Upset Alert, Week 6

Last week I said that there would be few upsets, and that turned out to be right.  The exception was Oklahoma, going down to Miami.  This week doesn't present many upset opportunities either, but these are the three that I think we should keep an eye on:

1. #12 Iowa (vs. Michigan).

Michigan has had some pretty inconsistent play from their defense (sound familiar Dawg fans?).  The Wolverine offense on the other hand has been nearly unstoppable under the leadership of freshman quarterback Tate Forcier, averaging about 34 points per game.  Iowa looked great against Penn State, but has barely escaped against I-AA Northern Iowa and Arkansas State, a team that isn't very good even by Sun Belt standards.  This game is being played in prime time, and Forcier is looking to make up for throwing an INT in overtime against Sparty.  Michigan's defense will keep Iowa in the game, but look for Forcier to make a play late.

2. #1 Florida (at #4 LSU).

Is there a more exciting and fun place to be on Saturday night than LSU's Death Valley?  It's a night game; the fans in attendance will have spent all day consuming various brands of bourbon, and oh yeah, it's a match up of two top 5 teams.  Even if you don't believe LSU is really a top 5 team, you know they're going to be pumped up to play this game.  Last week ESPN showed a statistic that LSU has won something like 23 straight night games.  Even if Jean Shorts Jesus rises from the figurative ashes, is he really going to be able to pound the ball the way he normally does?  Also, I make no secret of my dislike for Florida, so while Drew may prefer an LSU blood letting, I prefer a Florida blood bath. 

3. #3 Alabama (at #20 Ole Miss).

Alabama has looked great this year.  They haven't just been beating people, but beating them down.  The quarterback and offensive line were supposed to be question marks this year, but both may be better than last year.  McElroy could start to get some Heisman consideration with a big time performance in this game.  I list this game not because I'm especially convinced that Alabama is going to be in danger of the upset, but what fun is picking Kentucky to beat South Carolina?  Besides, isn't this the spot where everyone says Houston Nutt is at his best?  After forgetting to show up against South Carolina, the Rebels have been more or less forgotten about nationally.  Ole Miss has the talent to play with Alabama, but they're going to have to play their best game of the year if they want a shot at knocking off the Tide.


-Dex