College Football Upset Alert: Week Three
Many of this week’s potential upsets are caused by intriguing matchups between teams who haven’t been tested much so far this season. Having said that, here is the list for week 3:
Auburn @ Clemson
Clemson is the home favorite, but has done little to impress in their two wins against Troy and Wofford. Auburn has been tested early, finding ways to win, and is still the reigning national champion. However, this will be their first road test of the year, so it will be interesting to see how they respond given the different circumstances of this game for them.
Penn State @ Temple
Penn State could possibly be walking into the lion’s den in this one. They were embarrassed last week at home against Alabama, and now take their first road trip to Temple. Like many teams, the Owls haven’t played the toughest competition thus far, but have put up over 80 points in their first two games, and you can be sure they’ve been waiting for this one. If Penn State still has a hangover from last week, they could be in some trouble.
Washington @ Nebraska
Nebraska beat Washington handily in the regular season last year before losing to them in a rematch in the Holiday Bowl, so there is some motivation for them there. However, The Huskers were less than impressive last week against Fresno State, so they have to try to avoid being exposed as a weaker team against the Huskies this week. Washington comes into the game without playing any teams of Nebraska’s stature, but has shown some talent on the field.
Michigan State @ Notre Dame
It shocks me that Notre Dame is still favored in this game, even at home. The Irish have had some major problems this season. Once thought of as national championship contenders, they were humbled at home against South Florida, before blowing a lead against Michigan last week. Now they welcome in a ranked Michigan State team that is pretty untested, but returns a lot of people from last season’s team, including quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Spartans will arguably be the best team Notre Dame has faced thus far this season, and that’s very bad news for them, especially if they can’t take care of the ball.
Miami (OH) @ Minnesota
Minnesota has struggled this season, playing USC tough on the road, but losing to New Mexico State last week at home. While head coach Jerry Kill is out of the hospital after suffering a seizure during last week’s game, the Gophers will have to play even better for him against a Miami (OH) team that was beaten, though only by 11, on the road against Missouri in their last game.
Navy @ South Carolina
South Carolina escaped a desperate Georgia team last week, but now faces another potentially tough test as Navy comes calling. Playing lowlier teams, the Midshipman have averaged under 16 points per game, and have the number one rushing offense in football. If the Gamecocks choose to relax a little bit this week, they could be in for a real fight.
Ohio State @ Miami
In their only game this season, Miami fell to Maryland in the 4th quarter on the road. On the other hand, Ohio State has beaten some inferior competition. However, the Hurricanes will be getting their suspended quarterback Jacory Harris back for this game, while the Buckeyes will still be missing some key players. Miami has had two weeks to prepare to welcome the Buckeyes, but will they just be overmatched? Let the Cheater Bowl begin.
Syracuse @ USC
While they haven’t been tested on the road yet this season, the Orange have played fairly well, and have faced one semi-decent opponent beating Wake Forest in their first game of the year. USC, on the other hand, has narrowly escaped Minnesota and Utah the last few weeks. If Syracuse hits on all cylinders, could USC’s luck run out?
College Football Upset Alert: Week Two
College Football Upset Alert: Week One
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