Week 9 Upset Alert

My upset specials continue to hit, but it hasn’t been all that hard with the past few weeks being filled with surprising outcomes. This week becomes much more difficult as it is the calm before the storm of week 10.  There are few matchups between ranked opponents, and even fewer unranked teams that have the ability to even push for an upset. This week might end up looking similar to last week.

Tennessee vs #9 Missouri

I am going to keep the Tigers on upset watch.  I do not think this is a top ten team, and they could be in for a hangover game after blowing a sure win against South Carolina last week. Maty Mauk will still be the quarterback Saturday as James Franklin is expected to miss another week.  It might be unfair to stake this claim to a redshirt freshman, but Mauk has shown that he cannot beat a team with his arm.  At this point he can only manage it and rely on the running game and stellar defense. If Tennessee can force a few turnovers from the young gun, the Volunteers could be primed to pull off their second top ten upset of the season.  It should be a low scoring game, but Missouri needs to win out to have a chance to meet Alabama in Atlanta. 

#18 Oklahoma State vs #15 Texas Tech

Like Missouri, I am going to keep the Red Raiders on upset watch.  They lost a very winnable game against Oklahoma last week, and now have to face the high power, but struggling, Cowboy offense.  If Texas Tech can turn the tide on their turnover problems, the Red Raiders should stay in the Big12 title race.  However, I think QB Webb or Mayfield continue on the interception train which will help the Cowboy quarterback gain confidence on the road. Running back Desmond Roland could be the difference in this game.

#11 Auburn vs Arkansas

The Tigers have shot up the polls after the decimation in front of them the past few weeks. On a side note, could you imagine how high Michigan would be now if they managed to escape Happy Valley? Ugh, I cannot think about too much without getting upset all over again. Anyways, the Auburn players seem to have bought into Gus Malzahn’s high tempo offense. They have put up 600+ yards over the past 3 games, and currently look like the only team left on Alabama’s schedule that could really test them.  Their defense is still a big question mark, and could struggle to stop Arkansas’ running attack.  However, the Razorbacks have lost 5 straight games, and have looked uninterested in their last two.  Most likely, Auburn will continue its torrid offensive pace and run away with this game, but playing in Fayetteville maybe the Arkansas players will rally around the Malzahn/ Bielema feud.

The most publicized game of the week features somehow top ten Miami and national title contender Florida State. I have watched Miami play a few games this season, and just have not been impressed with the Canes so far. Again, the what-ifs for Michigan’s season. Florida State looks legitimate for the first time under Jimbo Fisher. This season is shaping up to be the perfect reason why college football needs a playoff system.  I just think the Seminoles have way too much firepower, and should run away with another dominating easy victory. Miami is supposed to be a top ten team, but they are a 22 point underdog on the road. It is another reason why it is almost impossible to really rank any team after the top 6, because I think Michigan has a higher ceiling than Miami.