There’s a rich history of FCS (and I-AA) schools upsetting FBS or I-A teams. Since NCAA Division I football was divided into I-A and I-AA for the 1978 season, there have been some monumental upsets. There were four such upsets in 2023. Check out all 2024 matchups here.
This complete list goes back to 1978 and also includes the upsets since 2006, when I-A became the FBS and I-AA became the FCS. In 2022, Eastern Kentucky beat Bowling Green 59-57 in a seven-overtime thriller, the second-longest FCS game ever.
Along with all these games, six FCS/I-AA classified teams have upset ranked FBS/I-A teams: Cincinnati surprised No. 20 Penn State in 1983 (see below), Appalachian State beat No. 5 Michigan in 2007, James Madison defeated No. 13 Virginia Tech in 2010, Eastern Washington knocked off No. 25 Oregon State in 2013, North Dakota State shocked No. 13 Iowa in 2016 and Montana beat No. 20 Washington in 2021. These six games are in bold below.
FCS wins vs. FBS teams: All-time victories, upsets
2024 season
| Date | FCS team | Score | FBS team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 24 | Montana State | 35-31 | New Mexico |
2023 season
| Date | FCS team | Score | FBS team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 9 | Southern Illinois | 14-11 | Northern Illinois |
| Sept. 9 | Fordham | 40-37 | Buffalo |
| Sept. 9 | Idaho | 33-6 | Nevada |
| Sept. 16 | Sacramento State | 30-23 | Stanford |
2022 season
| Date | FCS team | Score | FBS team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2 | William & Mary | 41-24 | Charlotte |
| Sept. 3 | Delaware | 14-7 | Navy |
| Sept. 10 | Eastern Kentucky | 59-57 (7 OT) | Bowling Green |
| Sept. 10 | Holy Cross | 37-31 | Buffalo |
| Sept. 10 | UIW | 55-41 | Nevada |
| Sept. 10 | Weber State | 35-7 | Utah State |
| Sept. 17 | Southern Illinois | 31-24 | Northwestern |
| Sept. 24 | Sacramento State | 41-10 | Colorado State |
2021 season
| Date | FCS team | Score | FBS team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2 | UC Davis | 19-17 | Tulsa |
| Sept. 2 | Eastern Washington | 35-33 (2OT) | UNLV |
| Sept. 3 | South Dakota State | 42-23 | Colorado State |
| Sept. 4 | Holy Cross | 38-28 | UConn |
| Sept. 4 | Montana | 13-7 | No. 20 Washington |
| Sept. 4 | East Tennessee State | 23-3 | Vanderbilt |
| Sept. 11 | Duquesne | 28-26 | Ohio |
| Sept. 11 | Jacksonville State | 20-17 | Florida State |
| Sept. 18 | UIW | 42-34 | Texas State |
| Sept. 18 | Northern Arizona | 21-19 | Arizona |
| Nov. 6 | Rhode Island | 35-22 | UMass |
| Nov. 13 | Maine | 35-10 | UMass |
2020-21 season
| Date | FCS team | Score | FBS team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 23 | Jacksonville State | 19-10 | FIU |
| Feb. 21 | Tarleton State | 43-17 | New Mexico State |
2019 season
| Date | FCS team | Score | FBS team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 29 | Central Arkansas | 35-28 | Western Kentucky |
| Sept. 7 | Southern Illinois | 45-20 | UMass |
| Sept. 14 | The Citadel | 27-24 OT | Georgia Tech |
2018 season
| Date | FCS team | Score | FBS team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | UC Davis | 44-38 | San Jose State |
| Sept. 1 | Nicholls State | 26-23 OT | Kansas |
| Sept. 1 | Northern Arizona | 30-10 | UTEP |
| Sept. 1 | Villanova | 19-17 | Temple |
| Sept. 2 | North Carolina A&T | 28-23 | East Carolina |
| Sept. 8 | Maine | 31-28 | Western Kentucky |
| Sept. 22 | Illinois State | 35-19 | Colorado State |
2017 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 31 | Tennessee State | 17-10 | Georgia State |
| Sept. 2 | Howard | 43-40 | UNLV |
| Sept. 2 | James Madison | 34-14 | East Carolina |
| Sept. 2 | Liberty | 48-45 | Baylor |
| Sept. 9 | New Hampshire | 22-12 | Georgia Southern |
| Sept. 9 | South Dakota | 35-27 | Bowling Green |
| Sept. 16 | Idaho State | 30-28 | Nevada |
| Sept. 16 | North Carolina A&T | 35-31 | Charlotte |
| Sept. 23 | Western Illinois | 52-10 | Coastal Carolina |
2016 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2 | Albany | 22-16 | Buffalo |
| Sept. 3 | Eastern Washington | 45-42 | Washington State |
| Sept. 3 | Northern Iowa | 25-20 | Iowa State |
| Sept. 3 | Richmond | 37-20 | Virginia |
| Sept. 10 | Eastern Illinois | 21-17 | Miami (OH) |
| Sept. 10 | Illinois State | 9-7 | Northwestern |
| Sept. 10 | North Carolina A&T | 39-36 4OT | Kent State |
| Sept. 17 | North Dakota State | 23-21 | No. 13 Iowa |
| Sept. 24 | Central Arkansas | 28-23 | Arkansas State |
| Sept. 24 | Western Illinois | 28-23 | Northern Illinois |
After beating AP No. 13 Iowa, North Dakota State received 74 votes in the AP Poll, barely missing out on a top 25 ranking. The Bison ranked 27th that week. The 74 votes are the most ever earned by an FCS program in the AP Top Poll. NDSU would reach the FCS semifinals.
