Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Since its establishment in 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has been consistently hosted within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl commenced play in 1971 and has maintained its presence within the Phoenix metropolitan area throughout its history.
The Fiesta Bowl was initially established to ensure a bowl invitation for the champions of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Answer: True
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl's foundational purpose was to provide a guaranteed bowl berth for the champions of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), addressing a lack of postseason opportunities for WAC teams.
From 1971 to 1978, the Fiesta Bowl automatically extended an invitation to the champion of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Answer: True
Explanation: During its initial years, from 1971 through 1978, the Fiesta Bowl's tie-in was with the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), guaranteeing the conference champion a spot in the game.
The Fiesta Bowl adopted its tradition of being played on New Year's Day beginning with the 1981 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: The game's scheduling shifted to New Year's Day starting with the 1981 season, aligning it with the traditional schedule of major bowl games.
What was the primary motivation for establishing the Fiesta Bowl in 1971?
Answer: To provide a guaranteed bowl invitation for the champions of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl was founded to address the lack of bowl opportunities for Western Athletic Conference (WAC) champions, ensuring them a postseason game.
The Fiesta Bowl's tie-in with the WAC ended primarily because:
Answer: Arizona and Arizona State joined the Pac-10 Conference.
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl's initial tie-in with the WAC concluded around 1978 when key WAC members, Arizona and Arizona State, transitioned to the Pac-10 Conference.
In the late 1980s, the Fiesta Bowl's flexibility in conference tie-ins enabled it to host matchups widely regarded as national championship contests.
Answer: True
Explanation: By avoiding strict conference tie-ins during this period, the Fiesta Bowl was able to secure highly anticipated games that effectively determined the national champion, significantly elevating its prestige.
The Fiesta Bowl has historically been involved in systems designed to determine an undisputed college football national champion.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl has played a crucial role in various championship determination systems, including the Bowl Coalition, BCS, and CFP, aiming to crown an undisputed national champion.
The Fiesta Bowl hosted the inaugural BCS National Championship Game in January 1999.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl served as the venue for the first BCS National Championship Game, which took place in January 1999.
The Fiesta Bowl maintained a tie-in with the Big 12 Conference champion from 1998 through 2014, excluding years it hosted the national championship.
Answer: True
Explanation: From the 1998 season until 2014, the Fiesta Bowl typically invited the Big 12 champion, except in seasons when it was designated as the BCS National Championship Game.
Utah's participation in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl marked the first instance of a team from a non-automatic qualifying conference competing in a BCS game.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2005 Fiesta Bowl was historically significant as it featured Utah, representing a non-automatic qualifying conference, in the first BCS game appearance for such a team.
Among current conferences, the Big 12 Conference has accumulated the most appearances in the Fiesta Bowl.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Big 12 Conference holds the distinction of having the most appearances among active conferences in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Fiesta Bowl hosted the inaugural BCS National Championship Game in January 1999.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl served as the venue for the first BCS National Championship Game, which took place in January 1999.
The Fiesta Bowl maintained a tie-in with the Big 12 Conference champion from 1998 through 2014, excluding years it hosted the national championship.
Answer: True
Explanation: From the 1998 season until 2014, the Fiesta Bowl typically invited the Big 12 champion, except in seasons when it was designated as the BCS National Championship Game.
Utah's participation in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl marked the first instance of a team from a non-automatic qualifying conference competing in a BCS game.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2005 Fiesta Bowl was historically significant as it featured Utah, representing a non-automatic qualifying conference, in the first BCS game appearance for such a team.
Among current conferences, the Big 12 Conference has accumulated the most appearances in the Fiesta Bowl.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Big 12 Conference holds the distinction of having the most appearances among active conferences in the Fiesta Bowl.
What significant role did the Fiesta Bowl play in the late 1980s concerning its prestige?
Answer: It hosted two major games that effectively served as national championship contests.
