Joel Klatt Predicts Major Upset in College Football on Saturday

This year, upsets have become increasingly common in the college football landscape, and Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt has predicted a major one this Saturday that could shake up both the top-25 rankings and the College Football Playoff race.

The introduction of a 12-team playoff format has provided teams with a wider margin for error, which is beneficial. However, recent conference realignments have also heightened the stakes, leading to more meaningful matchups and increased intrigue—resulting in more unexpected outcomes.

Klatt is focused on the AAC -Independent matchup between the No. 24 Navy Midshipmen and the No. 12 Notre Dame Fighting Irish . He appears to be optimistic about the undefeated Midshipmen, believing that, despite being double-digit underdogs, they have what it takes to pull off a stunning upset at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

“I’m looking at this line with Notre Dame favored by 12.5, and I’m calling for Navy to win outright. I’ve got them winning 20-17. I think that magical year continues, and we might start talking about a potential playoff berth for Navy.” Klatt said.

This game is crucial for both teams, but the Fighting Irish cannot afford to lose. At the start of the season, if you had told Notre Dame that they’d have the chance to secure a top-25 victory against an unbeaten Navy team at the end of October, they would have jumped at the opportunity, and now they'll get it. However, if they’re not careful, as Klatt noted, they could face an outright loss.

The success of the matchup will largely depend on Riley Leonard . He’ll need to make effective throws and utilize play action to keep a strong Navy defense off balance.

This game is likely to showcase an old-school style of play, as both teams aim to establish the run, promising a thrilling matchup at MetLife Stadium.

Related: Randy Cross Predicts Major College Football Upset on Saturday