Biggest College Football Upsets: The Games That Shocked the Nation

It’s often said that anything can happen on any given Sunday, but shocking results are a fixture on Saturdays as well. Even though powerhouse teams dominate NCAA football, there are moments when the underdogs rise and deliver unforgettable upsets that shake the college football world.

In this era of Power 4 conferences and a 12-team College Football Playoff, the “Goliaths” may have more power and influence than ever, but “David” still manages to sling a few stones. Every season features stunning upsets, but some are so monumental that they become part of football lore. Here are five of the most impactful upsets in college football history:

When: September 11, 2010
Where: Lane Stadium (Blacksburg, Virginia)
Pregame Spread: Virginia Tech -33, James Madison +33
Final Score: James Madison 21, Virginia Tech 16

Virginia Tech was coming off a dramatic season-opening loss to Boise State and had only a short week to prepare for their in-state FCS opponent. The Hokies led 16-7 in the second half, but James Madison had other plans. The Dukes' quarterback, Drew Dudzik, scored two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns, including a game-winner with just 1:15 left, cementing one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history.

The Hokies became only the second ranked FBS team to lose to an FCS opponent, making this loss even more humiliating, especially as James Madison ended the season with a modest 6-5 record. Virginia Tech, however, managed to recover, winning 11 straight games before losing their bowl game to Stanford.

When: September 1, 2007
Where: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Pregame Spread: Michigan -33, Appalachian State +33
Final Score: Appalachian State 34, Michigan 32

This upset is often considered one of the greatest in college football history, not just because of the odds but also the shock value. The fifth-ranked Wolverines were stunned at home by a little-known team from the Smoky Mountains in front of over 100,000 fans. Appalachian State's quarterback, Armanti Edwards, delivered a masterclass performance, throwing for 227 yards, three touchdowns, and rushing for 62 yards and a score.

After a tight back-and-forth game, Appalachian State blocked a game-winning field goal attempt by Michigan with just seconds left, sealing the victory. Michigan's hopes for a national title were dashed, but they still managed a 9-4 season, including a win over Florida in the Capital One Bowl.

When: September 2, 2017
Where: McLane Stadium (Waco, Texas)
Pregame Spread: Baylor -36.5, Liberty +36.5
Final Score: Liberty 48, Baylor 45

In Matt Rhule's first game as head coach, Baylor was supposed to cruise to an easy victory. Instead, they were shocked by Liberty, whose quarterback Stephen Calvert threw for 447 yards and three touchdowns. Liberty took control late in the third quarter and never looked back, outscoring Baylor 21-7 to build a 10-point fourth-quarter lead.

Baylor's disastrous start to the season set the tone for the rest of the year, as they went 0-8 before eventually finishing 1-11 in Rhule's first year in charge.

When: September 22, 2007
Where: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium (Louisville, Kentucky)
Pregame Spread: Louisville -37, Syracuse +37
Final Score: Syracuse 38, Louisville 35

Louisville entered the game ranked 18th in the nation and was heavily favored against a struggling Syracuse team. The Orange, however, had other plans, putting up 465 yards of offense and stunning the Cardinals. Syracuse quarterback Andrew Robinson connected with Taj Smith for 173 yards and two touchdowns, building a 31-14 lead after three quarters.

Louisville's Brian Brohm threw for an impressive 555 yards and four touchdowns, but it wasn't enough. Syracuse held on for one of the most surprising victories in FBS history.

When: October 6, 2007
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, California)
Pregame Spread: USC -39, Stanford +39
Final Score: Stanford 24, USC 23

USC was the No. 1 team in the country and seemed on track for another national title. However, Stanford—a team they had defeated 42-0 the year before—had other plans. Despite trailing for most of the game, Stanford's defense forced USC quarterback John-David Booty into four interceptions.

With less than a minute left, Stanford's Tavita Pritchard found Mark Bradford for a 10-yard touchdown, completing the biggest upset by point spread in FBS history at the time. The loss cost USC a shot at a national championship, though they still finished the season 11-2 and ranked third in the country.