Test Your Knowledge On College Football

Troy Aikman initially played for the University of Oklahoma but transferred to UCLA after his sophomore year. His decision to switch schools was influenced by a shift in Oklahoma’s offensive strategy, which favored a run-heavy attack. At UCLA, Aikman thrived in a more pass-oriented system, becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He later became the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft, leading the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories.

Eric Bieniemy had an outstanding college career at the University of Colorado, where he was a standout running back. Bieniemy was known for his speed, vision, and toughness. He helped lead Colorado to a share of the national championship in 1990 and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting that year. His success in college paved the way for a coaching career, where he became an influential figure as an NFL offensive coordinator.

John Cappelletti played college football at Penn State and became the school’s first Heisman Trophy winner in 1973. Cappelletti’s Heisman speech, in which he dedicated his award to his younger brother Joey, who was battling leukemia, is considered one of the most emotional moments in college football history. He was a key player in Penn State’s backfield, leading the team with his powerful running style.

Anthony Carter played wide receiver for the University of Michigan, where he was a three-time All-American. Known for his exceptional speed and agility, Carter was one of the most dynamic receivers in college football during the late 1970s and early 1980s. His performances helped elevate Michigan’s offense, and he became one of the school’s all-time greats in receiving yards and touchdowns.

Ki-Jana Carter was a star running back at Penn State, where he was an integral part of the team’s undefeated 1994 season. Carter was known for his explosiveness and ability to break long runs, helping Penn State dominate opponents. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting that year. His stellar college career led to him being the first overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Tim Couch played quarterback at the University of Kentucky, where he became one of the most prolific passers in SEC history. Couch thrived in the Air Raid offense under coach Hal Mumme, setting numerous school and conference records for passing yards and touchdowns. His performance at Kentucky earned him the distinction of being the first overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.

Bo Jackson played for Auburn University, where he became one of the most celebrated athletes in college football history. Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 1985 as a dual-sport athlete, excelling in both football and baseball. His combination of size, speed, and power made him an unstoppable force on the field. He later achieved fame as a two-sport professional athlete, excelling in both the NFL and Major League Baseball.

Cade McNown was the quarterback for UCLA, where he led the Bruins to some of their most successful seasons in the late 1990s. McNown was known for his leadership and accuracy as a passer. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 1998 and set several school records during his time at UCLA. His success in college led to him being a first-round pick in the 1999 NFL Draft.

Gino Torretta played quarterback at the University of Miami, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1992. Torretta led the Hurricanes to two national championships during his career and was known for his ability to manage games effectively, throwing for over 3,000 yards in his senior season. Miami’s dominance in college football during the 1980s and early 1990s was partially due to Torretta’s consistent play.

Tom Tupa was a versatile player for Ohio State University, serving as both a quarterback and punter. His dual-threat ability made him an asset to the Buckeyes’ program, and he was especially known for his punting skills, which later became his primary role in the NFL. Tupa’s ability to play multiple positions at a high level made him a unique player during his college years.

Herschel Walker is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in college football history. He played for the University of Georgia, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1982. Walker’s combination of power, speed, and agility made him an unstoppable force, and he led Georgia to a national championship in 1980. Walker rushed for over 5,000 yards during his college career and went on to a successful professional football career.

Paul "Bear" Bryant is one of the most legendary figures in college football history. As the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Bryant won six national championships and turned Alabama into a perennial powerhouse. In 1979, he led Alabama to an undefeated season and another national title. His coaching career is filled with records and accolades, making him one of the most respected coaches of all time.

Johnny Majors led the University of Pittsburgh to an undefeated 12-0 season and a national championship in 1976. The team was anchored by Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett, who rushed for over 2,000 yards that season. Majors’ ability to build a championship-caliber team at Pittsburgh solidified his reputation as one of the top coaches in college football during the 1970s.