2015 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4 | Fordham | 37-35 | Army |
| Sept. 5 | North Dakota | 24-13 | Wyoming |
| Sept. 5 | Portland State | 24-17 | Washington State |
| Sept. 5 | South Dakota State | 41-38 | Kansas |
| Sept. 19 | Furman | 16-15 | UCF |
| Sept. 26 | James Madison | 48-45 | SMU |
| Oct. 3 | Liberty | 41-33 | Georgia State |
| Oct. 10 | Portland State | 66-7 | North Texas |
| Nov. 21 | The Citadel | 23-22 | South Carolina |
Portland State’s 59-point win over North Texas is the largest by an FCS team against an FBS program.
2014 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Bethune-Cookman | 14-12 | Florida International |
| Aug. 30 | North Dakota State | 34-14 | Iowa State |
| Sept. 6 | Eastern Kentucky | 17-10 | Miami (OH) |
| Sept. 13 | Abilene Christian | 38-35 | Troy |
| Sept. 13 | Indiana State | 27-20 | Ball State |
| Sept. 20 | Northwestern State | 30-27 | Louisiana Tech |
| Sept. 27 | Yale | 49-43 OT | Army |
| Oct. 11 | Liberty | 55-48 OT | Appalachian State |
2013 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 29 | Southern Utah | 22-21 | South Alabama |
| Aug. 29 | Towson | 33-18 | Connecticut |
| Aug. 30 | North Dakota State | 24-21 | Kansas State |
| Aug. 30 | Samford | 31-21 | Georgia State |
| Aug. 31 | Eastern Illinois | 40-19 | San Diego State |
| Aug. 31 | Eastern Washington | 49-46 | No. 25 Oregon State |
| Aug. 31 | McNeese State | 53-21 | South Florida |
| Aug. 31 | Northern Iowa | 28-20 | Iowa State |
| Sept. 7 | Chattanooga | 42-14 | Georgia State |
| Sept. 7 | Maine | 24-14 | UMass |
| Sept. 7 | Nicholls State | 27-23 | Western Michigan |
| Sept. 14 | Bethune-Cookman | 34-13 | Florida International |
| Sept. 14 | Fordham | 30-29 | Temple |
| Sept. 21 | Jacksonville State | 32-26 OT | Georgia State |
| Nov. 9 | Old Dominion | 59-38 | Idaho |
| Nov. 23 | Georgia Southern | 26-20 | Florida |
2012 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Eastern Washington | 20-3 | Idaho |
| Aug. 30 | McNeese State | 27-21 | Middle Tennessee |
| Sept. 1 | Tennessee-Martin | 20-17 | Memphis |
| Sept. 1 | Youngstown State | 31-17 | Pitt |
| Sept. 8 | Illinois State | 31-14 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 8 | North Dakota State | 22-7 | Colorado State |
| Sept. 8 | Northern Arizona | 17-14 | UNLV |
| Sept. 8 | Sacramento State | 30-28 | Colorado |
| Sept. 15 | Cal Poly | 24-22 | Wyoming |
| Sept. 29 | Stony Brook | 23-3 | Army |
2011 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 3 | Richmond | 23-21 | Duke |
| Sept. 3 | Sacramento State | 29-28 | Oregon State |
| Sept. 17 | Indiana State | 44-16 | Western Kentucky |
| Sept. 24 | North Dakota State | 37-24 | Minnesota |
| Sept. 24 | Sam Houston State | 48-45 OT | New Mexico |
| Sept. 24 | Southern Utah | 41-16 | UNLV |
2010 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4 | Jacksonville State | 49-48 2OT | Ole Miss |
| Sept. 4 | North Dakota State | 6-3 | Kansas |
| Sept. 11 | James Madison | 21-16 | No. 13 Virginia Tech |
| Sept. 11 | Gardner-Webb | 38-37 OT | Akron |
| Sept. 11 | Liberty | 27-23 | Ball State |
| Sept. 11 | South Dakota | 41-38 | Minnesota |
| Oct. 2 | UC Davis | 14-13 | San Jose State |
2009 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 3 | Villanova | 27-24 | Temple |
| Sept. 5 | Richmond | 24-16 | Duke |
| Sept. 5 | William & Mary | 26-14 | Virginia |
| Sept. 12 | New Hampshire | 23-16 | Ball State |
| Sept. 19 | Central Arkansas | 28-7 | Western Kentucky |
2008 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Cal Poly | 29-27 | San Diego State |
| Sept. 6 | New Hampshire | 28-10 | Army |
2007 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | Appalachian State | 34-32 | No. 5 Michigan |
| Sept. 1 | Nicholls State | 16-14 | Rice |
| Sept. 8 | Northern Iowa | 24-13 | Iowa State |
| Sept. 8 | Southern Illinois | 34-31 | Northern Illinois |
