College Football
“Upset Alerts” for the Top College Football Teams of 2018
The AP Top 25 Poll was unveiled this week. If our favorite team’s ranking is not high enough, we all know the poll is a scam. This year’s top five teams are almost unanimous, but some team on their schedule might just sneak up and do the impossible. Keep in mind, I am not talking about losing to a lower ranked opponent. I am talking about a clear underdog, App State vs Michigan or classic Stanford vs powerhouse USC, where one team’s talent on paper should clearly win with no problem. Without further ado, I present to you: “Upset Alerts” for the Top College Football Teams of 2018.
5. Ohio State
Honestly, I had a tough time picking an upset special for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is deep in talent and should be a favorite to win every game. I had a hard time choosing between week 1 opponent Oregon State or Minnesota later in the year. However, Ohio State drama or not, Oregon State loses, but Minnesota… Could you imagine Ohio State losing to a true freshman QB in Columbus? Buckeye fans would make Philly fans look tame.
4. Wisconsin
I have two teams for Wisconsin to be on “upset alert.” Northwestern and Purdue played Wisconsin tough last season. I will give the edge to Northwestern pulling off the upset since Wisconsin travels to Evanston this year. Wisconsin is another super talented team in the B1G and will likely win the weaker East division; however, they give me the feeling that will lose to someone they shouldn’t before the B1G Championship game.
3. Georgia
Georgia is coming off of its best season in a long time. You know what rivals want to do after a season like that? Play spoiler the next year! South Carolina has a great chance at knocking off the Bulldogs visit in September. Georgia has plenty of talent but they do lose some numbers on defense. The Gamecocks could catch the Bulldogs early and dampen the excitement in Athens.
2. Clemson
Clemson, like Ohio State, should be a favorite in every game heading into the season. Coach Swinney tries to treat every game as the only game. However, Clemson tends to get caught every now and again despite the talent in Tigertown. My upset alert for Clemson is Wake Forest. Clemson travels to Wake in the first week of October and sometimes strange things happen. Also, watch out for tough ole Boston College, Tiger fans.
1. Alabama
Good ole Alabama. The good news is that ‘Bama is the only team Alabama needs to worry about. I guess I could make the argument for other teams but, other than rivalry games with ranked opponents, I don’t see an upset special. For kicks and giggles, though, I’ll go with a first year coach at Tennessee or Arkanasas just for beginners luck!
What do you think? Are there other teams these top 5 teams should worry about?
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