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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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CIRCA 1970’s: Head Coach Woody Hayes of the Ohio State Buckeyes on the sidelines during a NCAA football game mid circa 1970’s. Hayes coached the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1951-78. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
CIRCA 1970’s: Head Coach Woody Hayes of the Ohio State Buckeyes on the sidelines during a NCAA football game mid circa 1970’s. Hayes coached the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1951-78. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

No. 8 – 1957 Ohio State Buckeyes

Preseason Rank: Unranked
Crowned Champs By: UPI
Record: 9-1
Head Coach: Woody Hayes

Woody Hayes came to Ohio State in 1951, brought them their first championship by 1954 and then slid during the next two seasons to No. 5 and No. 15 rankings respectively. It’s not fair to say the Ohio State program was in decline, but there was definitely some work to be done.

In 1957, the Buckeyes entered the season unranked, and an opening week loss to TCU didn’t do anything to impress the voters moving forward. It wasn’t until a week five win over Wisconsin that the Buckeyes were added to the rankings, entering at No. 12.

Defending champion Oklahoma – along with Texas A&M, Michigan State, Minnesota and Tennessee – were favorites to win a title, but Ohio State was not to be denied. They closed out the season with a win over No. 5 Iowa, No. 19 Michigan and a Rose Bowl win over Oregon.

Next: 1983

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