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College Football: Ranking 5 biggest upsets of the 2020 season

By Stephen Spanel

Dec 12, 2020; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators kicker Evan McPherson (19) hold his helmet in dejection after missing a last second field goal that would have tied the game during a game against the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Dec. 12, 2020. Florida lost 37-34 to the Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK
Dec 12, 2020; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators kicker Evan McPherson (19) hold his helmet in dejection after missing a last second field goal that would have tied the game during a game against the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Dec. 12, 2020. Florida lost 37-34 to the Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK
Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK /

4. LSU 37 at Florida (-23.5) 34

A strong contender for the top spot on this list, the shoe throw heard around the world makes this game the most memorable upset of the season.

This moment is so infamous, we almost need a record scratch followed by a freeze-frame and close-up of Marco Wilson before he tossed his opponent’s cleat because it is worth remembering just how we got here.

Florida still controlled their destiny coming into this game as the Gators were ranked No. 6 in the latest College Football Playoff poll at 8-1 and boasted one of the nation’s most explosive passing attacks led by Heisman contender Kyle Trask.

Unfortunately, his most talented target, tight end Kyle Pitts would be sidelined for this game, but they were still in better shape than LSU.

The defending national champions, LSU was a shell of its former self as the Tigers sat at 3-5.

Quarterback Myles Brennan had previously suffered a season-ending injury and even worse was their defense after having been eviscerated by Alabama in their last game. In addition, several problems plagued the Tigers on and off the field throughout the season resulting in a self-imposed postseason ban that was announced just a few days before facing Florida.

The game itself had already been moved from earlier in the season, and at this point, LSU was barely able to field a team due to injuries, opt-outs, and COVID issues. Basically, they appeared to be done.

Yet, when the lights came on, they were the team that was ready to play.

LSU’s Max Johnson, in his first career start, had 239 yards and three touchdowns, and while Kyle Trask threw for 474 yards and two touchdowns, he also had three turnovers including a crucial pick-six.

Questionable defense also did not help the Gators, culminating in the moment when the “Cleat Yeet” kept the drive alive for the Tigers despite a third-down stop with the score tied at 34.

Perhaps the kick of the year came shortly after with a 57-yard field goal by Cade York that rocketed through the dense fog which had descended in The Swamp, giving LSU the 37-34 lead.

Despite this, Florida had one last chance, but the normally reliable Evan McPherson missed from 51 yards, and Florida’s national title hopes were effectively done.

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