Watch Bowl Championship Series 2009, FedEx National Championship Game
- 2007
- 1 Season
The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) 2009 marked the end of an era in college football, as it was the last year of the controversial BCS system before the implementation of the College Football Playoff in 2014. The pinnacle of the BCS season was the FedEx National Championship Game, which took place on January 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami, Florida.
FOX Sports provided coverage for the highly anticipated matchup between the Florida Gators and the Oklahoma Sooners, both of whom entered the game with impressive records and star-studded rosters. The pregame show featured expert analysis from a panel of former players and coaches, including Hall of Famers Barry Switzer and Eddie George, as well as Erin Andrews on the sidelines.
Once the game kicked off, viewers were treated to a thrilling, high-scoring affair between two of the top offenses in the country. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford led the Sooners, while the Gators were led by their own dynamic signal-caller and eventual Heisman winner Tim Tebow.
The first half saw both teams trade blows, with each offense moving the ball at will and scoring touchdowns on consecutive possessions. Bradford connected with receiver Juaquin Iglesias for a long touchdown pass early on, while Tebow found receiver David Nelson for a score of his own.
The game's momentum swung in Florida's favor towards the end of the second quarter, as the Gators' defense forced a crucial turnover on a fumble by Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray. Tebow quickly capitalized on the mistake, leading a touchdown drive that culminated in a short pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez for the score.
The third quarter saw both teams struggle to sustain drives and put points on the board, but the Gators eventually broke through with a field goal from kicker Jonathan Phillips. However, Oklahoma quickly responded with a Bradford touchdown pass to Murray, tying the game at 24 apiece.
As the fourth quarter began, the tension in the stadium was palpable, as both teams knew the stakes were high and the game could come down to the final possession. That possession would ultimately go to the Gators, as they forced a Bradford interception and took over with just over 5 minutes remaining.
Behind the dynamic playmaking of Tebow and the hard-nosed running of tailback Chris Rainey, Florida marched down the field and eventually scored the go-ahead touchdown on a quarterback sneak by Tebow. The Sooners had one final chance to tie or win the game, but their offense couldn't muster a comeback, and the Gators emerged victorious with a final score of 24-14.
The postgame show on FOX Sports featured interviews with key players and coaches from both teams, as well as analysis from the panel of experts. Tebow was named the game's offensive MVP, while Florida's defense, which held Oklahoma's high-powered offense to just 14 points, received praise as well.
Overall, the Bowl Championship Series 2009, FedEx National Championship Game provided fans with an exciting conclusion to the BCS era, as two of the top teams in the country battled it out on the grand stage of the national championship game. FOX Sports' coverage was top-notch, providing in-depth analysis and expert commentary throughout the game and postgame show.