Upset opportunities pop up on weekly basis

Enticing matchups create possibilities for surprise results.

SEC football competition does not take a week off. With 12 of the league’s teams reaching a bowl last season, every conference game means teams face nationally relevant opponents.

That many elite matchups produce many opportunities for mayhem in a conference schedule.

Here are 13 upsets that could happen in 2017, one for each week of the season.

WEEK 1 (SEPT. 3) Texas A&M at UCLA

This game was on our list last season. While the Aggies ended up with the better record (and the victory) in 2016, UCLA likely will be favored at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. The Bruins are also a different team with Josh Rosen in the lineup. That said, it would be classic Texas A&M to come out strong and make a statement in Week 1 on national TV.

WEEK 2 (SEPT. 9) Auburn at Clemson

The timing might be right for Auburn to make a major statement. Clemson will feature its typical tough defense, which should make Jarrett Stidham’s night brutal. However, Clemson’s offense will be breaking in new starters at key positions. Auburn’s defense must force mistakes for the offense to capitalize.

WEEK 3 (SEPT. 16) Miss. State vs. LSU

The Tigers are revamped under new coach Ed Orgeron and offensive coordinator Matt Canada. But in the third week of the season, the Tigers face off against one of the best QBs in the conference. Nick Fitzgerald blew through the competition over the final six games, averaging 363.5 total yards and accumulating 24 TDs. Coming against a retooled defense, it might be early enough in the year to pull an upset.

WEEK 4 (SEPT. 23) Kentucky vs. Florida

Florida’s win streak over Kentucky is the longest in the SEC history. The Wildcats have not won since 1987. The Gators replace several pieces on defense. Kentucky returns most of its starters on both sides.

WEEK 5 (SEPT. 30) Miss. State at Auburn

Auburn lost several of its top defensive playmakers and must replace them with inexperienced parts. That’s not great news when going against Fitzgerald, one of the most dynamic players in the conference. Fitzgerald will need one of his best games to beat Auburn.

WEEK 6 (OCT. 7) Texas A&M vs. Alabama

Texas A&M won’t beat Alabama. This is an exceedingly young Aggies squad, but chock full of talent. Expect Kellen Mond to start, and he has experience playing against elite talent at IMG Academy. Of course, nothing prepares you for Alabama. If the youth on Texas A&M matures quickly enough, things could get wild.

WEEK 7 (OCT. 14) S. Carolina at Tenn.

The Gamecocks could be one of the most improved teams in the conference. Tennessee replaces many of its top playmakers on both sides of the ball. South Carolina returns almost its entire roster, including QB Jake Bentley.

WEEK 8 (OCT. 21) Arkansas vs. Auburn

This game will be one of the best QB battles of the season. Arkansas will need a few weeks to develop some new skill position talent, but this might be the week things come together.

WEEK 9 (OCT. 28) Kentucky vs. Tenn.

The Volunteers lost their leading rusher, passer and receiver. Plus, top defenders Derek Barnett, Cameron Sutton and Jalen Reeves-Maybin are gone. That does not bode well against what should continue to be one of the best running games in the conference.

WEEK 10 (NOV. 4) LSU at Alabama

Last season, LSU and Alabama played in one of the most stressful games of the season. The Crimson Tide eventually scored in the final quarter to break a scoreless tie, but LSU still played one of the best defensive games in school history. Both teams replace several first-round picks. This would be good opportunity for Canada to unveil some new tricks.

WEEK 11 (NOV. 11) South Carolina vs. Florida

Florida’s defense is elite. The offense is a work in progress. Maybe the Gators will have it figured out by this game, but there are several question marks. South Carolina boasts one of the youngest offenses in the league, but sophomores Bentley, Rico Dowdle and Bryan Edwards proved to be future stars last season. If the group flashes its potential against the SEC East’s most consistent team, maybe it will be enough.

WEEK 12 (NOV. 18) Kentucky at Georgia

Obviously, we’re pretty high on Kentucky. The Wildcats rank third in the nation with 17 returning starters per Phil Steele, including much of the defense. Georgia also returns 17 starters, but there are still many questions on offense, especially the line. Georgia also has Georgia Tech the next week.

WEEK 13 (NOV. 25) Florida at FSU

Alabama coach Nick Saban said Florida State might be the No. 1 team in the nation. Last season, the Seminoles were just an offensive line away from being dangerous. However, Florida’s defense should continue to play at a high level, and the offense actually might be good. Whether it’s Malik Zaire or Feleipe Franks behind center, the line and running game will perform at a high level. The receiving corps, headlined by Antonio Callaway and Tyrie Cleveland, will challenge Florida State’s highly touted defensive backfield. Florida can knock Florida State out of the College Football Playoff with a victory.

ASSOCIATED PRESS LSU played Alabama tough last season in a defensive struggle, and the Tigers could do so again in 2017 during Ed Orgeron’s first full season as coach.

JOHN RAOUX / ASSOCIATED PRESS Under Jimbo Fisher, Florida State should have one of the nation’s best teams. But the Seminoles face a big hurdle Nov. 25 against Florida.