| Sept. 15 | McNeese State | 38-17 | Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Sept. 15 | New Hampshire | 48-35 | Marshall |
| Sept. 22 | North Dakota State | 44-14 | Central Michigan |
| Oct. 20 | North Dakota State | 27-21 | Minnesota |
| Oct. 27 | Delaware | 59-52 | Navy |
Appalachian State’s stunning win against No. 5 Michigan meant the Wolverines dropped out of the next AP Poll — the first time a program dropped from the top 5 to out of the poll because of one game. This result also led to the “Appalachian State rule,” meaning AP poll voters were now allowed to rank FCS teams. Appalachian State would go on to win its third consecutive national title this season.
2006 season
| Date | FCS Team | Score | FBS Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2 | Montana State | 19-10 | Colorado |
| Sept. 2 | Portland State | 17-6 | New Mexico |
| Sept. 2 | Richmond | 13-0 | Duke |
| Sept. 9 | New Hampshire | 34-17 | Northwestern |
| Sept. 16 | Southern Illinois | 35-28 | Indiana |
| Sept. 23 | North Dakota State | 29-24 | Ball State |
| Oct. 28 | Cal Poly | 16-14 | San Diego State |
2005 season
This is was the last season of I-AA and I-A before the designations changed to FCS (from I-AA) and FBS (I-A).
| Date | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | Northwestern State | 27-23 | Louisiana-Monroe |
| Sept. 17 | UC Davis | 20-17 | Stanford |
2004 season
| Date | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4 | Florida Atlantic | 35-28 OT | Hawaii |
| Sept. 11 | Florida Atlantic | 20-13 | North Texas |
| Sept. 11 | New Hampshire | 35-24 | Rutgers |
| Sept. 18 | Florida Atlantic | 27-20 | Middle Tennessee |
| Sept. 18 | Maine | 9-7 | Mississippi State |
| Sept. 25 | Eastern Illinois | 31-28 | Eastern Michigan |
NOTE: Florida Atlantic was transitioning from I-AA to I-A.
2003 season
| DATE | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 28 | Florida Atlantic | 20-19 | Middle Tennessee |
| Sept. 4 | Western Illinois | 34-12 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 6 | Cal Poly | 34-13 | UTEP |
| Sept. 6 | Eastern Washington | 8-5 | Idaho |
| Sept. 6 | Stephen F. Austin | 23-21 | Louisiana-Monroe |
| Sept. 6 | Villanova | 23-20 | Temple |
| Sept. 13 | Colgate | 38-15 | Buffalo |
| Sept. 20 | Northwestern State | 14-10 | Louisiana-Monroe |
| Sept. 27 | Montana | 41-28 | Idaho |
| Oct. 25 | Delaware | 21-17 | Navy |
2002 season
| DATE | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 29 | Lehigh | 37-26 | Buffalo |
| Aug. 31 | Villanova | 37-19 | Rutgers |
| Sept. 7 | Holy Cross | 30-21 | Army |
| Sept. 7 | Northeastern | 31-0 | Ohio |
| Sept. 14 | McNeese State | 24-19 | Louisiana-Monroe |
| Sept. 21 | Western Illinois | 29-26 | Northern Illinois |
| Sept. 28 | Southeast Missouri State | 24-14 | Middle Tennessee |
| Oct. 5 | Montana | 38-31 | Idaho |
2001 season
| DATE | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | Sam Houston State | 20-9 | Louisiana-Monroe |
| Sept. 8 | Eastern Washington | 35-17 | UConn |
| Sept. 22 | Indiana State | 21-14 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 22 | Jacksonville State | 31-28 | Arkansas State |
| Sept. 22 | Northern Iowa | 42-39 | Ball State |
| Sept. 22 | Northwestern State | 27-24 | TCU |
| Nov. 22 | Nicholls State | 28-22 | Arkansas State |
| Nov. 24 | Montana | 33-27 | Idaho |
2000 season
| DATE | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 31 | Appalachian State | 20-16 | Wake Forest |
| Sept. 2 | Sam Houston State | 21-14 | Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Sept. 9 | Montana | 45-38 | Idaho |
| Sept. 9 | Portland State | 45-20 | Hawaii |
| Sept. 9 | Western Illinois | 24-14 | Ball State |
| Sept. 16 | Stephen F. Austin | 34-31 | Louisiana Tech |
| Sept. 16 | Youngstown State | 26-20 | Kent State |
| Sept. 23 | Northeastern | 35-27 | UConn |
| Sept. 23 | Northwestern State | 23-21 | Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Sept. 30 | Richmond | 30-27 | Arkansas State |