Explanation: During the late 1980s, the Fiesta Bowl's lack of rigid conference tie-ins allowed it to host matchups that functioned as de facto national championship games, enhancing its stature.
Which of the following systems aimed at creating an undisputed national champion did the Fiesta Bowl join starting in 1992?
Answer: The Bowl Coalition
Explanation: In 1992, the Fiesta Bowl became a participant in the Bowl Coalition, an initiative designed to establish a consensus national champion.
When did the Fiesta Bowl first serve as the designated BCS National Championship Game?
Answer: 1999
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl hosted the first BCS National Championship Game in January 1999, featuring Tennessee against Florida State.
What was the Fiesta Bowl's tie-in with the Big 12 Conference, active from 1998 to 2014?
Answer: It invited the Big 12 champion only in years it was not the BCS National Championship Game.
Explanation: From 1998 to 2014, the Fiesta Bowl typically selected the Big 12 champion, unless it was designated to host the BCS National Championship Game that season.
What was the significance of Utah's participation in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl?
Answer: It marked the first appearance of a team from a non-automatic qualifying conference in a BCS game.
Explanation: The 2005 Fiesta Bowl was historically significant as it featured Utah, representing a non-automatic qualifying conference, in the first BCS game appearance for such a team.
Which conference has the most overall appearances in the Fiesta Bowl, including historical conferences?
Answer: Independents
Explanation: Historically, teams classified as Independents have the highest number of appearances in the Fiesta Bowl. Among current conferences, the Big 12 leads.
The Fiesta Bowl is not currently part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl is integrated into the College Football Playoff structure as one of the "New Year's Six" bowls and periodically hosts semifinal games.
The December 2016 Fiesta Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal, saw Clemson defeat Ohio State.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the December 2016 College Football Playoff semifinal hosted as the Fiesta Bowl, Clemson secured a decisive victory over Ohio State.
The Fiesta Bowl is not currently part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl is integrated into the College Football Playoff structure as one of the "New Year's Six" bowls and periodically hosts semifinal games.
The December 2016 Fiesta Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal, saw Clemson defeat Ohio State.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the December 2016 College Football Playoff semifinal hosted as the Fiesta Bowl, Clemson secured a decisive victory over Ohio State.
How did the Fiesta Bowl become integrated into the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure?
Answer: It became one of the "New Year's Six" bowls, serving as a semifinal game periodically.
Explanation: Upon the advent of the College Football Playoff in 2014, the Fiesta Bowl was incorporated as one of the "New Year's Six" bowls and has periodically hosted semifinal contests.
What is the Fiesta Bowl's role in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff starting in 2024-25?
Answer: It is scheduled to serve as either a quarterfinal or semifinal game each year.
Explanation: With the College Football Playoff's expansion to twelve teams, the Fiesta Bowl is slated to host either a quarterfinal or semifinal game annually.
Which of the following teams has appeared in the Fiesta Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff semifinals?
Answer: Michigan
Explanation: Michigan has participated in the Fiesta Bowl when it served as a College Football Playoff semifinal game.
Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, served as the exclusive venue for the Fiesta Bowl from its inception until 2006.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Sun Devil Stadium hosted the Fiesta Bowl from 1971 to 2006, the game later moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, beginning in 2007.
The Fiesta Bowl holds the distinction of being the first college football bowl game to secure a corporate title sponsor.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1985, the Fiesta Bowl established a precedent by becoming the first college football bowl game to enter into a corporate title sponsorship agreement.
PlayStation held the title sponsorship for the Fiesta Bowl immediately preceding Vrbo's sponsorship, which began in 2022.
Answer: True
Explanation: Vrbo assumed the title sponsorship in 2022, succeeding PlayStation, which had held the sponsorship role prior to that.
The Fiesta Bowl has exclusively been broadcast by ESPN throughout its history.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl has a notable broadcasting history, having aired on NBC, CBS, and ABC in addition to ESPN, making it one of only two bowl games to appear on all four major US broadcast networks.
