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| SCS.COM COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007: EARLY-SEASON UPSETS
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August 17, 2007
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Eddie, SCS.com Staff Writer
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Contact Eddie
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 Every season brings upsets. Some are not so surprising, and some come out of nowhere.
There’s no question that the 2007 season will bring its share of upsets, so we’re breaking down the ones that have the most potential to happen, while also going out on a limb with a couple.
The list is in no particular order, but it goes up until the halfway point of the season. These are the early-season, earth-shaking possibilities.
If I’m wrong, don’t hold me to it. But if I happen to be right, a nice steak dinner is on me!
Week 1
Washington State at Wisconsin: Wisconsin is one of the main contenders for the Big Ten title and the national title. Washington State is in the middle of the pack in the Pac-10. But, the potential for an upset is certainly there. The Cougars have one of the best quarterbacks the nation hasn’t heard of in Alex Brink, who can just plain sling it.
Oklahoma State at Georgia: Georgia is in position to bounce back from an underachieving 2006 season, as the Bulldogs are one of the favorites in the loaded SEC. Oklahoma State is going to be a pretty good team, with the QB-WR tandem of Bobby Reid and Adarius Bowman, and they pulled off a win against SEC member Alabama in last season’s Independence Bowl. Georgia had trouble with hapless Colorado at home last season, so who knows what could happen when a really good Big 12 foe comes to Athens? A loss for Georgia could hurt any aspirations they have, while a win for OSU could be a springboard to a surprise run in the Big 12.
Week 2
Miami at Oklahoma: With a new coach and a lot of questions surrounding their personnel, perennial power Miami isn’t really on anyone’s radar right now. But if they can go into Norman and pull off a win, they’ll be right back to where they’re used to being. Miami’s defense could cause fits for the Sooners’ new QB, and that could spell upset, which would be a huge boost for first-year coach Randy Shannon.
Virginia Tech at LSU: LSU is a bona fide natonal title contender, while the Hokies are a dark horse contender at this point, at best. But a win in Baton Rouge would give them a huge boost. Frank Beamer’s teams are known for their tenacious defense, and that could spell trouble for LSU, who’s breaking in some new starters on the O-line.
Week 3
West Virginia at Maryland: The Mountaineers are expected to make a run towards the national title, partly due to their very favorable schedule. But they best not underestimate the Terps, who won’t go down without a fight.
Louisville at Kentucky: The Cardinals have national title aspirations, while the Wildcats are still trying to get back on the national radar. The last time Louisville went to Lexington, they had to hold off a furious Kentucky rally to escape with a 31-24 win in 2005. UK QB Andre Woodson may not get all the hype that Brian Brohm does, but his arm could lead the Wildcats to a monumental upset.
USC at Nebraska: Not so long ago, the shoe would have been on the other foot. But now, USC will go into Lincoln #1, while the Cornhuskers will be trying to send a message that they’re to be reckoned with again. Former Arizona State QB Sam Keller will have the chance for some personal redemption against the Trojans. In 2005, the Sun Devils held a 21-3 lead at the half, and a 28-24 lead with six minutes to go in Tempe, but Keller’s five interceptions killed their upset bid.
Week 4
Oklahoma at Tulsa: The last time the two teams played, in 2005, the Golden Hurricane held a 9-7 third quarter lead before the Sooners rallied for a 31-15 win. OU might not be as fortunate this time. Tulsa has an underrated QB in senior Paul Smith, and Oklahoma still doesn’t have certainty at the position. If Tulsa does pull off the upset, first-year coach Todd Graham might give Steve Kragthorpe a call to thank him for the talent he left him with.
Week 5
Southern Mississippi at Boise State: The Broncos are looking to make another run at the BCS, but the Golden Eagles are trying to do the same. If Jeff Bower’s club can somehow win at Tennessee, a win on the blue field would catapult them into the picture and give them a chance to run the table. Keep in mind, however, the last time USM played there was the Humanitarian Bowl, when they were upset by Idaho. This time around, the shoe might be on the other foot.
Week 6
Nebraska at Missouri: A decade after these two teams put on one of the most memorable games in recent college football history, a 45-38 overtime thriller that featured the infamous Shevin Wiggins ‘kick drill,’ they could have another memorable one in Columbia. This time around, the Tigers may be able to come out on top with their talented offense, led by quarterback Chase Daniel and running back Tony Temple.
Week 7
Hawaii at San Jose State: Hawaii has all the chance in the world to run the table and get the WAC into the BCS party for a second straight year - a favorable schedule and an explosive offense led by one of the best quarterbacks in college football history. Barring any strange happenings, they’ll be unbeaten going into San Jose. The Spartans will be upset-minded, and pick machine Dwight Lowery could give Colt Brennan fits. They nearly derailed the Boise train last season, losing on a last-second field goal, so it wouldn’t be a complete shock if they could knock off the Warriors.
A couple more to watch out for:
LSU at Mississippi State (August 30), Nebraska at Wake Forest (September 8), Georgia at Alabama (September 22), Cal at Oregon (September 29), Ohio State at Purdue (October 5), Houston at Alabama (October 5), and any game involving Illinois and _______ (that’s for you, Missouri, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan).
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