The Most Shocking Upsets in Sports History: From College Football to World Cup

Sports have a knack for delivering unexpected outcomes that leave fans in awe. Over the past 15 years, several events stood out as unprecedented and unforgettable upsets. From college football to international soccer, these matches have both amused and bewildered sports enthusiasts.

The 2007 College Football Uproar

As we explore some of the most surprising upsets, one series that stands out is the 2007 season in college football. In one fell swoop, not one but two upsets shook the nation:

Appalachian State vs. Michigan

In early September, history was made when Appalachian State, an I-AA (Independent) school, upset the mighty Michigan Wolverines in their own stadium, Michigan Stadium. This was one of those rare instances where a team not covered by Vegas lines managed to triumph over a powerhouse. The odds against this upset were significant, as the 2007 season marked one of the few times such a result occurred.

Stanford vs. USC

Following up, in October, Stanford, a 41-point underdog, delivered an improbable win over USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The score was a narrow 24-23 victory for Stanford. This upset was pivotal in USC's ultimate failure to secure a spot in the National Championship. The unique disparity of the odds and the stunning reversal are still talked about in sports circles.

Other Notable Upsets

Though the 2007 season was remarkable, a few other upsets stand out. Here are some additional surprising results from recent sports history:

The 2019 Blue Jackets vs. Lightning

The upsets don't stop at the college level. The 2019 season saw the Columbus Blue Jackets defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning, who led the league with a staggering 128 points. The Blue Jackets, with only 98 points, pulled off this historic series sweep where the Lightning didn't win a single game. This result was so shocking that it's considered one of the biggest point differentials in a round of any major sports competition.

UMBC vs. Virginia

In a memorable NCAA tournament game in 2019, UMBC, a 16th seed, stunned the top-seeded Virginia Cavaliers. This upset made history and cemented UMBC's place in the annals of college basketball upsets.

Germany vs. Brazil in 2014 World Cup

Perhaps one of the most memorable upsets in sports history is from the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In the semifinal match, Germany trounced the heavily favored Brazil, 7-1. The result was not only unexpected but also deeply shocking. Brazil was considered invincible at home, having last lost to Brazil in 1975. This catastrophic loss in the semifinals led to a loss to the Netherlands in the third place match, revealing deeper structural issues within the Brazilian team.

One Unforgettable Upset

Perhaps no other sports upsets can match the sheer audacity of the Chicago Bears' 73-0 defeat of the Washington Redskins in 1940 during the NFL championship game. This mauling remains one of the most one-sided and shocking upsets in NFL history.

In conclusion, these upsets showcase the unpredictable nature of sports. Each of these events is a testament to the incredible drama and excitement that sports provide. From the underdog vs. the heavyweight champion to a once-dominant team stumbling to its knees, these upsets remind us why we love sports so much.