1990 College Football Championship: Who Won?
The 1990 college football season culminated in a thrilling race for the national championship, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Multiple teams had legitimate claims to the title, making the final decision a topic of intense debate. The two teams that emerged as the frontrunners were the Colorado Buffaloes and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Each had spectacular seasons, but their paths to the top were markedly different, and the controversy surrounding the ultimate decision continues to be discussed even today. Understanding the nuances of their seasons, the key games, and the final polls is essential to appreciating the historical significance of the 1990 college football championship.
The Rise of the Colorado Buffaloes
The Colorado Buffaloes, coached by the legendary Bill McCartney, had a season marked by both brilliance and controversy. Their potent offense, led by quarterback Darian Hagan and running back Eric Bieniemy, was a force to be reckoned with. However, their journey was far from smooth. One game, in particular, stands out: the infamous "Fifth Down Game" against Missouri. In a bizarre officiating error, Colorado was mistakenly given five downs on their game-winning drive. This victory, though crucial, was tainted by controversy and raised questions about the legitimacy of their title aspirations. Despite the controversy, Colorado continued to dominate, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive resilience. Key victories against top-ranked opponents solidified their position in the national polls, but the shadow of the Missouri game lingered. As the season progressed, the Buffaloes faced tough challenges from other formidable teams in the Big Eight Conference. Their ability to overcome these obstacles and maintain their winning streak demonstrated their championship mettle. Ultimately, Colorado's performance on the field, combined with their strength of schedule, made them a strong contender for the national title, regardless of the controversies that surrounded them. Their fans passionately supported their claim, arguing that the team's overall performance warranted recognition as the nation's best.
Georgia Tech's Undefeated Run
Meanwhile, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, under the guidance of coach Bobby Ross, quietly marched through their season undefeated. Playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), they displayed a balanced attack and a stingy defense that proved difficult for any opponent to crack. Quarterback Shawn Jones led an efficient offense, while the defense, anchored by several All-ACC players, consistently shut down opposing offenses. Unlike Colorado, Georgia Tech did not face any major controversies or officiating mishaps. Their success was built on consistent performance and a disciplined approach to the game. However, some critics argued that the ACC was not as competitive as the Big Eight, and therefore, Georgia Tech's undefeated record was less impressive than Colorado's. Despite these criticisms, the Yellow Jackets continued to win, showcasing their ability to dominate their opponents week after week. Key victories against rivals like Clemson and Virginia Tech bolstered their resume and solidified their position in the national polls. As the season drew to a close, Georgia Tech's undefeated record made them a clear contender for the national title, and their fans fervently believed that their team deserved to be recognized as the best in the nation. The lack of controversy surrounding their season further strengthened their claim, as many argued that their success was purely based on their performance on the field.
The Polls and the Split Decision
As the regular season concluded, the polls reflected the divided opinions of coaches and sportswriters. The Associated Press (AP) poll, which was primarily based on the votes of sportswriters, awarded the national championship to Colorado. The coaches, in the USA Today/CNN poll (now the Coaches Poll), voted Georgia Tech as the national champion. This split decision created a unique and controversial situation, as there were technically two national champions in 1990. The AP voters were swayed by Colorado's strength of schedule and their overall performance against tough opponents, despite the controversy surrounding the Missouri game. On the other hand, the coaches in the USA Today/CNN poll valued Georgia Tech's undefeated record and their consistent dominance throughout the season. The split decision sparked intense debate among fans, analysts, and historians. Some argued that Colorado's strength of schedule justified their claim to the title, while others maintained that Georgia Tech's undefeated record was more deserving of recognition. The controversy highlighted the subjective nature of college football rankings and the challenges of selecting a single national champion in a sport with so many variables.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The aftermath of the 1990 season saw both Colorado and Georgia Tech celebrate their national championships. Both programs basked in the glory of their accomplishments, and the players and coaches were forever remembered as champions. However, the controversy surrounding the split decision continued to linger, and the debate over which team was truly the best raged on for years to come. The "Fifth Down Game" became a symbol of the imperfections and controversies that can sometimes overshadow even the greatest achievements in sports. In the years that followed, college football underwent significant changes, including the introduction of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and, later, the College Football Playoff, in an attempt to create a more definitive and less controversial method of determining the national champion. However, the legacy of the 1990 season serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in ranking teams and awarding championships in a sport with so much passion and tradition. The story of the 1990 national championship continues to be a source of fascination and debate for college football fans, and it remains a significant chapter in the history of the sport.
Conclusion
The 1990 college football season remains one of the most memorable and controversial in history. The split national championship between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets highlights the subjective nature of ranking teams and the challenges of selecting a single national champion. Colorado's high-powered offense and strength of schedule, coupled with the controversy of the "Fifth Down Game," made them a compelling choice for some voters. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech's undefeated record and consistent dominance throughout the season earned them the recognition of the coaches' poll. Ultimately, the 1990 season serves as a reminder of the passion, tradition, and occasional controversies that make college football such a beloved and enduring sport. The debates and discussions surrounding that season continue to resonate with fans and historians, ensuring that the legacy of the 1990 national championship will live on for generations to come.
