won 35-31.

Alabama's Dramatic Comeback in the 2018 National Championship Game

In the 2018 national championship game against Georgia, Alabama found themselves down 20-7 with 6:52 remaining in the third quarter. But the Crimson Tide didn't give up. They started to mount a comeback, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leading the way. Tagovailoa completed several key passes and found wide receiver Jerry Jeudy for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 20-14.In the fourth quarter, Alabama continued to pressure Georgia, and Tagovailoa found running back Najee Harris for a touchdown to tie the game at 20-20. With just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, Tagovailoa found Jeudy again for a 48-yard touchdown pass to give Alabama a 26-23 lead. In overtime, Alabama's defense held firm, and the Crimson Tide won the national championship.

LSU's Stunning Comeback in the 2020 National Championship Game

In the 2020 national championship game against Clemson, LSU found themselves down 17-7 with 10:38 remaining in the second quarter. But the Tigers didn't panic. They started to mount a comeback, with quarterback Joe Burrow leading the way. Burrow completed several key passes and found wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 17-14.In the second half, LSU continued to pressure Clemson, and Burrow found Chase again for a 75-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 17-17. With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Burrow found Chase for a 40-yard touchdown pass to give LSU a 24-17 lead. Clemson tried to mount a comeback, but LSU's defense held firm, and the Tigers won 42-25.Check out the ESPN college football hub page for the latest news, analysis, schedules, CFP bracket and more.
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