In the world of college football, a national championship victory can sometimes follow an unexpected and humiliating defeat. Whether it's Ohio State overcoming its loss to Michigan or Notre Dame rebounding from its shocking Week 2 setback against Northern Illinois, these teams have shown remarkable resilience. This phenomenon is not new; throughout history, numerous champions have faced embarrassing losses only to rise again. From Ole Miss’s upset over Notre Dame in 1977 to Virginia Tech’s domination of Ohio State in 2014, these stories highlight the unpredictable nature of sports and the ability of top-tier programs to recover and triumph.
The story of Notre Dame’s 1977 season is one of the most striking examples of this pattern. Despite suffering a significant loss to Ole Miss, which finished with a losing record, the Irish managed to secure the national title by defeating Texas in the Cotton Bowl. The pivotal moment came when coach Dan Devine replaced struggling quarterback Rusty Lisch with Joe Montana, sparking a comeback that defined the rest of the season. Over their final eight games, Notre Dame dominated opponents, winning seven games by at least 24 points.
Ohio State also faced a dramatic turnaround in 2014. A prime-time loss to Virginia Tech exposed vulnerabilities in the Buckeyes' offense, especially under freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett. However, this setback fueled a remarkable journey. After a series of improvements, Ohio State secured a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff. They rallied from behind to beat Alabama in the semifinal and then defeated Oregon in the championship game, proving that early-season struggles do not define a team’s potential.
Kansas’ upset over Oklahoma in 1975 marked another turning point. The Sooners, who had been undefeated for 37 consecutive games, were thoroughly outplayed by Kansas. Although this loss was Barry Switzer’s first as head coach, it did little to deter Oklahoma’s championship aspirations. By the end of the season, they had risen back to No. 3 and claimed the national title after receiving help from other teams’ losses.
Similarly, USC’s surprising loss to Arkansas in 1974 served as a wake-up call. Coach John McKay humorously acknowledged the poor performance, but the Trojans responded by dominating their next nine opponents. They capped off the season with victories over Notre Dame and Ohio State, securing a split national title. Meanwhile, Colorado’s controversial win over Missouri in 1990, followed by a narrow victory over Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, led to a shared championship despite initial setbacks.
These narratives underscore the resilience and adaptability required in college football. Teams that experience early-season defeats can still achieve greatness if they learn from their mistakes and build momentum. The upcoming championship game will likely follow this trend, with the winner joining a prestigious list of champions who overcame adversity. Regardless of the outcome, both Ohio State and Notre Dame have already demonstrated the spirit and determination needed to claim the ultimate prize.