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl marked the inaugural game held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the conclusion of its tenure at Sun Devil Stadium in 2006, the Fiesta Bowl relocated to State Farm Stadium (then known as University of Phoenix Stadium), with the 2007 game being the first played at this new venue.
The Fiesta Bowl has exclusively been broadcast by ESPN throughout its history.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl has a notable broadcasting history, having aired on NBC, CBS, and ABC in addition to ESPN, making it one of only two bowl games to appear on all four major US broadcast networks.
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl marked the inaugural game held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the conclusion of its tenure at Sun Devil Stadium in 2006, the Fiesta Bowl relocated to State Farm Stadium (then known as University of Phoenix Stadium), with the 2007 game being the first played at this new venue.
Which stadium hosted the Fiesta Bowl from its inception in 1971 until 2006?
Answer: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe
Explanation: Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, served as the home venue for the Fiesta Bowl from its inaugural game in 1971 through the 2006 season.
Who is the current title sponsor of the Fiesta Bowl as of 2022?
Answer: Vrbo
Explanation: Since 2022, Vrbo has held the title sponsorship for the Fiesta Bowl, succeeding PlayStation.
The Fiesta Bowl is unique among bowl games for having been broadcast on which of the following?
Answer: All four major US broadcast networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, ESPN)
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl's broadcasting history is notable as it is one of only two bowl games to have aired on all four major US broadcast networks: NBC, CBS, ABC, and ESPN.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a past broadcaster of the Fiesta Bowl?
Answer: Fox
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl has been broadcast by NBC, CBS, and ABC, in addition to its current broadcaster ESPN. Fox is not listed among its past major network broadcasters.
Ohio State holds the record for the most appearances in the Fiesta Bowl.
Answer: True
Explanation: With nine total appearances, Ohio State has participated in the Fiesta Bowl more times than any other collegiate program.
Penn State possesses the best record in the Fiesta Bowl, having won all of its appearances.
Answer: True
Explanation: Penn State holds a perfect record in the Fiesta Bowl, having won all eight of its appearances, which represents the highest winning percentage among teams with multiple participations.
The highest-scoring game in Fiesta Bowl history occurred in 1996 between Nebraska and Florida.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the 1996 Nebraska vs. Florida game was high-scoring (Nebraska won 62-24), the record for the highest-scoring game was later set by the December 2022 contest between TCU and Michigan (combined score of 96).
Nebraska holds the record for the most points scored by a single team in a Fiesta Bowl game.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nebraska achieved the record for the most points scored by a single team, tallying 62 points against Florida in the January 1996 Fiesta Bowl.
Marcus Dupree holds the record for the most rushing yards achieved in a single Fiesta Bowl game.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marcus Dupree set the record for the most rushing yards in a single Fiesta Bowl game, accumulating 245 yards in the January 1983 contest.
Boise State defeated Oklahoma in a dramatic overtime contest in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, the first held at State Farm Stadium.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2007 Fiesta Bowl is renowned for Boise State's overtime victory against Oklahoma, marking both a thrilling game and the venue's debut as host.
Miami (Florida) holds the record for the most Fiesta Bowl appearances without securing a victory.
Answer: True
Explanation: Miami (Florida) has participated in four Fiesta Bowls and has lost all four, establishing the record for the most appearances without a win.
The longest touchdown pass recorded in Fiesta Bowl history was thrown by Troy Smith to Santonio Holmes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The record for the longest touchdown pass in Fiesta Bowl history is attributed to the connection between Troy Smith and Santonio Holmes.
Ohio State holds the record for the most appearances in the Fiesta Bowl.
Answer: True
Explanation: With nine total appearances, Ohio State has participated in the Fiesta Bowl more times than any other collegiate program.
Penn State possesses the best record in the Fiesta Bowl, having won all of its appearances.
