College football is notorious for its unpredictability, where underdogs rise to the occasion and cause monumental upsets that leave oddsmakers scratching their heads. In the world of sports betting, these surprises can result in massive payouts for those who dared to bet against the odds. In this article, we will explore some of the biggest upsets in NCAA football history, highlighting instances where oddsmakers made costly mistakes in assessing the favored team. We will also delve into the betting odds surrounding these games, illustrating the potential windfalls for daring gamblers.
- Appalachian State vs. Michigan (2007): In what remains one of the most shocking upsets in college football history, the Appalachian State Mountaineers faced off against the mighty Michigan Wolverines in the 2007 season opener. Michigan, a powerhouse program, was ranked fifth in the country and considered invincible against their FCS opponent. However, Appalachian State had other plans. Despite being 33-point underdogs, they played with passion and determination, securing a stunning 34-32 victory. Betting odds were not widely available for this game, but had anyone taken a chance on Appalachian State, the payout would have been extraordinary.
- Stanford vs. USC (2007): The 2007 season witnessed another remarkable upset when the Stanford Cardinal clashed with the heavily favored USC Trojans. USC was ranked second in the nation and entered the game as overwhelming 41-point favorites. However, Stanford, led by coach Jim Harbaugh, displayed grit and resilience, stunning the Trojans with a 24-23 victory. The odds for Stanford to win outright were as high as 70-1, meaning that a $100 bet on the Cardinal would have yielded an incredible $7,000.
- Syracuse vs. Clemson (2017): In 2017, the defending national champion Clemson Tigers were expected to breeze past the Syracuse Orange, who were 24-point underdogs. However, the Orange, led by quarterback Eric Dungey, showcased tenacity and executed their game plan to perfection. Syracuse pulled off a shocking 27-24 victory, leaving bettors who took a chance on the underdogs to collect a substantial payday.
- Howard vs. UNLV (2017): A noteworthy upset occurred in the 2017 season opener when the Howard Bison faced the UNLV Rebels. UNLV was favored by a staggering 45 points, making this one of the biggest point-spread upsets in NCAA history. Against all odds, Howard stunned the Rebels with a 43-40 victory. Those who placed a bet on Howard would have enjoyed a tremendous return on investment, as odds for their victory reached as high as 600-1.
College football has witnessed its fair share of jaw-dropping upsets, defying expectations and humbling oddsmakers. The games mentioned above serve as reminders that no team is invincible, and the underdogs can rise to the occasion, leaving a trail of stunned fans and bettors in their wake. These stunning upsets also demonstrate the potential for lucrative gains in sports betting, as the odds for the underdogs winning outright can be incredibly enticing. In the realm of college football, where passion and unpredictability collide, anything can happen, and the world of sports betting is forever poised to embrace the allure of the underdog.
How Big Is the Sports Betting Market today?
- U.S. Sportsbook Revenue: $7.5 billion (+75% YoY)
- U.S. Sportsbook Total Bets: $93.2 billion
- States With Legalized Sports Betting: 36 States & Washington D.C.
- TV Ads Purchased By Sportsbooks: $314.6 million
- American Adults That Bet On Sports: 39.2 million
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