There is definitely a difference of opinion on whether the term Spoilermaker is a positive or negative one in the history of Purdue football. The former Boilermaker players associated with winning teams tend to view it as a derogatory term, while the ones that were on losing teams have a much different view.

Today, we'll take a look back at the seven Boilermaker upsets that have been labeled "Spoilermaker" victories. By my definition two things had to happen for it to be termed as such: 1) Purdue had to have a losing record at the time of the upset or finished the season with a losing ledger, and 2) The victim had to be ranked in the top-10 nationally.

By the above definition, last week's win over No. 7 Ohio State qualifies, though it remains to be seen what the ultimate effect this game will have on the Buckeyes' season. Also, a winning season for Purdue is still possible.

Here's our heavy seven:

This was the game that may have started Purdue's reputation for great upsets. Sophomore Dale Samuels led the Boilermakers to an easy win over the Irish on that rainy day in South Bend. The victory ended the top-ranked Irish' 39-game victory string, and sent them into a tailspin for the remainder of the '50 season, finishing 4-4-1. Purdue, under coach Stu Holcomb, ended the year just 2-7.

Tomorrow will be the 56th anniversary of this monumental upset. The Spartans had a 20-game unbeaten string snapped as former Spartan-turned-Boilermaker Dan Pobojewski scored on a short run. "Pobo" had been, in essence, cut from the Spartans before heading to West Lafayette. The loss to Purdue kept the Spartans from another national title as MSU finished third the final AP poll. Purdue finished ... 2-7.

Despite the fact Purdue finished the '60 season with a 4-4-1 record and was ranked no less than 19th, and the fact that this game didn't cost the Gophers the national title, I suppose this is a debatable "Spoilermaker" entry. Minnesota, however, nearly lost the final vote defeating Mississippi by one, but on this day, the Boilermakers shocked Minnesota in Minneapolis. For more on the game, click here.

OK, this one falls in the gray area also. The Boilermakers were 1-1 at the time, but finished 4-6 in Bob DeMoss' first season. Still, on the heels of a 48-0 defeat at Notre Dame the week before the trip out West, this one was quite a surprise. It also didn't ruin Stanford's season, however, because the Indians (the schools' politically incorrect name at the time) managed to shake off their first loss of the season to finish with a 9-3 record and a surprising 27-17 win over Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, which cost the Buckeyes' a national title.

The Boilermakers' 24-point first quarter ranks as the greatest 15 minutes of football in school annals. This one was hard for the defending national champs to swallow as they walked into Notre Dame Stadium a 35-point favorite, and left with their tail between their legs. Purdue, under second-year coach Alex Agase, finished a disappointing 4-6-1 and lost to Duke the next week. Notre Dame lost just once more that season, a 55-24 drubbing at the hands of USC, but did sneak out an Orange Bowl title and No. 6 final ranking in Coach Ara Parseghian's final year at the helm.

In terms of truly spoiling one's season, this one takes the cake. Legendary coach Bo Schembechler never won a national title, and this game might be the reason why. Purdue used a gutty defensive performance, and even guttier rushing effort by injured All-Big Ten back Scott Dierking to pull out the win. Rock Supan's short field goal and Bob Wood's wide left field goal attempt in the closing seconds set off a celebration on Ross-Ade Stadium's turf that rivals any. Purdue lost two weeks later to finish 5-6, costing Agase his job.

Just four days after he had tendered his resignation, Coach Jim Colletto finally got his team to play at the level not seen enough during his six-year tenure. With staunch defense that forced the Wolverines into five turnovers (a number familiar to Purdue fans this week) the Boilermakers were able to pull out the win in the fourth quarter when a Rick Trefzger-to-Brian Alford five-yard scoring pass proved to be the difference. Michigan was 7-1 at the time, but the loss was one of three in the final four games of the season. The Boilermakers lost their final two games for their coach to finish 3-8.

"Spoilermaker" victories have rarely righted the ship for the Boilermakers. Purdue is just 2-5 the week after these wins (1960 and '76). So, with that in mind, I guess the Gold and Black had better be ready tomorrow.