Answer: True
Explanation: Penn State holds a perfect record in the Fiesta Bowl, having won all eight of its appearances, which represents the highest winning percentage among teams with multiple participations.
The highest-scoring game in Fiesta Bowl history occurred in 1996 between Nebraska and Florida.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the 1996 Nebraska vs. Florida game was high-scoring (Nebraska won 62-24), the record for the highest-scoring game was later set by the December 2022 contest between TCU and Michigan (combined score of 96).
Nebraska holds the record for the most points scored by a single team in a Fiesta Bowl game.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nebraska achieved the record for the most points scored by a single team, tallying 62 points against Florida in the January 1996 Fiesta Bowl.
Marcus Dupree holds the record for the most rushing yards achieved in a single Fiesta Bowl game.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marcus Dupree set the record for the most rushing yards in a single Fiesta Bowl game, accumulating 245 yards in the January 1983 contest.
Boise State defeated Oklahoma in a dramatic overtime contest in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, the first held at State Farm Stadium.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2007 Fiesta Bowl is renowned for Boise State's overtime victory against Oklahoma, marking both a thrilling game and the venue's debut as host.
Miami (Florida) holds the record for the most Fiesta Bowl appearances without securing a victory.
Answer: True
Explanation: Miami (Florida) has participated in four Fiesta Bowls and has lost all four, establishing the record for the most appearances without a win.
The longest touchdown pass recorded in Fiesta Bowl history was thrown by Troy Smith to Santonio Holmes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The record for the longest touchdown pass in Fiesta Bowl history is attributed to the connection between Troy Smith and Santonio Holmes.
Which team has made the most appearances in the Fiesta Bowl?
Answer: Ohio State
Explanation: With nine total appearances, Ohio State has participated in the Fiesta Bowl more times than any other collegiate program.
What is the record for the most points scored by a single team in Fiesta Bowl history?
Answer: 62 points (Nebraska vs. Florida, 1996)
Explanation: Nebraska achieved the record for the most points scored by a single team, tallying 62 points against Florida in the January 1996 Fiesta Bowl.
Which player holds the record for most rushing yards in a single Fiesta Bowl game?
Answer: Marcus Dupree
Explanation: Marcus Dupree set the record for the most rushing yards in a single Fiesta Bowl game, accumulating 245 yards in the January 1983 contest.
Which team holds the highest winning percentage in the Fiesta Bowl among those with at least two appearances?
Answer: Penn State
Explanation: Penn State holds a perfect record in the Fiesta Bowl, having won all eight of its appearances, which represents the highest winning percentage among teams with multiple participations.
What record did TCU and Michigan break in the December 2022 Fiesta Bowl?
Answer: Highest-scoring game in Fiesta Bowl history
Explanation: The December 2022 Fiesta Bowl between TCU and Michigan, with a combined score of 96 points, set the record for the highest-scoring game in the bowl's history.
Which team holds the record for the longest touchdown pass in Fiesta Bowl history?
Answer: A pass from Troy Smith to Santonio Holmes
Explanation: The record for the longest touchdown pass in Fiesta Bowl history is attributed to the connection between Troy Smith and Santonio Holmes.
What record did the January 2024 Fiesta Bowl set regarding margin of victory?
Answer: It set the record for the largest margin of victory.
Explanation: The January 2024 Fiesta Bowl, featuring Oregon's victory over Liberty, established a new record for the largest margin of victory in the game's history.
Which team has the most Fiesta Bowl appearances without a win?
Answer: Miami (Florida)
Explanation: Miami (Florida) has participated in four Fiesta Bowls and has lost all four, establishing the record for the most appearances without a win.
What was the outcome of the 1987 Fiesta Bowl between #1 Miami and #2 Penn State?
Answer: Penn State won 14-10, securing the national championship.
Explanation: In the highly anticipated 1987 Fiesta Bowl, #2 Penn State defeated #1 Miami 14-10, clinching the national championship in a contest often cited for its significance.
