College Football Week 10: Who Is On Upset Alert?
The college football season makes its way into November as the games become even more critical now. Week 10 features several matchups that are a must-see. Which of these games might feature an upset?
No. 6 Alabama (-13) at No. 15 LSU
Alabama on the road at night in Death Valley seems like the perfect opportunity for an upset. The Crimson Tide have had their worst games on the road this year. They barely got by Texas with a one-point win and lost to Tennessee in Knoxville. Meanwhile, LSU is 6-1 since their season-opening loss in head coach Brian Kelly’s first year.
Alabama should be ready for this one. They are coming off a bye week where they had time to work on their weaknesses. Bama’s most significant issues include penalties, where they rank as one of the most penalized teams in the nation. Alabama also ranks near the bottom of college football in turnover margin. However, expect Nick Saban to have the inconsistencies and undisciplined play fixed.
LSU is on their way to a quality season and bowl game appearance, but Alabama is looking to get a run going. Despite their loss to Tennessee a few weeks ago, Alabama still controls their path to the college football playoff. Much like last year at this time, every game is a must-win for the Crimson Tide.
Prediction: No upset in this one
No. 5 Clemson (-4.5) at Notre Dame
Clemson stands on the outside, looking in at their playoff chances. A loss against Notre Dame would likely eliminate any potential playoff opportunity. Notre Dame is fresh off an upset over Syracuse last week. The Irish scored over 40 points in each of their previous two games and had a big win against North Carolina in September. It looks like a different Irish team than the one that lost in back-to-back weeks to open the season.
The Clemson Tigers are coming off a bye week, so they have extra time to get ready for this one. Clemson nearly faced an upset the last time they saw the field. They had to overcome a 21-10 second-half deficit to beat Syracuse at home. The win marked the 38th straight home win, the longest streak in ACC history. Clemson is perfect on the year at 8-0.
Notre Dame seems to be getting hot at the right time, but Clemson is the deeper team. Clemson’s front seven is the perfect counterattack for Notre Dame’s strong running game. This will force the Irish to pass more when that is not the team’s strength. As a result, Clemson should be able to win this game and remain undefeated.
Prediction: No upset in this one but Notre Dame Keeps it close
No. 2 Tennessee at No. 1 Georgia (-8.5)
Tennessee at Georgia is the must-see game of the week. Seldom do the top two teams meet in the regular season, so this is a rare treat. Tennessee features the number one offense and number one scoring offense in the country. Georgia has the second-ranked offense, and the sixth most points scored in the nation.
As for the defenses, this is where Georgia shines. Georgia is allowing just 262.6 yards per game which is the best in the SEC. Their 10.5 points per game allowed is also the best in the conference. Tennessee’s defense is giving up an average of 21 points per game.
Georgia has the better defense, which is why they are favored. However, Georgia has not seen as potent of an offense this year as Tennessee. Quarterback Hendon Hooker is a favorite to win the Heisman with his 2,338 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 338 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns. In addition, he has explosive offensive weapons around him, including wide receiver Jalin Hyatt and running backs Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small.
It’s tough to see this as a high-scoring game, but if it does, Tennessee has the advantage. Their offense has kept them in some of the bigger games. The Volunteers have beaten five ranked teams this year compared to Georgia, who has had just one on their schedule. This will be a hard-fault game by both sides.
Prediction: Tennessee comes away with the upset in a close game
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few less prominent games that have a chance to end in an upset.
No. 23 Liberty at Arkansas (-13.5)
Baylor at Oklahoma (-3.5)
Florida at Texas A&M (-3)
In Conclusion
Any of these games could end an upset, and it would not be a surprise. However, it would cause a massive swing in the college football playoff ranking. Week 10 should be exciting as college football moves to the final stretch of the regular season.
Which game do you think could end in an upset? Which game not mentioned are you most looking forward to? Check out our latest college football coverage!
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