| Sept. 30 | Southwest Texas State | 27-7 | Louisiana-Monroe |
| Nov. 11 | Jacksonville State | 28-14 | Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Nov. 11 | Rhode Island | 26-21 | UConn |
| Nov. 18 | Idaho State | 27-24 | Utah State |
| Nov. 18 | South Florida | 59-0 | Austin Peay |
| Nov. 18 | Wofford | 24-6 | Louisiana-Monroe |
1999 season
| Date | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2 | Western Illinois | 27-21 | Northern Illinois |
| Sept. 11 | Northern Iowa | 36-21 | Ohio |
| Sept. 11 | Troy State | 31-24 | Cincinnati |
| Sept. 18 | UConn | 23-0 | Buffalo |
| Oct. 30 | Furman | 28-3 | North Carolina |
| Nov. 6 | Hofstra | 20-13 | Buffalo |
1998 season
| Date | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 3 | Northern Iowa | 13-10 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 12 | Northwestern State | 24-22 | SW Louisiana |
| Sept. 12 | Youngstown State | 24-10 | Kent State |
| Sept. 19 | Eastern Illinois | 24-10 | Northern Illinois |
| Oct. 3 | Appalachian State | 30-27 | Wake Forest |
| Oct. 3 | William & Mary | 45-38 | Temple |
1997 season
| Date | I-AA Team | Score I-A team | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Cal State Northridge* | 63-23 | Boise State |
| Sept. 6 | Youngstown State | 44-23 | Kent State |
| Oct. 4 | Cal Poly | 38-35 | New Mexico State |
| Nov. 1 | Eastern Washington | 24-21 | Idaho |
*Win vacated
1996 season
| Date | 1-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 29 | Eastern Illinois | 28-20 | Western Michigan |
| Sept. 7 | Montana | 35-14 | Oregon State |
| Sept. 7 | Western Illinois | 17-0 | Northern Illinois |
| Sept. 14 | Eastern Washington | 27-21 | Boise State |
| Sept. 21 | Cal State Northridge | 33-0 | New Mexico State |
| Sept. 28 | Northwestern State | 20-16 | Boise State |
| Sept. 28 | Texas State | 27-21 | Idaho |
1995 season
| DATE | 1-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 31 | Appalachian State | 24-22 | Wake Forest |
| Sept. 9 | Boise State | 38-14 | Utah State |
| Oct. 7 | Troy State | 20-10 | Northeast Louisiana |
| Oct. 14 | UAB | 19-14 | North Texas |
| Oct. 21 | Northwestern State | 42-39 | Northeast Louisiana |
| Oct. 28 | UCF | 34-14 | Northeast Louisiana |
| Nov. 4 | Youngstown State | 24-10 | Akron |
1994 season
| Date | 1-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 3 | Northern Iowa | 28-14 | Iowa State |
| Sept. 17 | Boise State | 37-27 | Nevada |
| Sept. 17 | Idaho | 48-38 | UNLV |
| Sept. 17 | Troy State | 39-20 | Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Oct. 15 | UCF | 33-16 | Northeast Louisiana |
| Oct. 15 | Youngstown State | 28-14 | Kent State |
| Oct. 22 | Jacksonville State | 32-28 | Northeast Louisiana |
| Nov. 5 | Eastern Washington | 49-31 | Utah State |
| Nov. 12 | Boston University | 21-12 | Army |
1993 season
| Date | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2 | Youngstown State | 17-13 | Western Michigan |
| Oct. 9 | Cal State Northridge | 24-18 | UNLV |
| Oct. 23 | Weber State | 47-30 | Nevada |
| Nov. 6 | Northeast Louisiana | 42-10 | Arkansas State |
| Nov. 20 | UCF | 38-16 | Louisiana Tech |
| Nov. 20 | Youngstown State | 19-0 | Akron |
1992 season
| Date | 1-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 5 | The Citadel | 10-3 | Arkansas |
| Sept. 12 | Idaho | 37-34 | Colorado State |
| Sept. 19 | Boise State | 17-7 | Pacific |
| Sept. 26 | The Citadel | 15-14 | Army |
| Sept. 26 | Northern Iowa | 27-10 | Iowa State |
| Oct. 3 | Middle Tennessee State | 21-13 | Northern Illinois |
| Oct. 3 | Northwestern State | 24-18 | Arkansas State |
| Oc. 31 | Weber State | 23-21 | Nevada |
| Nov. 7 | Youngstown State | 28-20 | Ohio |
NOTE: Youngstown State tied Akron, 10-10
1991 season
| DATE | 1-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 31 | Northeast Louisiana | 21-10 | Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Sept. 7 | Nevada | 50-8 | UNLV |
