College football is usually defined by explosive offenses, dramatic touchdowns, and high-scoring classics. But every so often, the sport delivers games that go in the opposite direction, defensive slugfests, offensive futility, and scores that barely resemble football at all.
From infamous scoreless ties to games decided by a single field goal or even a safety, these matchups have earned a permanent place in college football lore. Below are 10 of the lowest-scoring games of all time.
1) Army vs. Notre Dame (1946): 0–0
Total Points: 0
Dubbed the “Game of the Century,” this matchup between Army and Notre Dame featured two of the best defenses in college football history. Both teams dominated field position and shut down every offensive threat. Despite the hype, neither squad could score, creating a legendary defensive stalemate remembered as one of the greatest scoreless games ever played.
2) Arkansas vs. LSU (1947 Cotton Bowl): 0–0
Total Points: 0
This Cotton Bowl ended without a single point, showcasing post-war football’s emphasis on defense and conservative strategy. Despite both teams moving the ball at times, neither could finish a drive, resulting in a true stalemate.
3) Air Force vs. TCU (1959 Cotton Bowl): 0–0
Total Points: 0
Another scoreless Cotton Bowl, this game featured disciplined defenses and ball-control offenses that canceled each other out. Field position battles dominated, but neither team could break through.
4) Texas Tech vs. Centenary (1939): 0–0
Total Points: 0
The most infamous low-scoring game in college football history. This matchup featured 77 punts, setting 13 NCAA records for futility that still stand today. Offensive plays were so ineffective that punting became the primary strategy, making this game the gold standard for scoreless chaos.
5) Fordham vs. Missouri (1942 Sugar Bowl): 2–0
Total Points: 2
One of the rarest scores in football history, this Sugar Bowl was decided by a safety. Fordham’s defense dominated field position, and that single scoring play was enough to secure victory in a game remembered for its historical oddity.
6) Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh (2008 Sun Bowl): 3–0
Total Points: 3
Even bowl games aren’t immune to offensive struggles. The 2008 Sun Bowl featured stalled drives, missed opportunities, and conservative play-calling, with Oregon State’s lone field goal standing as the difference in one of the lowest-scoring bowl games ever.
7) Rutgers vs. Virginia (1981): 3–0
Total Points: 3
This Meadowlands matchup was decided by a single late field goal, followed by a missed field goal attempt that could have forced overtime. Offense was nearly nonexistent, making every snap feel monumental in a game where points were painfully hard to come by.
8) Princeton vs. Cornell (1998): 6–0
Total Points: 6
Played as the first game ever at Princeton University Stadium, this matchup leaned heavily into tradition. Princeton controlled the game defensively, never allowing Cornell to seriously threaten while relying on field goals to secure the win.
9) Rutgers vs. Duke (1987): 7–0
Total Points: 7
This game is remembered less for Rutgers’ lone touchdown and more for the opponent. Duke, coached by Steve Spurrier, was shut out, one of only two times Spurrier’s teams were ever held scoreless. That fact alone cements this game’s place in history.
10) Iowa vs. Penn State (2004): 6–4
Total Points: 10
One of the strangest scores in college football history, this game matched the final score of the first college football game ever played (Rutgers vs. Princeton in 1869). Iowa’s six points came via field goals. The Nittany Lions’ only points of the day came on two safeties, the second of which Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz had his team take on purpose in the fourth quarter.
The two teams combined for just 315 total yards of offense and seven turnovers, five (four interceptions) of which belonged to Penn State. There were only 93 combined rushing yards, and the offenses were 10 for 36 on third downs. Each team had seven punts.
