We can't deny that the 2020 college football season was one for the record books – full of peculiarities, excitement, and controversy that will be remembered for years. The global pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges, yet it also brought forth unique opportunities that may never recur in our lifetime.
However, 2020 isn't the sole contender for the title of the oddest college football season. While it would be hard to surpass the peculiarities of that year, numerous seasons in the past have deviated from the expected norm, leaving an indelible mark on the sport, for better or worse. Let's delve into the annals of college football and explore fifteen of the strangest seasons ever.
1. 1918 - Influenza Pandemic and World War I
The events of 1918, including the influenza pandemic and World War I, significantly impacted college football. Many games were canceled, and military organizations formed teams with former college players, adding a unique dimension to the sport. The war and pandemic initially threatened to halt the season, but with the easing of restrictions, college football rebounded in November, with Michigan and Pittsburgh eventually sharing the national championship.
2. 1936 - Slippery Rock, National Champion
In 1936, the Associated Press named Minnesota the national champion, but a quirky story emerged with Slippery Rock. Through a transitive property of winning, Slippery Rock was humorously declared the national champ, creating a lasting joke in college football lore.
3. 1943 - World War II
World War II significantly disrupted college football, leading to the absence of teams and the inclusion of service schools in polls for the first time. Notre Dame, despite facing a challenging schedule, emerged as a powerhouse during this tumultuous period.
4.
1960 - Missouri's Loss That Didn't Happen
The 1960 season saw Iowa's loss benefitting Missouri, only to be later controversially forfeited, leading to Minnesota winning the AP national championship.
5. 1966 - The Tie
The 1966 season witnessed controversy as Notre Dame and Michigan State played to a tie, with both schools finishing undefeated. Notre Dame was eventually voted #1 by both polls.
6. 1983 - The U Comes Out of Nowhere
The University of Miami's unexpected national championship in 1983, under Howard Schnellenberger, defied expectations, culminating in a thrilling Orange Bowl victory over dominant #1 Nebraska.
7.
1984 - BYU Wins National Championship... and a Hail Mary
BYU's unconventional path to the national championship in 1984, coupled with Doug Flutie's iconic Hail Mary, highlighted the unpredictability of college football.
8. 1990 - Colorado Benefits from Two Plays
Colorado's controversial victories, including the infamous "Fifth Down," and the subsequent split national championship with Georgia Tech, marked a pivotal season that influenced the creation of the Bowl Coalition.
9. 2001 - 9/11 and BCS Chaos
The 2001 season faced disruptions due to the September 11 attacks, leading to BCS chaos and Miami ultimately securing the national championship.
10. 2003 - The Time the BCS Didn't Work
Despite the BCS's purpose, the 2003 season ended with split national champions as LSU claimed the BCS title, while USC secured the top spot in the AP poll.
11. 2005 - Season of Change
A season marked by off-field changes, including conference realignment, coaching shifts, and a memorable championship game between Texas and USC.
12. 2007 - Curse of No. 2
The 2007 season, known for upsets and the "Curse of No. 2," resulted in LSU winning the national championship despite two losses.
13. 2011 - Scandals Rock the Sport
Scandals off the field, such as those involving North Carolina, Ohio State, and the Penn State-Jerry Sandusky scandal, overshadowed on-field achievements in 2011.
14. 2013 - Airport Firings, Conference Changes, and a Kick Six
The 2013 season commenced with significant conference realignment and coaching changes, with on-field highlights including Auburn's iconic "Kick Six."
15. 2020: The Pandemic
Undoubtedly, the 2020 season stands out as the strangest, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in postponed seasons, altered schedules, and limited or absent fan attendance.
These fifteen seasons showcase the diverse and unpredictable nature of college football, where each year brings its own set of peculiarities and memorable moments.
