The Unforgettable 2007 College Football Season

For many college football enthusiasts, the 2007 season remains the most memorable. This year was marked by extraordinary events on the field. One of the biggest surprises occurred when Appalachian State defeated Michigan in their home stadium. This game set the tone for an unpredictable season.

Throughout 2007, a total of 62 ranked teams succumbed to opponents that were either lower-ranked or completely unranked. During the final nine weeks of the season, squads ranked No. 2 fell seven times. Despite the chaos, the season ended with a predictable national championship showdown between SEC and Big Ten powerhouses in New Orleans.

Yet, the potential for a wildly different ending existed, one that could have seen a new national champion. The West Virginia Mountaineers became a focal point of what could have been in 2007. They nearly claimed a national title, leading to their unforgettable status in college football storytelling.

The Mountaineers, led by head coach Rich Rodriguez, built a strong program in the mid-2000s. With his spread-option offense, Rodriguez transformed the team by securing two Big East co-championships by 2004. This transformation occurred as Miami exited the Big East, making West Virginia a dominant force.

In 2005, West Virginia posted an impressive 11-1 record. They stunned SEC champion Georgia in the Sugar Bowl with an electrifying offensive display led by dual-threat quarterback Pat White. The following year, they again won 11 games, consistently ranking in the top ten of the final AP Poll.

Heading into 2007, West Virginia’s high-ranking status made them formidable contenders for the national championship. Even after an early loss to South Florida, they retained a genuine chance to compete for the title amid national uncertainty.

West Virginia’s offense, powered by Pat White and running backs Steve Slaton and Noel Devine, was excellent. Their performance was among the best in the country, averaging nearly 40 points per game. They led the nation with 6.2 yards per rush.

As the season neared its climax, West Virginia stood second in the BCS polls and first in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Securing a spot in the title game required winning against their rivals, the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Pittsburgh, with a lackluster 4-7 record, seemed unlikely to challenge West Virginia. The odds heavily favored the Mountaineers as 28-point favorites. However, the 2007 ‘curse of number two’ struck once more. West Virginia’s offense struggled, amassing only 183 yards and turning the ball over five times. The game ended in a shocking 13-9 defeat for the Mountaineers.

Despite the season-ending loss, West Virginia dismantled top-five Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. The outcome furthered their status as the enduring ‘what if’ tale of college football. Following the season, Rodriguez departed for Michigan but never replicated his West Virginia success.

West Virginia has not returned to such prominence since. Eventually, in 2025, both Rodriguez and the university reunited, acknowledging their mutual significance. Although a promising dynasty didn’t materialize, the 2007 story remains a testament to college football’s drama and excitement.