| Sept. 14 | Boise State | 48-14 | Long Beach State |
| Sept. 14 | Illinois State | 25-3 | Akron |
| Sept. 21 | William & Mary | 26-21 | Navy |
| Oct. 5 | Appalachian State | 17-3 | Wake Forest |
| Oct. 12 | The Citadel | 20-14 | Army |
| Oct. 26 | Delaware | 29-25 | Navy |
1990 season
| Date | 1-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | Southwest Missouri State | 31-24 | UNLV |
| Sept. 1 | Montana | 22-15 | Oregon State |
| Sept. 22 | Youngstown State | 24-14 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 29 | Youngstown State | 28-23 | Akron |
| Oct. 6 | North Texas | 14-7 | SMU |
| Oct. 20 | The Citadel | 38-35 | South Carolina |
| Oct. 20 | Nevada | 26-14 | UNLV |
| Oct. 27 | James Madison | 16-7 | Navy |
| Nov. 3 | Youngstown State | 27-0 | Ohio |
1989 season
| Date | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 9 | Appalachian State | 15-10 | Wake Forest |
| Sept. 9 | Arkansas State | 17-13 | Memphis |
| Sept. 9 | Lamar | 21-19 | UTEP |
| Sept. 16 | Northern Iowa | 10-8 | Kansas State |
| Sept. 23 | The Citadel | 14-10 | Navy |
| Sept. 23 | Youngstown State | 20-17 | Akron |
| Oct. 14 | Eastern Illinois | 21-17 | Akron |
| Oct. 14 | Liberty | 25-24 | Eastern Michigan |
| Oct. 21 | Youngstown State | 30-3 | Central Michigan |
| Oct. 28 | James Madison | 24-20 | Navy |
| Nov. 11 | Morehead State | 13-10 | Cincinnati |
| Nov. 11 | Nevada | 45-7 | UNLV |
| Nov. 18 | Delaware | 10-9 | Navy |
1988 season
| DATE | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 3 | Boise State | 29-10 | Long Beach State |
| Sept. 3 | North Texas | 29-24 | Texas Tech |
| Sept. 10 | Marshall | 31-14 | Ohio |
| Sept. 17 | Idaho | 36-26 | Pacific |
| Sept. 17 | McNeese State | 46-19 | Toledo |
| Sept. 24 | The Citadel | 42-35 | Navy |
| Oct. 1 | Louisiana Tech | 31-28 | Kansas State |
| Oct. 8 | Arkansas State | 13-12 | Akron |
| Nov. 19 | Arkansas State | 38-21 | Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Nov. 19 | North Texas | 33-17 | Rice |
NOTE: Appalachian State tied Wake Forest, 34-34.
1987 season
| DATE | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 5 | Austin Peay State | 26-22 | Kansas State |
| Sept. 12 | Holy Cross | 34-24 | Army |
| Sept. 12 | Illinois State | 20-6 | Western Michigan |
| Sept. 12 | Lamar | 39-35 | Northern Illinois |
| Sept. 12 | William & Mary | 27-12 | Navy |
| Sept. 12 | Youngstown State | 20-17 | Bowling Green |
| Sept. 19 | Lehigh | 24-9 | Navy |
| Sept. 26 | Louisiana Tech | 16-11 | Kansas |
| Oct. 10 | Marshall | 34-31 | Louisville |
| Oct. 17 | Colgate | 22-20 | Army |
| Oct. 17 | Delaware State | 52-26 | Akron |
| Nov. 7 | East Tennessee State | 29-14 | North Carolina State |
| Nov. 7 | Indiana State | 40-16 | Cincinnati |
| Nov. 7 | Northeast Louisiana | 34-24 | Southern Miss |
| Nov. 7 | Northern Arizona | 24-20 | Tulsa |
| Nov. 21 | Indiana State | 24-23 | Ball State |
| Nov. 21 | Youngstown State | 10-6 | Akron |
NOTE: Arkansas State tied Memphis State, 21-21
1986 season
| DATE | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Louisiana Tech | 22-17 | Tulsa |
| Aug. 30 | Nevada | 49-3 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Sept. 13 | Akron | 17-7 | Kent State |
| Sept. 13 | Arkansas State | 30-10 | Memphis State |
| Sept. 13 | Marshall | 21-7 | Ohio |
| Sept. 13 | Northern Iowa | 17-0 | Kansas State |
| Sept. 20 | Idaho | 25-17 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Sept. 20 | Morehead State | 36-35 | Wichita State |
| Sept. 20 | Southwest Texas State | 31-6 | Rice |
| Sept. 27 | Western Illinois | 10-0 | Northern Illinois |
| Oct. 18 | Holy Cross | 17-14 | Army |
| Oct. 18 | North Texas | 24-20 | TCU |
| Oct. 18 | Penn | 30-26 | Navy |
| Nov. 1 | William & Mary | 41-37 | Virginia |
| Nov. 8 | Illinois State | 17-10 | Wichita State |
| Nov. 15 | Delaware | 27-14 | Navy |
NOTE: Arkansas State tied Mississippi 10-10 and Furman tied Georgia Tech 17-17.
