Guarantee games have been part of the college football landscape for a long time. For the most part, such contests are mutually beneficial. The host school fills out its non-conference schedule while the visiting team, usually from a less-prestigious league, cashes a big check that helps the overall bottom line of its athletic department.
But though the vast majority of these games result in comfortable and expected victories for the home team, often the visitors turn out to be anything but cupcakes. And sometimes, they even win. Just last year, UCLA dropped a home game against Fresno State, eventual ACC champion Pittsburgh was tripped up by Western Michigan and Washington’s ignominious season was presaged by an opening loss to Montana of the Football Championship Subdivision.