The 2010 Fiesta Bowl, featuring Boise State and TCU, was colloquially referred to as the 'Separate But Equal Bowl' due to criticisms of the BCS selection process.
Answer: True
Explanation: The matchup of two highly-ranked non-automatic qualifying conference teams, Boise State and TCU, in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl led to the 'Separate But Equal Bowl' moniker, reflecting concerns about the BCS's structure.
An internal review conducted in 2011 concluded that all Fiesta Bowl employees were cleared of any wrongdoing concerning financial misconduct.
Answer: False
Explanation: While an initial 'independent review' found no credible evidence, a subsequent internal report in 2011 identified illegal campaign contributions, leading to the termination of the CEO and other consequences.
The Fiesta Bowl was fined $1 million by the BCS and faced potential expulsion due to a financial scandal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the financial scandal, the Bowl Championship Series imposed a $1 million fine on the Fiesta Bowl organization, though it was not expelled from the system.
The 2010 Fiesta Bowl, featuring Boise State and TCU, was colloquially referred to as the 'Separate But Equal Bowl' due to criticisms of the BCS selection process.
Answer: True
Explanation: The matchup of two highly-ranked non-automatic qualifying conference teams, Boise State and TCU, in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl led to the 'Separate But Equal Bowl' moniker, reflecting concerns about the BCS's structure.
An internal review conducted in 2011 concluded that all Fiesta Bowl employees were cleared of any wrongdoing concerning financial misconduct.
Answer: False
Explanation: While an initial 'independent review' found no credible evidence, a subsequent internal report in 2011 identified illegal campaign contributions, leading to the termination of the CEO and other consequences.
The Fiesta Bowl was fined $1 million by the BCS and faced potential expulsion due to a financial scandal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the financial scandal, the Bowl Championship Series imposed a $1 million fine on the Fiesta Bowl organization, though it was not expelled from the system.
What controversy surrounded the 2010 Fiesta Bowl matchup between Boise State and TCU?
Answer: Concerns that the BCS intentionally paired two highly-ranked non-AQ teams together.
Explanation: The 2010 Fiesta Bowl, featuring two undefeated non-automatic qualifying teams (Boise State and TCU), sparked debate and criticism regarding the BCS selection process, leading to the 'Separate But Equal Bowl' nickname.
What financial scandal did the Fiesta Bowl face allegations regarding in 2009?
Answer: Reimbursement of employees for illegal campaign contributions.
Explanation: In 2009, allegations surfaced concerning the reimbursement of Fiesta Bowl employees for campaign contributions made to politicians, potentially violating campaign finance laws.
What happened to Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker following the 2009 financial scandal?
Answer: He was fired and later pleaded guilty to a federal felony charge.
Explanation: Following the investigation into the 2009 financial scandal, Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker was terminated and subsequently pleaded guilty to a federal felony charge related to campaign financing.
The Fiesta Bowl Parade, a significant community event, began in the early 2000s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl Parade commenced in 1973, predating the early 2000s by several decades.
The Fiesta Bowl organization has contributed over $12 million to charitable causes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Beyond its role in college football, the Fiesta Bowl has demonstrated significant community commitment through substantial charitable donations exceeding $12 million.
The Fiesta Bowl Parade, a significant community event, began in the early 2000s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl Parade commenced in 1973, predating the early 2000s by several decades.
The Fiesta Bowl organization has contributed over $12 million to charitable causes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Beyond its role in college football, the Fiesta Bowl has demonstrated significant community commitment through substantial charitable donations exceeding $12 million.
What is the Fiesta Bowl Parade?
Answer: An annual event in downtown Phoenix with marching bands, floats, and royalty.
Explanation: The Fiesta Bowl Parade is a long-standing annual tradition held in downtown Phoenix, featuring marching bands, floats, and ceremonial royalty.