College football is famous for its unpredictability, and the 2024–2025 seasons delivered plenty of early shocks and seismic moments. In this article, ten stunning games are analyzed in depth—each one a game changer that has shaken up rankings, playoff implications, and team morale. From mid‑season miracles to bowl game bombs, you’ll find all the details here.
1. Vanderbilt 40–35 Alabama (Oct 5, 2024)
The Game That Rocked the SEC
Prior to the matchup, Alabama was undefeated (4–0) and ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, favored by 23½ points .
Yet Vanderbilt, 2–2 at the time, delivered a historic upset—its first win over a top‑5 opponent and over #1 Alabama in program history.
Key Facts
- Quarterback Diego Pavia led the charge with a standout performance, keeping Vandy in the game throughout.
- Fans stormed the field, uprooted the goalposts, and carried them through Nashville in celebration.
- The upset marked Vanderbilt’s first win over a top‑1 ranked team since 1936, snapping a 60‑game top‑5 losing streak.
Impact
Alabama failed to recover long-term, losing again later in the season, and questions were raised about the Tide’s playoff readiness. Vanderbilt, meanwhile, gained national attention and momentum.
2. Northern Illinois 16–14 Notre Dame (Sep 7, 2024)
A MAC School Shocks the Irish
Host Northern Illinois, an unranked MAC program, stunned No. 5 Notre Dame in South Bend—16 to 14.
It was not only NIU’s first win over a top‑5 opponent but also its initial top‑10 triumph in program history.
Key Details
- Two interceptions and a pair of blocked kicks by NIU were game-deciders .
- The loss served as a wake‑up call for Notre Dame, which then went on to win the Sugar Bowl and break its major bowl drought.
Why It Mattered
The upset reverberated throughout college football, serving notice that no team is invincible and shining a spotlight on mid-major programs.
3. Michigan 13–10 Ohio State (Nov 30, 2024)
Underdog Wolverines Triumph in Columbus
Unranked Michigan, new under coach Sherrone Moore, entered Ohio Stadium as 20½‑point underdogs against #2 Ohio State.
Yet, Michigan held firm and came out victorious at 13–10 .
What Happened
- This marked Michigan’s first upset there since 1991 and gave Moore his greatest win as head coach .
- The win reshaped the Big Ten standings and sent shockwaves into playoff calculations.
4. Michigan 19–13 Alabama (ReliaQuest Bowl, Dec 31, 2024)
Bowl Game Bombshell
In the postseason ReliaQuest Bowl, Michigan again surprised Alabama, prevailing 19–13 as 16½‑point underdogs.
Momentum Carried Over
- Michigan capitalized on key Alabama turnovers (two fumbles), paving the way for their win .
- This back-to-back upset confirmed Michigan as a program on the rise under Moore.
5. Arkansas 19–14 Tennessee (Oct 5, 2024)
An Unlikely SEC Surprise
Arkansas, unranked at the time, shocked #4 Tennessee with a narrow 19–14 victory .
Significance
- Tennessee, a major playoff contender, faltered in a conference clash that significantly altered rankings.
- This was one of four top‑11 teams to lose in a single weekend—a rare occurrence .
6. Washington 27–17 Michigan (Oct 4, 2024)
Cross-Conference Chaos
Ranked No. 10 Michigan fell 27–17 to Washington on the road .
The Aftermath
- It marked Michigan’s second blowout loss in a week, further complicating their playoff aspirations.
- Washington cemented its reputation as a stealth contender in the Pac‑12.
7. Minnesota 24–17 USC (Oct 4, 2024)
Big Ten Over Powerhouse
Minnesota, unranked, upset No. 11 USC 24–17 .
Context
- This loss exposed national vulnerabilities in USC’s rollout into the Big Ten.
- It invigorated Minnesota’s season, bolstering their conference standing.
8. Arizona State 27–19 Utah (Oct 11, 2024)
Sun Devils Surprise Utes
Arizona State, considered the underdog, secured a 27–19 win over No. 16 Utah .
Coach Dillingham’s Rise
- Under first‑year head coach Kenny Dillingham, ASU showed lethal playmaking that tipped rankings.
- It marked ASU’s first significant upset and set the tone for the rest of their season.
9. Georgia Tech 24–21 Florida State (2024 season opener)
ACC Shocker Early On
Unranked Georgia Tech stunned No. 10 Florida State 24–21.
Upset Watch
- This early win put Georgia Tech on the map and showed FSU’s early-season vulnerabilities.
- It’s often cited as the season’s first major power upset.
10. Boston College 28–13 Florida State (Sep 2, 2024)
Double Win for FSU
Remarkably, Boston College followed up FSU’s loss to Tech with its own upset, beating FSU 28–13 .
Trend Noticeable
- Two losses to unranked ACC rivals signaled trouble for the Seminoles.
- It dramatically reshaped FSU’s trajectory for the rest of the year.
Conclusion
The essence of college football lies in its unpredictability: the underdog mentality, fan passion, and playoff suspense create unforgettable moments. From Vanderbilt’s historic storming to NIU’s tiny‑school magic, these 10 games remind us why every Saturday matters.
Read more SPORTS news trends here