Howard Schnellenberger coached the University of Miami to its first national championship in 1983. Schnellenberger is credited with building the foundation for Miami’s dominance in the 1980s and 1990s. His team’s victory in the 1984 Orange Bowl over Nebraska is considered one of the most important games in the program’s history.

Jimmy Johnson led Miami to a national championship in 1987, going 12-0 and cementing the Hurricanes’ status as a college football dynasty. Johnson’s aggressive style of coaching and recruiting helped Miami dominate opponents. His success at Miami led to his transition to the NFL, where he won two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys.

Dennis Erickson took over the Miami Hurricanes in 1989 and led them to a national championship in his first season as head coach. Erickson’s teams continued Miami’s dominance in college football throughout the early 1990s, winning another national championship in 1991. Erickson’s impact helped solidify Miami’s status as a national powerhouse.

Bill McCartney coached the University of Colorado to a share of the national championship in 1990. The Buffaloes had a memorable 11-1-1 season, with key victories over top-ranked teams. McCartney’s coaching style emphasized a strong running game and physical defense, which helped Colorado become a national contender.

Dennis Erickson’s second national championship at Miami came in 1991 when the Hurricanes went undefeated, finishing 12-0. Miami’s dominance in the early 1990s was unmatched, and Erickson’s ability to maintain the program’s winning culture solidified his legacy in college football.

Steve Sarkisian was the head coach of the University of Washington football team in 2010. Sarkisian helped rebuild the Huskies’ program, leading them to a bowl game that season. His tenure at Washington was characterized by his offensive acumen, which later earned him head coaching positions at USC and Texas.

Bobby Bowden coached Florida State to its first national championship in 1993. Bowden’s Seminoles went 12-1, defeating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl to claim the title. Bowden’s long and storied career at Florida State included two national championships and 377 career victories, making him one of the winningest coaches in college football history.

Tom Osborne coached Nebraska to a 13-0 season and a national championship in 1994. Osborne’s Cornhuskers dominated opponents with their powerful option offense and stout defense. Osborne is considered one of the greatest coaches in college football history, leading Nebraska to three national championships during his career.

Steve Spurrier led the University of Florida to its first national championship in 1996. Spurrier’s "Fun ‘n’ Gun" offense revolutionized the passing game in college football, and his Gators were one of the most exciting teams to watch. His success at Florida helped elevate the SEC to its current level of prominence.

Phillip Fulmer coached the Tennessee Volunteers to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1998. The Volunteers were led by quarterback Tee Martin and a dominant defense. Fulmer’s coaching success cemented Tennessee’s place among the top college football programs in the nation.

Bob Stoops led the Oklahoma Sooners to a national championship in 2000, completing an undefeated season. Stoops’ aggressive defensive schemes and high-powered offense helped Oklahoma return to the top of college football after a period of decline. Stoops became one of the most successful coaches in Oklahoma history.

The University of Alabama is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive and prestigious conferences in college football. The SEC is known for producing national champions and consistently fielding teams that are among the best in the country.

In 2005, Boise State was a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Boise State’s football program rose to national prominence in the early 2000s, and the WAC provided a platform for the Broncos to showcase their talents before eventually moving to the Mountain West Conference.

In 2005, the University of Connecticut’s football team competed in the Big East Conference. UConn transitioned to Division I-A (FBS) football in the early 2000s, and the Big East was its home for football until the conference’s realignment in 2013.

Georgia Tech is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), where it competes in one of the top football conferences in the country. The ACC features several traditional powerhouses, and Georgia Tech has had periods of success, including a national championship in 1990.

Indiana University’s football team competes in the Big Ten Conference, one of the oldest and most storied conferences in college football. While Indiana has traditionally been more successful in basketball, its football program has had notable moments, especially in recent years.

The University of Iowa’s football team is also a member of the Big Ten Conference. Iowa has a rich football tradition, with several Big Ten titles and consistent success under head coach Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes are known for their strong defense and disciplined style of play.