3 College Football Teams on Upset Alert in Week 5
Upsets - no matter where they happen - all share the same characteristic: Unpredictability.
However, the games featured in this week's upset alert list do not necessarily follow that same script. There are multiple games featured in this week's that would lead to a shakeup in the polls if the upset actually took place.
If anything this list will allow you to see where you should be looking for an upset to occur. We cannot guarantee an upset will occur in these games, but you can almost certainly bet that these games will be closer than the experts think.
#8 Wisconsin at #4 Michigan
Line: Michigan -10.5This is an unorthodox upset alert pick because a game between two top 10 teams usually does not have a true "underdog." This game made the list because Michigan is still a double digit favorite despite being just four spots ahead of Wisconsin in the AP poll.
Skepticism surrounded Wisconsin after its narrow victory over Georgia State, but the Badgers were much more impressive in their 24-point win over Michigan State last week. Wisconsin is currently boasting one of the country's best defenses, which will be a key component in their efforts to upset Michigan.
The Wolverines, meanwhile, have shown no indication that they will lose anytime soon other than their early close call with Colorado. But Michigan has not faced a defense as good as the one they will face on Saturday. If Wisconsin is able to keep this a low scoring affair then they might have a chance.
No one is denying that is going to be tough sledding for the Badgers to win in the Big House against a Michigan team that has shown significant improvement under head coach Jim Harbaugh. However, it would not be considered an upset if it was not tough sledding.
Memphis at #16 Ole Miss
Line: Ole Miss -14.5This upset alert prediction is unorthodox because it is not often that an SEC team is upset by the same team in two consecutive seasons. Last year, Memphis shocked the Rebels. This season the Tigers have a new coach, a new quarterback, and they are playing on the road. Despite all of this they still have a chance.
The Tigers are currently averaging over 51 points per game, and they are holding their opponents to nine points per game. The team also boasts the second best turnover margin in the country. Turnovers are key in most upset attempts, and they were also key in Memphis' win last season.
Ole Miss will obviously be the best team that Memphis has faced this season. The Rebels are 2-2, but they have one of the nation's best and most consistent passing attacks behind the arm of Chad Kelly. The Rebels are also coming off of a dominant victory over Georgia, which is something that may cause them to overlook Memphis.
Hugh Freeze will likely not underestimate the Tigers this year. That still may not matter if Memphis manages to dominate on both sides of the ball like they have in every other game this season.
Arizona State at USC
Line: -10.0The final unorthodox game of this week's upset alert list features a matchup where a 1-3 team is favored by 10 points over a team that is undefeated. That would be common in some cases but in a case where both of these teams are in the same conference.
USC is certainly struggling in Clay Helton's first year as head coach especially after last week's narrow loss to Utah. Right now, the Trojans rank 10th among Pac-12 teams in total offense. They may be alright this weekend against the conference's worst defense, but that does not mean that will outscore Arizona State.
It is worth mentioning that the Sun Devils are undefeated, but all four of their wins came in offensive shootouts. That is why being 10 point underdogs seems odd. Do oddsmakers really believe that the Trojans will outscore Arizona State in an offensive shootout?
This is not to say that USC does not have the talent to win especially with the game being at home. But morale is at an all-time low in Los Angeles, and Arizona State does not plan on losing anytime soon.