In the rich tapestry of college football history, certain games stand out not just for their intensity and skill, but for the sheer surprise they brought to fans and analysts alike. These are the games where underdogs defied all odds and expectations, stunning powerhouse teams and rewriting the narratives of the sport.

One of the most iconic upsets in college football history occurred in 2007 when the Appalachian State Mountaineers, then an FCS team, faced off against the mighty Michigan Wolverines, a perennial powerhouse in the FBS. The Mountaineers, led by quarterback Armanti Edwards, shocked the football world by defeating Michigan 34-32 in Ann Arbor. This victory marked the first time an FCS team had beaten a ranked FBS team and became an instant legend in college football lore.

Another historic upset took place in the 1984 Orange Bowl, where the underdog University of Miami Hurricanes, led by quarterback Bernie Kosar, defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 31-30. The Hurricanes, considered heavy underdogs, pulled off a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, capped off by a game-winning field goal. This victory catapulted Miami into national prominence and signaled the rise of their football program as a powerhouse in the years to come.

In 2007, the Stanford Cardinal delivered another shocking upset when they defeated the USC Trojans, who were ranked No. 2 at the time. Led by head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Tavita Pritchard, Stanford’s 24-23 victory over USC sent shockwaves through the college football world and showcased the unpredictability of the sport.

These upsets remind us that in college football, anything can happen on any given Saturday. They inspire hope for every underdog team and serve as a testament to the passion and competitiveness that define the sport. As fans and historians, we cherish these moments of unpredictability and celebrate the teams and players who dare to defy expectations and make history on the gridiron.