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10 Biggest Cinderella college football national champions of all time

By Michael Collins

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) celebrates on the field after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) celebrates on the field after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Cosmo the Brigham Young Cougars mascot cheers in the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Cosmo the Brigham Young Cougars mascot cheers in the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 – 1984 BYU Cougars

Preseason Rank: Unranked
Crowned Champs By: AP, UPI
Record: 13-0
Head Coach: LaVell Edwards

In 1984, college football was all about the traditional powers. The Auburn Tigers were voted the preseason No. 1 team, and they were closely followed by Nebraska and Pittsburgh, with Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame and Alabama also taking part in the Top 10.

BY-Who?

Brigham Young was that little school who produced great quarterbacks and put up some ungodly passing stats…but they weren’t a national contender. The football powers weren’t scared of the Mormons.

Enter Robbie Bosco and the BYU air raid. The Cougars opened the season upsetting No. 3 Pittsburgh (on the road) and it was that win that propelled them into a No. 12 ranking. They never looked back, winning out the season (although an admittedly weaker schedule) capped by a win over Michigan in the Holiday Bowl.

Yes, the Holiday Bowl once hosted a de facto national championship game. The argument still rages on whether 9-1-1 Florida or 11-1 Washington were more deserving of a title, but the AP and UPI unanimously selected BYU.

Next: 1960

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