Examining potential for early upsets that could change college football season
Part of the reason we love college football is for the upsets. In games people would otherwise forget, they are historic due to David being able to take down Goliath. Plenty occurred during the 2022 season and we are surely to see more in 2023.
On3’s Andy Staples and Jesse Simonton decided to take a swing, listing potential upsets that could occur in the 2023 season. There are a few Power Five vs. Power Five matchups in there but Group of Five teams have a chance to get involved too.
When making their selections, Staples and Simonton went with upsets programs would consider detrimental. The example used was Texas going into Tuscaloosa and beating Alabama. Sure, it would be a huge upset early in the year but the Crimson Tide would not have serious long-term questions to ask.
Check out all 10 early season potential upset predictions here.
Notre Dame loss could cause disaster for Ryan Day
Throughout history, Notre Dame beating Ohio State would never be an upset on paper. But given where the two programs are at the moment, the Buckeyes are going to be expected to take care of business, even if the game is in South Bend.
Marcus Freeman would have a cool moment if Notre Dame were able to pull it off, playing his college football in Columbus. Based on last season’s matchup, Simonton thinks there is a chance, even if it’s unlikely.
“Marcus Freeman, ex-Ohio State Buckeye,” Simonton said. “They played them competitively a year ago. They kind of played not to lose. They never really had a chance to win the game. This would be a huge deal if Marcus Freeman beat his alma mater.”
However, the story to come from a Notre Dame win would revolve around Ryan Day. Not to say he would be on the hot seat but College Football Playoff chances would begin to dwindle with a loss. While getting a win would not relieve pressure, dropping the game would only elevate it.
“This would be a worse indictment on what happens for Ryan Day,” Simonton said. “Because they will have not played Penn State or Michigan yet. To date, he has won every single game he is supposed to win outside of beating the Wolverines the last two years. This would be a disastrous loss for the Buckeyes.”
UTSA listed as trap game for Tennessee between important SEC matchups
When you look at Tennessee‘s schedule, there are two massive SEC games at the top. Josh Heupel will be looking to get a Swamp sized monkey off the Vols’ back and also get some revenge.
“Tennessee goes to Gainesville the week before,” Staples began. “Trying to win in the Swamp for the first time in 20 years. If they do that, it will be a very cathartic moment, it will be a big deal, it will be the toast of Knoxville. Then they have UTSA. The following week? South Carolina, the team that beat them last year, destroyed their storybook season.”
UTSA is not just a regular Group of Five program. Jeff Traylor is one of the most thought of young coaches in the game, while the Roadrunners have an experienced quarterback. The recipe makes up for what Staples believes is the perfect trap game.
“You got this sandwiched between them with 94th-year quarterback in Frank Harris and a very good coach in Jeff Traylor,” Staples said. “Could this be the trap? If they go to Gainesville and win, they’ll be riding high. But they better get back down and ready to play because (UTSA) will be ready to go.”