College football: Teams on upset alert in Week 3

If these teams aren't careful they may get upset

One of the best aspects of college football is when the underdogs prevail.

Last week we saw App State upset No. 6 Texas A&M, Marshal take down No. 8 Notre Dame, and Texas nearly pull off an upset over No. 1 Alabama. This week, there are a handful of ranked teams that may find themselves on the wrong side of an upset, which could be absolutely detrimental to their postseason aspirations. 

In total, there are four ranked teams that realistically have a chance of falling victim and being the latest upset. Let's take a look at whose season may take a wrong turn today!

#22 Penn State / Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Opponent: Auburn (2-0)Favorite: PSU -2.5ESPN FPI: 61.7% Chance to win Reason for Concern: Penn State is 11-16 against SEC teams in regular season games, and combine that with the fact that Auburn has won their last 17 nonconference games things can go south for Penn State. 

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#7 USC / Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Opponent: Fresno Sate (1-1)Favorite: USC -11ESPN FPI: 90% Chance to win Reason for Concern: There is no doubt the Trojans' offense will show up, but their defense has been lackluster. This game may end up being a shootout, and we all know about the Pac-12 slayer, Jake Haener. He seemed extra motivated this week as he mentioned he was overlooked by USC as a recruit. It took a miracle play by Oregon State to escape the Bulldogs, and USC will need to keep their foot on the pedal in order to ensure they aren't Haener's next victim. 

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#13 Miami / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Opponent: #24 Texas A&M (1-1)Favorite: Texas A&M -6.0ESPN FPI: 53.8% Chance to win Reason for Concern: After dropping from No. 6 to No. 24 following their loss to App State, the Aggies have been the laughing stock of college football. Jimbo Fisher's offense and coaching have been questioned, and people are writing them off. That is exactly when an upset can happen. The Aggies have their backs up against the wall, and have everything to lose if they lose this game. Texas A&M turned to Max Johnson at quarterback with the hopes he can get the offense going. Miami has been receiving a lot of hype this week, if it goes to their head they may fall. 

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#11 Michigan State :: Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Opponent: Washington (2-0)Favorite: Washington -3.5ESPN FPI: 53.4% Chance to win Reason for Concern: Neither of these teams have been truly tested yet this season. Michigan State has not played a quarterback with the talent that Michael Penix has, nor do they have the quarterback capable of winning a shootout. Despite his 1-1 record against Michigan State while at Indiana, Penix torched the Spartans both times. Also, dating back to 1957, Michigan State is 0-13 in regular season games played in Washington, California, Oregon, Arizona, and Hawaii. They may see a steep fall in the rankings should they lose. 

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