Waiting for first upset of 2019
We’re more than halfway through the college football season, with no major upsets to show for it.
For the first time in the Associated Press poll era, the preseason top six teams have remained on top through six weeks, albeit in a slightly different order. But we know that won’t last.
With that in mind, here are the most intriguing questions for Week 7.
Will we finally see some big upsets?
With the exception of No. 3 Ohio State, which is on a bye, and No. 5 LSU and No. 7 Florida, who are facing each other, each of the nation’s top 10 teams are on upset alert.
Let’s take a closer look at some matchups (odds as of Tuesday).
No. 1 Alabama (-16½) at No. 24 Texas A&M
Chance for an upset: Unlikely Alabama hasn’t been tested yet, and that might not change until its big matchup with LSU on Nov. 9. But the Crimson Tide face their first ranked opponent this season, and do so on the road, to boot. Jimbo Fisher’s 3-2 Aggies might not be worthy of that ranking, but they are battle-tested, having already played a pair of top-10 teams in Clemson and Auburn. Quarterback Kellen Mond hasn’t been the Heisman Trophy candidate many predicted he could be, but he’s steadily improved and can apply what he learned playing a pair of strong defenses against a unit that gave up 31 points and 476 total yards to Ole Miss. Will that be enough to keep up with Tua Tagovailoa and Co.?
Florida State at No. 2 Clemson (-27) Chance for an upset: Unlikely
If anyone in the ACC can match Clemson’s talent on the field, it’s Florida State. The problem is, second-year coach Willie Taggart hasn’t gotten the most out of that talent, with the Seminoles missing a bowl game for the first time in 36 years last season and already losing twice this year. The hope for Florida State is that Clemson is vulnerable, considering star quarterback Trevor Lawrence has struggled and the Tigers almost lost to North Carolina. Florida State plans to play both James Blackman and Wisconsin transfer Alex Hornibrook at quarterback in this game. Will either be able to test Clemson’s defense?
South Carolina at No. 3 Georgia (-24½)
Chance for an upset: Unlikely Georgia fell behind 14-13 to Tennessee on Saturday, but it was hardly a concern as the Bulldogs scored 30 straight points to end the game. South Carolina hasn’t given any indication it can compete against the SEC elite, other than its competitive first quarter against Alabama. But if Rico Dowdle and Tavien Feaster can run the ball as well as they did against Kentucky, the Gamecocks might be able to control the clock and keep the Bulldogs offense off the field. Considering how well Georgia has played against the run, though, it will probably be up to freshman quarterback Ryan Hilinski to make plays.
LSU’s offense is good. But is it good enough to win the SEC?
It’s not just good, it’s the best in the nation. Let that sink in for a second.
The Tigers, better known for their hounding defenses and conservative quarterbacks, are averaging 54.6 points per game. Joe Burrow is the big reason why, throwing 22 touchdown passes in five games, just six shy of the school’s singleseason record, under new passing game coordinator Joe Brady.
But we haven’t seen LSU face a good defense yet, as the Tigers have feasted on two Group of 5 teams (Georgia Southern and Utah State), a bad FCS team (winless Northwestern State) and the SEC’s punching bag (Vanderbilt). Even Texas ranks among the nation’s worst in yards per game (442) and yards per play (6.0) allowed.
Florida enters Baton Rouge having allowed just five touchdowns all season. The Gators lead the nation with 12 picks and are tied for third in the country with 26 sacks.
On Saturday, we’ll not only find out just how good Burrow and this LSU offense really are, but whether Florida’s defense can pave the way to the SEC title game.