Upset Alert-Week 5

While last week saw a flurry of upsets from Columbia, South Carolina where Ole Miss couldn't beat the Cocks, to Eugene, Oregon where the Cal Bears got absolutely embarrassed.  This week presents fewer upset opportunities.  While teams in the top 10 may lose, some may not really be an upset.  LSU for example is ranked number 4, but is a 3.5 point underdog to the #18 Dawgs.  So, while I don't think there will be any big time upsets this week, these are the leading candidates:

1. #8 Oklahoma (at #17 Miami).

The Sooners are a 7.5 point favorite, probably due to Miami's poor performance last week in the rain at Virginia Tech.  However, the Canes find themselves at home this week, and the forecast is free of any precipitation.  The U also catches a bit of a break with Sam Bradford's absence.  While Landry Jones may be a fine QB, he remains unproven.  Sorry, but Idaho State and Tulsa don't count.  Jacory Harris has looked pretty good thus far for Miami, and he'll have to have another great game if his team is going to pull the upset.

2. #9 Ohio State (at Indiana).

Indiana played Michigan tough in Ann Arbor last week, and the Hoosiers will have to have another strong performance if they want to hang with the Buckeyes.  Being at home, Indiana is in more friendly confines this week, but it will be interesting to see how they respond after coming this close last week.  While Terrelle Pryor will be the most talented guy on the field Saturday, that doesn't mean he'll play like it.  Pryor continues to be inconsistent, living up to the hype at times, and falling flat at times.  If the good version of Terrelle Pryor show up, Indiana probably will not win.  However, if the Hoosiers can keep Pryor under wraps, they have the offense to pull off the upset.  By the way, OSU is an 18 point favorite.

3. #7 USC (at #24 Cal).

Okay, so after last week there is really no reason to believe that Cal is capable of beating a Pop Warner squad, let alone the defending (for 7 years now) Pac-10 champion Trojans.  Almost no reason.  First, Cal is at home, and most teams play better at home.  Second, Cal is still a really talented team, with perhaps the best RB in the country in Jahvid Best.  Finally, USC has been less than impressive so far this year, whether their QB is Aaron Corp or Matt Barkley.  They are averaging only 28 points per game, along with the likes of FSU and LSU, two teams thought to have bad offenses.  If the Trojans continue their offensive struggles, don't be surprised if Cal pulls the stunner.

-Dex