30 for 30 Shorts Season 3 Episode 5 The Billion Dollar Game

The Billion Dollar Game is an episode from the third season of ESPN's documentary series 30 for 30 Shorts. This episode explores the story of the first-ever college football game to have a billion-dollar impact on the economy, the 2011 BCS National Championship Game between Auburn and Oregon.

The episode begins by introducing the economic impact of college football, which generates billions of dollars in revenue each year. It then delves into the background of the two teams that played in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, Auburn and Oregon. The two teams had contrasting styles of play, with Auburn relying on a powerful running game led by Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, while Oregon employed a high-powered, fast-paced offense known as the "blur."

The episode then explores the business side of college football, including the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and the role of television networks in broadcasting games. With a national championship on the line, the game was a huge draw for advertisers and ESPN, who paid a record $500 million for the rights to broadcast the BCS games for four years. This meant that the winner of the game would not only be crowned the national champions but would also generate a substantial amount of revenue for their respective conferences and the NCAA.

The episode then takes a look at the game itself, which was played in Glendale, Arizona. Auburn jumped out to an early lead thanks to a touchdown pass from Newton and a punt return for a touchdown by freshman cornerback Chris Davis. Oregon responded with a touchdown of their own, but Auburn's defense held strong and the Tigers took a 16-11 lead into halftime.

The second half saw both teams trade touchdowns, with Auburn always managing to stay one step ahead. Oregon had several opportunities to take the lead, but their fast-paced offense was unable to capitalize on some key moments. In the end, Auburn held on for a thrilling 22-19 victory, securing their first national championship in over 50 years.

The aftermath of the game is explored in the final segment of the episode, which looks at the impact it had on the economy. With the win, Auburn's football program generated millions of dollars in revenue for the school and the SEC, while the city of Glendale and the state of Arizona benefited from the influx of visitors and money. The game also had a lasting impact on the future of college football, leading to the creation of a four-team playoff system that replaced the controversial BCS.

In conclusion, The Billion Dollar Game is a fascinating look at the intersection of college football and business. It highlights the massive impact that a single game can have on the economy and the lasting legacy that it can leave on the sport.