Discover the Biggest college football upsets in the 2024 season that are not only generating headlines, but are also impacting the CFP, head coach job security and the joy and anguish of fans across the nation.
Week 4 – 9/19-9/21
James Madison Schools North Carolina
James Madison’s dropping 70 points on the Tar Heels in a 70-50 win caused the biggest shockwaves across the college football landscape in week 4. The 3-0 Dukes showed they were ready to Duke it out with North Carolina as the Sun Belt Conference power piled on 53 points in the first half to take a 53-21 lead into the locker room. James Madison QB Alonza Barnett III torched UNC with 388 yards passing and 5 TDs. The dual-threat QB also added 99 yards and two scores on 17 rushing attempts.
Game Implications
James Madison’s victory raised their record to 4-0 and put them in position to vie for the G5’s guaranteed College Football Playoff slot. The resounding loss also created reports that UNC coach Mac Brown offered his resignation following the loss.
Upsets in the Top 25
- No. 24 Illinois traveled to Lincoln and defeated No. 22 Nebraska 31-24 in OT
- No. 18 Michigan outlasted No. 11 USC 27-24 in Ann Arbor.
No. 24 Illinois defeated NO. 22 Nebraska 31-24 in OT
Week 3 – 9/12-9/14
G5 Slays the Power 4
While no Top 25 teams were upset this week, there were several instances of G5 schools overpowering P4 teams.
- UNLV defeated Kansas 23-20
- Memphis dropped FSU to 0-3 with a 20-12 road win
- Georgia State defeated Vanderbilt 36-32
- Toledo defeated Mississippi State 41-17.
Week 2 – 9/3-9/7
Northern Illinois Huskies defeat 5th ranked Notre Dame 16-14
NIU kicker Kannon Woodill nailed a 35-yard field goal with 31 seconds left in the game to give the Huskies an incredible win over the Fighting Irish. The game took place in South Bend, highlighting the significance of the location. The victory is the first for NIU over a top ten opponent and dropped a shocked Irish team to 1-1 on the season.
Game Implications. This upset sent shockwaves across the collegiate landscape and has shaken what was thought as a very probable playoff run by the Fighting Irish
Illinois upends No. 19 Kansas 23-17
Illinois scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to gain a 23-17 home victory. Illinois scored a game-tying touchdown before securing the victory. The win over the Jayhawks marked the first time that Illinois beat a ranked opponent at home for the first time since 2011.
Iowa State edges No. 21 Iowa 20-19
Kyle Konrardy’s 54 yard field goal with six seconds left on the clock lifted the Cyclones to a road victory over the Hawkeyes. Iowa led 19-7 late in the third quarter before Iowa State blew out of town with a one-point victory. Iowa State’s comeback in the second half was crucial for their victory.
Week 1 – 8/24 – 8/26
Georgia Tech defeats 10th ranked Florida State 23-21 in Dublin Ireland
In a thrilling season opener, Georgia Tech delivered a stunner by upsetting No. 10 Florida State with a nail-biting 24-21 victory. The game was decided by a dramatic 44-yard field goal from Aidan Birr as time expired, marking the Yellow Jackets’ first win over a top-10 opponent since their 22-16 triumph over the Seminoles in October 2015. Florida State’s quarterback threw four interceptions, which significantly impacted their performance. Key moments included Jamal Haynes’ impressive performance, rushing for 75 yards and scoring two touchdowns, and quarterback Haynes King’s dual-threat effort, throwing for 146 yards and adding another 54 on the ground.
Game Implications – This upset victory not only kickstarted Georgia Tech’s season and also dealt a severe blow to Florida State’s aspirations for a CFP appearance.
USC Upsets LSU 27-20 in season-opening Vegas showdown
In a thrilling season opener, No. 23 USC edged out No. 13 LSU with a nail-biting 27-20 victory Sunday night in Las Vegas. The game saw significant momentum shifts in the third quarter. The game was decided in the final moments, as Trojans running back Woody Marks charged through LSU’s defense for a decisive 13-yard touchdown run. The electrifying finish capped off an impressive performance by USC, which saw quarterback Miller Moss throw for a remarkable 378 yards and one touchdown, solidifying his role as a key player to watch this season.
Game Implications: USC’s victory pushed the Trojans into the AP Top 20 while providing their fans, playoff hopes. The loss continued a troubling trend for LSU, marking their fifth consecutive defeat in season openers since 2020.
Boston College defeats No. 10 Florida State
The Eagles handed FSU their second early-season upset loss by shocking the Seminoles 28-13 on September 2nd. Boston College scored the game’s first 14 points and never looked back at the ‘Noles faithful filled Doak-Campbell Stadium with despair. Boston College maintained their lead throughout the second half.
Game Implications – With Florida State falling to 0-2, the Seminoles dropped out of the AP Top 25. Boston College vaulted to a No. 24 ranking.
Why College Football Upsets Matter
Shockwaves Across the Collegiate Landscape
When a top-rated college team that is heavily favored loses to a weaker opponent, it sends shockwaves across the collegiate landscape. These upsets generate a lot of buzz and discussion among fans, analysts, and even casual observers. The unexpected nature of these games is what keeps the sport intriguing and unpredictable.
Key Points:
- Impact on Rankings: A loss for a top-ranked team can dramatically alter the rankings, often leading to a reshuffling of the championship contenders.
- Fan Engagement: Upsets drive engagement, as fans pour onto the field in celebration, sometimes even tearing down goalposts.
- Media Coverage: Games with significant upsets become headline news, fueling debates and analysis on sports networks and social media platforms.
Championship Implications
A top-ranked team being upset can have serious implications for their championship aspirations. Losing a game can mean falling out of playoff contention, which is a massive blow for teams with high expectations.
Examples:
- Northern Illinois vs. Notre Dame (2024): This game is a prime example of how an underdog can disrupt the championship landscape. The Irish, a powerhouse in the collegiate ranks, was taken down by the Huskies in the fourth quarter, a Group of Five team, proving that no team is invincible.
Bragging Rights for the Underdog
For the underdog team, pulling off a big upset is not just about the win; it’s about the bragging rights that come with it. These victories are celebrated for years and become a significant part of the school’s athletic history.
Key Points:
- Community Pride: Upsetting a highly ranked team brings immense pride and recognition to the winning team and its community.
- Recruitment Boost: Such wins can positively impact recruitment by showcasing the team’s potential to compete at high levels.
Fan Excitement and Passion
The excitement and passion stirred by a big upset are unparalleled. There’s nothing quite like the sight of fans storming the field, celebrating an unexpected victory. These moments are what make the sport unique and beloved by millions.
The Broader Implications of Upsets
Economic Impact
Upsets have a broader economic impact as well. They can increase merchandise sales, boost ticket sales for future games, and elevate the overall profile of the winning team. Media coverage following an upset can also lead to increased advertising revenues for networks and more sponsorship opportunities for the teams involved.
Cultural Impact
On a cultural level, these games become part of the folklore of college football history. They are retold through generations, adding to the rich tapestry of the sport’s history. Upsets symbolize the unpredictability and excitement that make the sport a uniquely American phenomenon.
Inspiring Future Generations
Finally, these upsets inspire future generations of athletes. They serve as a reminder that determination, hard work, and teamwork can lead to extraordinary outcomes, regardless of the odds stacked against you. Young athletes watching these games learn that anything is possible on the field, fueling their passion and dedication to the sport.
