Upset Saturday: Teams Who Should Be on Alert

By: JC Nevils

When dealing with college football, or any sport for that matter, there is always potential for things to go left, but college football especially. It seems that almost every game has potential for an upset, and for lesser teams to make history for their program. There may not be any history made this Saturday, but there are certainly chances to make memories. Here are the teams on upset alert this week.

1. #11 USC vs. Minnesota

Kickoff Time- 6:30PM

Spread- (-8.5) USC

USC came into the season with high expectations, and for the most part, they have shown why. While they did slip up and give a game away to Michigan , they have played well. With Lincoln Riley leading the way, they will always be in the thick of things offensively, but the defense is still a question mark for me. With the Golden Gophers averaging over 28 points per game, USC should be on alert in an atmosphere that will be tough.

2. #12 Ole Miss vs. South Carolina

Kickoff Time- 2:30PM

Spread- (-9.5) Ole Miss

Speaking of upsets, Ole Miss took a tough loss just last week to Kentucky at home, which dropped them out of the top five. Now we sit here this week as they go on the road to one of the toughest places to play in the country in South Carolina. The Gamecocks have arguably one of the better defensive lines in the country with star freshman Dylan Stewart leading the way. I believe they will play better, but if the pass rush gets to them it could get ugly.

3. Iowa vs. #3 Ohio State

Kickoff Time- 2:30PM

Spread- (-18.0) Ohio State

Ohio State has been dominant all season, which doesn’t surprise anyone with the roster they have. They will be hard to beat at home for any team, but conference play is different. Iowa isn’t known for its offense but their defense usually shows up. While they have given up big plays in the passing game, which is not the norm, this is a game that you should keep your eye on. I expect the Buckeyes to win if they get out early, but if not, we could be in for a surprise.

4. UCLA vs. #7 Penn State

Kickoff Time- 11:00AM

Spread- (-28.0) Penn State

With one of the biggest spreads of the weekend, Penn State should run away with this game, right? Sure, but Penn State hasn’t looked all that great against lesser teams. In fact, they almost lost to Bowling Green in Week Two. James Franklin can certainly coach, but he always seems to lose a game he has no business losing. While UCLA has been horrid this year under new head coach DeShaun Foster , this is still a conference game where anything can happen.

5. Auburn vs. #5 Georgia

Kickoff Time- 2:30PM

Spread- (-21.0) Georgia

Last week, both Auburn and Georgia suffered heartbreaking losses. Auburn was up 21-10 in the fourth quarter before Oklahoma stormed back to win on a go-ahead, game-winning pick-six. Meanwhile, Georgia nearly pulled off one of the biggest comebacks ever , but Alabama freshman Ryan Williams turned into Superman on the go-ahead touchdown to seal it. Georgia won’t take that lightly. With both teams looking to bounce back, I expect a great game. After all, it is the 'Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.' Tune in.