Wild Card Weekend: The Biggest Upsets & Unexpected Heroes

Wild Card Weekend, the final weekend of the college football regular season, is always filled with excitement and unpredictability. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is small. One misstep can mean the difference between a playoff bid and a disappointing season. As we look back on the most memorable upsets and unexpected heroes of Wild Card Weekend, it's clear that this season will be remembered for years to come.

For many fans, Wild Card Weekend is the pinnacle of the college football season. It's a time when the best of the best face off in a battle for the ages. The energy is electric, and the tension is palpable. As the teams take to the field, the nation holds its collective breath, wondering what will happen next. Will the top-ranked team come out on top, or will a plucky underdog pull off the ultimate upset? The possibilities are endless, and the drama is always intense.

Wild Card Weekend is a time-honored tradition in college football, with each conference sending one representative to the playoffs. For the past few decades, the SEC has dominated the postseason, but in recent years, other conferences have started to make a name for themselves. The American Athletic Conference, for example, has consistently produced teams that make a deep run in the playoffs. Can anyone else follow suit?

The Biggest Upsets of Wild Card Weekend

Over the years, there have been some truly unforgettable upsets on Wild Card Weekend. Here are a few of the most notable:

• 2016 Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma: In one of the greatest games of all time, the 18th-ranked Cowboys pulled off a stunning 38-35 upset over the top-ranked Sooners. The game was played in front of a sellout crowd at Norman, Oklahoma, and the Sooners were heavily favored going into the game.
• 2013 Baylor vs. West Virginia: The 25th-ranked Bears used a high-powered offense to score 55 points in a 50-48 win over the 5th-ranked Mountaineers. The game was played in front of a raucous crowd at the Coliseum, and Baylor's upset was seen as a major confidence booster for the team.
• 2010 Oregon State vs. Arizona State: The 24th-ranked Beavers used a dominant defensive effort to shut out the 7th-ranked Sun Devils 37-0. The game was played in front of a lively crowd at Tempe, Arizona, and Oregon State's win was seen as a major upset.

Unexpected Heroes of Wild Card Weekend

While the big-name teams get all the attention, there are often smaller schools that rise to the occasion and make a deep run in the playoffs. Here are a few examples of unexpected heroes from Wild Card Weekend:

• James Franklin, Penn State: In 2011, the 10th-ranked Nittany Lions pulled off a 28-24 upset over the 10th-ranked Spartans. Franklin, a third-year head coach, was playing in his first postseason game and led Penn State to a thrilling victory.
• Troy Smith, Ohio State: In 2006, the 12th-ranked Buckeyes used a dominant performance from quarterback Troy Smith to shut out the 4th-ranked Tigers 20-0. Smith threw for 164 yards and rushed for 95, leading Ohio State to a major upset.
• Walter Payton,Jacksonville State: In 1986, the 15th-ranked Dolphins pulled off a 26-17 upset over the 3rd-ranked Jaguars. Payton, a quarterback, threw for 195 yards and rushed for 106, leading Jacksonville State to a major upset.

The Impact of Wild Card Weekend Upsets

Wild Card Weekend upsets can have a major impact on the college football landscape. Here are a few examples:

• Changing playoff scenarios: Upsets on Wild Card Weekend can significantly change the playoff landscape. For example, in 2016, the Oklahoma State upset over Oklahoma had major implications for the playoff seeding. The Sooners were heavily favored to win the Big 12, but the Cowboys' victory opened up the field for other teams to make a deep run.
• Boosting team morale: Upsets on Wild Card Weekend can be a major confidence booster for the winning team. For example, in 2013, Baylor's win over West Virginia was seen as a major morale booster for the team. The Bears went on to make a deep run in the playoffs, and their upset victory over West Virginia was seen as a key factor.
• Changing coaching jobs: Upsets on Wild Card Weekend can also have a major impact on coaching jobs. For example, in 2011, Penn State's upset over Ohio State led to a major overhaul of the coaching staff. The Nittany Lions went on to make a deep run in the playoffs, and the win was seen as a major factor in James Franklin's decision to leave Ohio State.

Conclusion

Wild Card Weekend is always a time of great excitement and unpredictability in college football. The biggest upsets and unexpected heroes can have a major impact on the playoff landscape and team morale. As we look back on the most memorable upsets and unexpected heroes of Wild Card Weekend, it's clear that this season will be remembered for years to come.

Whether you're a fan of the top-ranked teams or a smaller school looking to make a name for yourself, Wild Card Weekend is always an exciting time. The possibilities are endless, and the drama is always intense. So grab a snack, sit back, and enjoy the ride – Wild Card Weekend is always a wild ride!

Additional stats and facts:

• _According to ESPN, the 2016 Oklahoma State-Oklahoma game was the highest-rated regular-season game of the season, with 3