Which loss in the last 20 years was the most devastating to a program?

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The original was posted on /r/cfb by /u/karmew32 on 2024-06-30 15:44:21+00:00.

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Since around the 2004 season. For any program, not just your own team’s most devastating loss.

IMO it has to be the 2007 Backyard Brawl, but many people will say that. I’ll give 2 more under-the-radar ones that are similar:

• Wisconsin-Purdue 2004: Known in Purdue circles as The Fumble, Purdue was ranked #5 in the country and hosted College Gameday. They were driving in hopes of running out the clock when Kyle Orton did his best Rosencopter impression and gave up a scoop-and-score. Purdue hasn’t been the same since.
• Oregon State-California 2007: Cal was #2 and #1 LSU had lost, meaning they’d be #1 if they won. Down by 3 and in FG range, backup QB Kevin Riley scrambled and was tackled inbounds. The clock ran out before they could spike it. Cal hasn’t been the same since.