Five Biggest Trap Games of College Football's Opening Weekend

Have you ever felt helplessly abandoned as you watched your team's national title hopes foolishly lost in the first weekend?  It happens every year, as teams unknowingly schedule trap games on opening weekend. 

A season-ruining "trap" game is a game scheduled where the underdog has nothing to lose and everything to win, while the favorite quite frankly typically expects to win. 

Try a few of these recent memories on for size.

Aug. 23, 2002: Colorado State 35, Virginia 29

Virginia signs up for a "12th game," which is also an extra home game to tune up before they play Florida State.  It's a bad idea, as Marques Hagans fumbles the ball away at the one-yard line with 10 seconds to go in the game. 

Virginia ruins its season with a bonus game against a formidable football team that ended up 10-4.  Virginia has no luck the next week against the Seminoles either—FSU wins 40-19.

Aug. 28, 2003: Northern Illinois 20, No. 14 Maryland 13

A highly touted Maryland team, coming off consecutive seasons with trips to the Orange and Gator Bowls respectively, travels to DeKalb, IL for its season opener!  That's right—DeKalb, Illinois, home to the NIU Huskies. 

This turned out to be Michael "The Burner" Turner's coming out party and a dream non-conference season for the MAC, with teams winning five games on the road against ranked BCS schools in 2003. 

A dream season for the MAC turned out to be an opening weekend debacle for the Terps.

Sep. 1, 2007: Appalachian State 34, No. 5 Michigan 32

Heartwarming for most college football fans, heartbreaking for the Wolverines. 

Most recent on all of our minds, Appalachian State proved that the spread offense with a lot of speed at the skilled positions can beat anyone that makes mistakes.  Several mistakes amounted to what many are considering the biggest upset in college football history.

So, with the college football season right around the corner, here's a ranking of the five biggest traps of opening weekend, ranked from the biggest upset to the least.

1. Appalachian State vs. LSU

No secrets here—Appalachian State can do it.  Just ask the near-100,000 who left The Big House upset last year this time. 

The three-time defending FCS national champions know how to win and still have speedy quarterback Armanti Edwards to help try to make it four this year. 

LSU has several question marks to fill after an FBS championship, losing several defensive and skill position stars to graduation and the NFL.  Most importantly, little starting experience for the quarterbacks at LSU means opening a game with nerves.

Appalachian State once again plays with nothing to lose, so, maybe, just maybe, they can top their Big House Miracle with a Bayou Debacle.

2. USC vs. Virginia

Several injuries have plagued the Trojans, resulting in a lack of reps in practice for a profile players like quarterback Mark Sanchez and running back Joe McKnight. 

The continuous circling of a Sep. 13 date with Ohio State just might daze the Trojans.  The Wahoos are coming off a season where they weren't considered a great team, yet managed to squeak out game after game. 

A disappointing Gator Bowl choke to Texas Tech is all the Cavs have been thinking about in the offseason.  They are ready to take their best lick at USC and have them at home.  What more could they ask?

3. Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina (Charlotte, NC)

Finally the Sean Glennon vs. Tyrod Taylor starting quarterback debate is over, but has the focus on the Pirates been overlooked?  Skip Holtz has his team all fired up for a chance to give the program some visibility and start a potential BCS run for the Pirates.  

Remember Virginia Tech's first game back after their terrible tragedy?  With all the emotion built up, they only managed to beat ECU 17-7 in last year's home opener. 

4. Boston College vs. Kent State (Cleveland, OH)

With Matt Ryan gone, who will lead the Eagles?  The little team, Kent State, is led by the little guy, Eugene Jarvis, standing a mighty 5'5" tall. 

Don't underestimate Jarvis, as this hard to tackle, speedy running back just might lead the Golden Flashes to a flashy opening weekend win.

5. Utah vs. Michigan

This really won't be a huge upset if the Utes pull it off, but it would certainly dash the hopes once again of the Wolverines.  Two consecutive years of season-ending losses in the first game can be gut-wrenching for a powerhouse. 

The learning curve on Rich Rodriguez's offense is far too difficult, and very little experience spells disaster against the BCS crashers from Salt Lake City.