1985 season
| Date | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 31 | Southwest Missouri State | 31-24 | Drake |
| Sept. 7 | Southwest Missouri State | 40-28 | Southern Illinois |
| Sept. 7 | Montana | 31-30 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Sept. 7 | Richmond | 24-14 | Virginia |
| Sept. 14 | Akron | 24-0 | Kent State |
| Sept. 14 | Delaware | 16-13 | Navy |
| Sept. 14 | Louisiana Tech | 24-23 | Southwestern Louisiana |
| Sept. 14 | Marshall | 31-7 | Ohio |
| Sept. 14 | Nevada | 30-3 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Sept. 14 | Northern Iowa | 10-6 | Kansas State |
| Sept. 21 | Akron | 16-12 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 21 | Louisiana Tech | 20-10 | West Texas State |
| Sept. 28 | Furman | 42-20 | North Carolina State |
| Sept. 28 | Grambling | 23-6 | Oregon State |
| Sept. 28 | North Texas | 22-10 | Kansas State |
| Oct. 5 | Texas-Arlington | 31-3 | Wichita State |
| Oct. 12 | Eastern Illinois | 21-14 | Illinois State |
| Oct. 19 | Eastern Washington | 30-23 | Long Beach State |
| Nov. 2 | Delaware | 17-10 | Temple |
| Nov. 2 | Northern Iowa | 15-3 | Illinois State |
| Nov. 9 | Arkansas State | 41-12 | Southern Illinois |
| Nov. 9 | Nevada | 48-7 | UNLV |
| Nov. 16 | Eastern Kentucky | 45-21 | Louisville |
| Nov. 16 | McNeese State | 14-3 | Southwestern Louisiana |
| Nov. 16 | Western Illinois | 14-7 | Southern Illinois |
NOTE: Murray State tied Memphis State, 10-10
1984 season
| DATE | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | Chattanooga | 9-7 | Southwest Louisiana |
| Sept. 1 | UMass | 26-10 | Ball State |
| Sept. 1 | Murray State | 26-23 | Louisville |
| Sept. 1 | Youngstown State | 31-7 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 15 | Furman | 34-30 | North Carolina State |
| Sept. 15 | Northeast Louisiana | 7-6 | Southwestern Louisiana |
| Sept. 15 | Marshall | 24-17 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 15 | Youngstown State | 27-23 | Cincinnati |
| Sept. 29 | Idaho | 41-22 | Oregon State |
| Oct. 6 | Indiana State | 34-6 | Ball State |
| Oct. 13 | Texas-Arlington | 17-15 | Wichita State |
| Oct. 13 | Indiana State | 44-21 | Louisville |
| Oct. 20 | Delaware | 34-19 | Temple |
| Nov. 3 | Northwestern State | 22-0 | Southern Miss |
| Nov. 10 | McNeese State | 30-17 | Southwestern Louisiana |
| Nov. 10 | Tennessee State | 24-15 | Louisville |
| Nov. 17 | Montana State | 35-31 | Fresno State |
1983 season
| DATE | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 3 | Akron | 13-6 | Kent State |
| Sept. 3 | Appalachian State | 27-25 | Wake Forest |
| Sept. 10 | Akron | 13-0 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 10 | Colgate | 15-13 | Army |
| Sept. 10 | Cincinnati | 14-3 | No. 20 Penn State |
| Sept. 10 | Idaho State | 12-10 | UTEP |
| Sept. 10 | Northeast Louisiana | 31-6 | Southwestern Louisiana |
| Sept. 17 | Chattanooga | 38-14 | Southwestern Louisiana |
| Sept. 17 | Delaware | 30-13 | William & Mary |
| Sept. 17 | Furman | 17-14 | Georgia Tech |
| Oct. 1 | Harvard | 24-21 | Army |
| Oct. 1 | North Texas | 18-8 | New Mexico |
| Oct. 8 | Indiana State | 35-14 | Ball State |
| Oct. 8 | Boston University | 26-17 | Richmond |
| Oct. 8 | Texas-Arlington | 34-24 | Wichita State |
| Oct. 15 | Indiana State | 24-22 | Wichita State |
| Oct. 29 | Eastern Washington | 20-17 | Long Beach State |
| Oct. 29 | Idaho | 31-19 | Pacific |
| Oct. 29 | Idaho State | 43-10 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Nov. 5 | Nevada | 34-24 | Pacific |
| Nov. 12 | Colgate | 43-14 | Richmond |
NOTE: Cincinnati was temporarily classified as a I-AA team, upsetting defending national champion Penn State. This is technically the first time a I-AA/FCS program upset a ranked I-A/FBS team. Cincinnati also tied Kentucky, 13-13.
