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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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Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; General view of Michigan State Spartans helmet on field prior to a game against Western Michigan at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; General view of Michigan State Spartans helmet on field prior to a game against Western Michigan at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 6 – 1965 Michigan State Spartans

Preseason Rank: Unranked
Crowned Champs By: UPI
Record: 10-1
Head Coach: Duffy Daugherty

Michigan State had some up and down years under head coach Duffy Daugherty. One season they’d lose one or two games and finish in the top ten, the next they’d be lucky to break .500.

After a 4-5 season in 1964, it was clear Daugherty was on the hot seat, and the Spartans needed to up their game. In response, they went 10-0 in the regular season, beating two top 10 teams (Purdue and Notre Dame), and were sitting pretty at No. 1 for their opening week rematch with UCLA in the Rose Bowl.

Funny thing was, the No. 5 Bruins beat Sparty in that bowl game, but despite the loss to end the season the coaches still voted Michigan State as their champion, as did the FWAA and NFF. Alabama was voted co-champion by the AP that season, finishing their year with a 10-1-1 record.

Next: 1981

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