Welcome to another thrilling edition of Hot Garbage, where we revel in the chaos, unpredictability, and pure insanity that makes college football the wild ride we all love. Today, we’re diving into the biggest upsets in college football history – those glorious moments when the underdogs defied the odds, left the experts scratching their heads, and had us all cheering (or crying) in disbelief.

1. Appalachian State vs. Michigan (2007)

Let’s start with the granddaddy of all upsets. In 2007, the mighty Michigan Wolverines, ranked fifth in the nation, faced off against the unranked Appalachian State Mountaineers. This was supposed to be a walk in the park for Michigan, but instead, it turned into a nightmare. Appalachian State blocked a last-second field goal attempt to secure a 34-32 victory, sending shockwaves through the college football world. This game wasn’t just an upset; it was a seismic event that proved anything can happen on the gridiron.

2. Stanford vs. USC (2007)

2007 was clearly the year of the upset. The Stanford Cardinal, a 41-point underdog, marched into the LA Coliseum and stunned the second-ranked USC Trojans. Stanford’s backup quarterback, Tavita Pritchard, led a last-minute touchdown drive, sealing a 24-23 victory. This game was a reminder that no matter how stacked a team is, they’re never safe from the unpredictable nature of college football.

3. Boise State vs. Oklahoma (2007 Fiesta Bowl)

The 2007 Fiesta Bowl is legendary for its thrilling finish and the incredible underdog story of the Boise State Broncos. Facing the heavily favored Oklahoma Sooners, Boise State pulled off a series of trick plays, including the unforgettable “Statue of Liberty” play, to clinch a 43-42 overtime victory. This game was so wild it felt like a Hollywood script, and it firmly established Boise State as a giant killer.

4. James Madison vs. Virginia Tech (2010)

When James Madison University, an FCS team, took on the 13th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies, everyone expected a blowout. Instead, they got one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. JMU’s defense stifled the Hokies, and their offense did just enough to pull off a 21-16 shocker. This game was a stark reminder that on any given Saturday, anything is possible.

5. Navy vs. Notre Dame (2007)

Notre Dame, one of college football’s most storied programs, hadn’t lost to Navy in 43 years. That streak came to an end in 2007 when the Midshipmen outlasted the Fighting Irish in a triple-overtime thriller, winning 46-44. It was a game that showed heart, determination, and a willingness to break decades-long curses.

6. Howard vs. UNLV (2017)

Howard University, a 45-point underdog, went into Las Vegas and stunned the UNLV Rebels with a 43-40 victory. This game featured a breakout performance from quarterback Caylin Newton (yes, Cam Newton’s younger brother), who led the Bison to an improbable win. It’s considered one of the largest point spread upsets in college football history.

7. Georgia Southern vs. Florida (2013)

The Florida Gators, a proud SEC powerhouse, fell to the unranked Georgia Southern Eagles in 2013. What made this upset particularly brutal for Gators fans was that Georgia Southern didn’t complete a single pass in the entire game, yet still managed to win 26-20. It was a humiliating defeat for Florida and a joyous moment for the Eagles.

8. Citadel vs. South Carolina (2015)

In 2015, the Citadel Bulldogs, an FCS team, marched into Columbia and defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 23-22. This upset was a crushing blow for South Carolina and a monumental victory for the Citadel. It showcased the unpredictable nature of college football and the fact that no team is invincible.

Conclusion: The Magic of College Football

These upsets are why we love college football. They remind us that no matter the odds, the rankings, or the predictions, the game is played on the field. The underdogs’ victories bring pure, unadulterated joy to the sport, making each season an adventure full of surprises. So here’s to the little guys, the overlooked, and the underestimated – you’re the heart and soul of college football’s wildest moments.

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