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9 memories that prove the BCS era wasn't awful

Here's our proposal to you: The BCS is not that awful. Twenty years ago, the Bowl Coalition was formed as an agreement among major conferences. Hence, the Sugar, Fiesta, Orange, and Rose Bowls were implemented. The system for selecting teams proved imperfect, and the clamoring to crown a true champion has led to a four-team playoff set to debut after the 2014 season. The BCS era has been full of off-field controversy and on-field drama. USA TODAY Sports writers watched it unfold live and have captured nine of the top moments in the BCS era of college football.
Here's our proposal to you: The BCS is not that awful. Twenty years ago, the Bowl Coalition was formed as an agreement among major conferences. Hence, the Sugar, Fiesta, Orange, and Rose Bowls were implemented. The system for selecting teams proved imperfect, and the clamoring to crown a true champion has led to a four-team playoff set to debut after the 2014 season. The BCS era has been full of off-field controversy and on-field drama. USA TODAY Sports writers watched it unfold live and have captured nine of the top moments in the BCS era of college football.
Ted S. Warren, AP
Fiesta Bowl (BCS title game), 1999: In inaugural BCS title game, Vols beat Chris Weinke-less 'Noles. Tennessee 23, Florida State 16 (writer Jack Carey).
Fiesta Bowl (BCS title game), 1999: In inaugural BCS title game, Vols beat Chris Weinke-less 'Noles. Tennessee 23, Florida State 16 (writer Jack Carey).
Jack Smith, AP
Sugar Bowl (BCS Championship), 2000: Florida State wins, but Michael Vick makes mark. Florida State 46, Virginia Tech 29 (writer Gary Mihoces).
Sugar Bowl (BCS Championship), 2000: Florida State wins, but Michael Vick makes mark. Florida State 46, Virginia Tech 29 (writer Gary Mihoces).
H Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
Galleryfurniture.com Bowl, 2000: Unforgettable on and off field. East Carolina 40, Texas Tech 27. (writer Brent Schrotenboer)
Galleryfurniture.com Bowl, 2000: Unforgettable on and off field. East Carolina 40, Texas Tech 27. (writer Brent Schrotenboer)
Tim Johnson, AP
Fiesta Bowl (BCS championship), 2003: Dramatic pass interference call turns game Buckeyes' way. Ohio State 31, Miami (Fla.) 24 (2 OTs). (Writer Mike Lopresti).
Fiesta Bowl (BCS championship), 2003: Dramatic pass interference call turns game Buckeyes' way. Ohio State 31, Miami (Fla.) 24 (2 OTs). (Writer Mike Lopresti).
Jamie Squire, Getty Images
Rose Bowl (BCS Championship), 2006: Get me rewrite! Late Texas rally flipped the title script. Texas 41, USC 38 (writer David Leon Moore).
Rose Bowl (BCS Championship), 2006: Get me rewrite! Late Texas rally flipped the title script. Texas 41, USC 38 (writer David Leon Moore).
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
BCS championship game, 2007: Game marks turning point for Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer. Florida 41, Ohio State 14 (writer Eric Prisbell).
BCS championship game, 2007: Game marks turning point for Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer. Florida 41, Ohio State 14 (writer Eric Prisbell).
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
Fiesta Bowl, 2007: Unforgettable Broncos bust BCS. Boise State 43, Oklahoma 42 (writer George Schroeder)
Fiesta Bowl, 2007: Unforgettable Broncos bust BCS. Boise State 43, Oklahoma 42 (writer George Schroeder)
Deirdre Hamill, The Arizona Republic
BCS championship game, 2009: March to title was Tim Tebow's time to shine for Gators. Florida 24, Oklahoma 14 (Writer Kelly Whiteside).
BCS championship game, 2009: March to title was Tim Tebow's time to shine for Gators. Florida 24, Oklahoma 14 (Writer Kelly Whiteside).
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
BCS championship, 2010: Colt McCoy's injury helped turn the Tide. Alabama 37, Texas 21 (writer Erick Smith).
BCS championship, 2010: Colt McCoy's injury helped turn the Tide. Alabama 37, Texas 21 (writer Erick Smith).
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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