NOTE: Arkansas State tied Memphis State, 14-14
1982 season
| DATE | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4 | Eastern Illinois | 27-14 | Illinois State |
| Sept. 4 | Marshall | 30-21 | Kent State |
| Sept. 11 | Akron | 14-7 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 11 | Boise State | 20-9 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Sept. 11 | Idaho State | 41-21 | Drake |
| Sept. 18 | Idaho | 36-17 | Pacific |
| Sept. 18 | James Madison | 21-17 | Virginia |
| Sept. 18 | Louisiana Tech | 49-12 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 18 | Northeast Louisiana | 38-15 | North Texas State |
| Sept. 18 | Western Illinois | 29-13 | Illinois State |
| Sept. 25 | Arkansas State | 35-30 | Southern Illinois |
| Sept. 25 | Boise State | 22-15 | Pacific |
| Oct. 9 | Arkansas State | 20-13 | Southwestern Louisiana |
| Oct. 16 | Furman | 28-23 | South Carolina |
| Oct. 16 | Nevada | 40-26 | Fresno State |
| Oct. 16 | Texas-Arlington | 30-29 | Southwestern Louisiana |
| Oct. 23 | James Madison | 24-18 | William & Mary |
| Oct. 23 | Nevada | 17-7 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Oct. 23 | VMI | 14-0 | Richmond |
| Oct. 30 | Delaware | 62-21 | William & Mary |
| Oct. 30 | Eastern Illinois | 20-7 | Southern Illinois |
| Nov. 6 | Brown | 23-22 | William & Mary |
| Nov. 13 | Boise State | 30-10 | Utah State |
| Nov. 13 | Colgate | 24-17 | Temple |
| Nov. 13 | Louisiana Tech | 13-6 | Southern Miss |
1981 season
| Date | I-AA team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 5 | Youngstown State | 19-13 | Cincinnati |
| Sept. 12 | Akron | 14-7 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept. 19 | Delaware | 13-7 | Temple |
| Sept. 19 | UMass | 13-10 | Holy Cross |
| Sept. 19 | Montana State | 30-26 | Fresno State |
| Sept. 19 | Tennessee State | 17-14 | Southern Illinois |
| Sept. 26 | Delaware | 61-8 | Princeton |
| Sept. 26 | Lafayette | 28-13 | Columbia |
| Sept. 26 | Lehigh | 58-0 | Penn |
| Sept. 26 | UMass | 10-8 | Dartmouth |
| Oct. 3 | Middle Tennessee State | 23-10 | Western Carolina |
| Oct. 3 | Stephen F. Austin | 13-10 | Lamar |
| Oct. 17 | Connecticut | 44-24 | Holy Cross |
| Oct. 17 | Tennessee State | 42-30 | Louisville |
| Nov. 7 | Delaware | 40-6 | Penn |
| Nov. 14 | Idaho State | 50-24 | Utah State |
| Nov. 21 | James Madison | 17-14 | East Tennessee State |
| Nov. 21 | Nevada | 36-34 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Nov. 21 | Northwestern State | 41-9 | Northeast Louisiana |
1980 season
| Date | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 6 | Boise State | 28-7 | Utah |
| Sept. 6 | Wofford | 16-9 | East Tennessee State |
| Sept. 13 | Northwestern State | 38-31 | Texas-Arlington |
| Sept. 13 | Tennessee Tech | 26-10 | Western Carolina |
| Sept. 20 | Delaware | 28-7 | Temple |
| Sept. 20 | UMass | 24-12 | Villanova |
| Sept. 20 | Murray State | 13-9 | Louisville |
| Sept. 20 | Southeastern Louisiana | 7-3 | East Tennessee State |
| Sept. 26 | Lehigh | 35-6 | Penn |
| Sept. 27 | Bucknell | 28-20 | Brown |
| Sept. 27 | New Hampshire | 24-7 | Dartmouth |
| Sept. 27 | Northwestern State | 13-10 | McNeese State |
| Sept. 27 | Southeastern Louisiana | 28-21 | Illinois State |
| Oct. 4 | Connecticut | 24-21 | Colgate |
| Oct. 4 | Eastern Illinois | 31-14 | Illinois State |
| Oct. 4 | Tennessee State | 35-18 | Long Beach State |
| Oct. 11 | Akron | 21-10 | Eastern Michigan |
| Oct. 18 | Boise State | 26-11 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Oct. 18 | Connecticut | 18-17 | Holy Cross |
| Oct. 18 | Eastern Kentucky | 25-6 | East Tennessee State |
| Oct. 18 | Lafayette | 3-0 | Penn |
| Oct. 25 | Delaware | 7-3 | William & Mary |
| Oct. 25 | Southeastern Louisiana | 55-30 | Northeast Louisiana |
| Nov. 1 | Boston University | 38-22 | VMI |
| Nov. 1 | Bucknell | 33-16 | Cornell |
| Nov. 1 | Delaware | 17-7 | Villanova |
| Nov. 1 | Western Illinois | 27-0 | Illinois State |
| Nov. 8 | UMass | 17-13 | Holy Cross |
| Nov. 15 | Eastern Kentucky | 28-16 | East Carolina |
NOTE: Lehigh tied Army 24-24 and Wofford tied Furman 14-14
1979 season
| DATE | I-AA team | Score | I-A team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 8 | Eastern Kentucky | 17-14 | Kent State |
| Sept. 8 | Presbyterian | 21-13 | The Citadel |
| Sept. 8 | Youngstown State | 33-27 | Illinois State |
| Sept. 15 | Akron | 15-13 | Kent State |
| Sept. 15 | New Hampshire | 26-17 | Holy Cross |
| Sept. 15 | Presbyterian | 17-10 | Furman |
| Sept. 22 | Boise State | 22-3 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Sept. 22 | Idaho | 17-13 | Pacific |
| Sept. 29 | Eastern Illinois | 22-14 | Southern Illinois |
| Sept. 29 | Lafayette | 14-7 | Columbia |
| Sept. 29 | Lehigh | 31-7 | Penn |
| Sept. 29 | UMass | 20-7 | Harvard |
| Oct. 6 | Boston University | 14-10 | Harvard |
| Oct. 6 | Bucknell | 10-0 | Cornell |
| Oct. 6 | Florida A&M | 16-13 | Miami (FL) |
| Oct. 6 | Nicholls State | 23-16 | Northeast Louisiana |
| Oct. 6 | Wofford | 27-17 | Furman |
| Oct. 6 | Youngstown State | 27-22 | Villanova |
| Oct. 13 | Akron | 24-12 | Eastern Michigan |
| Oct. 13 | Delaware | 21-20 | Villanova |
| Oct. 13 | Eastern Kentucky | 33-7 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Oct. 19 | Lafayette | 9-7 | Penn |
| Oct. 27 | Delaware | 40-0 | William & Mary |
| Nov. 3 | Boston University | 16-7 | Holy Cross |
| Nov. 10 | Boston University | 16-12 | Connecticut |
| Nov. 10 | Eastern Illinois | 24-0 | Illinois State |
| Nov. 17 | Delaware | 24-16 | Colgate |
NOTE: New Hampshire tied Connecticut 3-3
1978 season
| DATE | I-AA Team | Score | I-A Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 9 | Boise State | 42-12 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Sept. 9 | Tennessee Tech | 22-20 | Western Carolina |
| Sept. 16 | Boise State | 19-13 | Long Beach State |
| Sept. 16 | East Tennessee State | 21-14 | Western Carolina |
| Sept. 16 | Nevada | 23-14 | UNLV |
| Sept. 16 | Western Kentucky | 28-6 | Illinois State |
| Sept. 23 | Alcorn State | 24-16 | Central Michigan |
| Sept. 23 | Lehigh | 38-7 | Colgate |
| Sept. 30 | Rhode Island | 17-3 | Brown |
| Oct. 7 | Boston University | 20-17 | Dartmouth |
| Oct. 14 | Boise State | 30-15 | San Jose State |
| Oct. 14 | Nevada | 37-14 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Oct. 21 | Lafayette | 20-19 | Penn |
| Oct. 21 | Lehigh | 14-10 | VMI |
| Oct. 28 | East Tennessee State | 35-34 | Appalachian State |
| Oct. 28 | Western Illinois | 26-20 | Illinois State |
| Nov. 4 | Boston University | 15-7 | Holy Cross |
| Nov. 4 | Eastern Illinois | 42-7 | Illinois State |
| Nov. 11 | Bucknell | 7-0 | Colgate |
| Nov. 11 | Delaware | 23-22 | Villanova |
| Nov. 11 | UMass | 33-8 | Holy Cross |
| Nov. 11 | Montana State | 35-14 | Fresno State |
| Nov. 11 | Weber State | 44-25 | Utah State |
| Nov. 18 | Delaware | 38-29 | Colgate |
| Nov. 18 | Tennessee State | 27-23 | Chattanooga |
| Nov. 25 | UMass | 27-0 | Boston College |
NOTE: Dayton tied Miami (OH) 10-10
