10 Biggest Upset Alert Games of the 2016 College Football Season
Upsets are one part of what makes college football so great, and the 2016 season contains potential problem games for highly ranked and unsuspecting teams.
Several Group of Five programs will have the chance to stun a major-conference school—particularly if a non-power team hosts the matchup. Other schools need to be wary of intraconference foes.
While the intent of the list isn't to predict upsets in 2016, the following 10 games could shake up conference standings, the Top 25 and eventually bowl season if the favorite loses.
Don't expect an upset, but remember to watch for the outcomes—and aftermath—of these contests.
10. Washington State at Boise State
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Washington State finished 9-4 last season, and much of the offense returns. The Cougars certainly have the scoring attack to compete in the Pac-12 North Division, but defense is a question.
Boise State might expose some weaknesses right away.
The quarterback-running back-receiver trio of Brett Rypien, Jeremy McNichols and Thomas Sperbeck should be one of the most productive in the nation.
During the last decade, the Broncos have recorded double-digit wins eight times. In 2015, they managed a quiet nine. How quickly we forget about the non-power powerhouse.
If Bryan Harsin's team defends the blue turf on Sept. 10, Boise State will officially join the chase for a New Year's Six bowl slot. And Washington State will have some catching up to do.
9. Miami at Appalachian State
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Thanks to the arrival of Mark Richt, the Miami program has a renewed sense of confidence. But it'll probably take a full season to start reaping the rewards.
Meanwhile, Appalachian State has dominated the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision. Led by quarterback Taylor Lamb, the Mountaineers have won 17 of their last 19 games.
Plus, they open the campaign on the road against Tennessee. Appalachian State will be tested heading into the Sept. 17 battle in Boone, North Carolina. The 'Canes will have rolled over Florida A&M and Florida Atlantic before hitting the road.
If Miami is sluggish in any form, the Mountaineers will be sticking around into the fourth quarter with the home crowd supporting the efficient veteran quarterback. That's a recipe for disaster.
8. Army vs. Navy
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Navy improved its winning streak over Army to 14 games last season, but the Black Knights continued inching closer. After nine straight two-possession losses, Army has been within six points during four of the last five meetings.
And 2016 is shaping up to immensely benefit the Black Knights.
Record-destroyer Keenan Reynolds capped his Navy career with a 4-0 record against the rival, but the Mids lost nine other starters on offense and several key pieces on defense. Although doubting head coach Ken Niumatalolo is unwise, crediting his Army counterpart, Jeff Monken, is important, too.
Army went 2-10 last year but dropped six one-possession games. The Black Knights, who bring back a strong majority of 2015's production, only need to be one touchdown better. If they can settle on a quarterback, Navy might be in trouble on Dec. 10 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
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7. Florida State at Louisville
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Louisville presents the biggest "what if" of the 2016 campaign. Clemson and Florida State have legitimate College Football Playoff potential, and their Oct. 29 clash is a pivotal game for the nation.
But what if quarterback Lamar Jackson and Co. actually manage to upend the visiting 'Noles on Sept. 17?
The Cardinals would enter the ACC Atlantic Division race, and an Oct. 1 tilt in Clemson suddenly becomes a massively important game—for all three programs.
Florida State will be favored, but Louisville is an experienced club with an explosive quarterback and stingy defense. The Seminoles must be prepared for a hard-fought game.
6. Oklahoma at Houston
5 of 10
Houston became the darling of the 2015 season and is a potential CFP party crasher this year. As a non-power program, though, the Cougars will need a signature win.
Oh, hey, Oklahoma.
Headlined by dual-threat gunslinger Baker Mayfield, the defending Big 12 champion and playoff qualifier returns a tremendous backfield. The Sooners will travel to Houston—albeit NRG Stadium, not TDECU Stadium—to open Week 1's afternoon action on Sept. 3.
The Cougars will need a mistake-free Greg Ward Jr. at quarterback and a formidable front seven to overcome Oklahoma's Big 12 talent, but we're not going to doubt head coach Tom Herman.
5. Western Michigan at Northwestern
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Although Western Michigan probably isn't equipped to make a run at a New Year's Six bid, P.J. Fleck's team will be a tough out.
The Broncos enter the season as favorites in the MAC. Quarterback Zach Terrell and receiver Corey Davis are three-year starters, and Western boasts a three-headed rushing attack.
Northwestern's defense is stingy, but its offensive mentality in 2015 was basically getting in the best position to punt. Give the Broncos enough opportunities and they're going to score.
Although the Sept. 3 bout likely won't be a flashy game to watch, Fleck has another chance to finally record a seemingly inevitable major win on the national scene.
4. North Dakota State at Iowa
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The last five times FBS squads scheduled North Dakota State, the Football Championship Subdivision dynasty earned the win.
Iowa wants to prove its undefeated 2015 regular season wasn't a fluke, but the Hawkeyes will need to stop the quarterback who guided the Bison into the FCS title game last year. Carson Wentz garnered the hype, but Easton Stick started and won eight critical games.
"Carson taught Easton a lot, and they are different types of players," NDSU coach Chris Klieman said, per Steve Batterson of the Quad-City Times. "Carson probably throws the ball a little better, and Easton is probably a little better runner."
Be sure to track the Sept. 17 outing. Iowa is the obvious favorite, but the Bison won't be daunted by the environment.
3. LSU at Arkansas
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Not only has LSU recently had trouble defeating Alabama, Arkansas is a severe annoyance for Les Miles.
In 2014 and 2015, the Tigers lost a tough game to the Tide and failed to rebound against the Razorbacks. Once again, LSU meets Arkansas the weekend after challenging 'Bama.
The Razorbacks limited Leonard Fournette to just 91 yards last year—remember, everything is relative. Containing the physical runner is the key to beating the Bayou Bengals on Nov. 12, and Arkansas' defense should be even better in 2016.
Should LSU fail to reverse the first trend, another November letdown could be on the horizon. Or, the worst-case scenario for Miles, the Tigers might let Alabama back into the SEC picture.
2. Notre Dame at Texas
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The Sept. 4 clash between Notre Dame and Texas is full of unknowns. How will both teams use two quarterbacks? Do the Fighting Irish have an average defense? How much have the Longhorns improved?
On Notre Dame's side, depth is becoming a larger question. Between injuries, possible suspensions and dismissals, the defense could be without four expected contributors on a unit that needs to replace five central pieces anyway.
Texas was a disaster on offense in 2015, but there's at least hope for the Longhorns this year after hiring offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert. Plus, they host the game.
Although the Irish could answer the questions in resounding fashion, Odds Shark expects a close finish. We're not messing with Vegas—especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Notre Dame.
1. Clemson at Georgia Tech
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Georgia Tech is a wild card in the ACC. Two years ago, the Yellow Jackets won the Coastal Division. Last season they stumbled to a 3-9 finish yet stunned Florida State.
Clemson has the offensive firepower to absolutely thrash Georgia Tech and its rebuilt secondary, but every championship contender needs to survive a nonsensical close game. For the Tigers in 2015, that was a road game against South Carolina.
The Jackets will attempt to take advantage of a Clemson team potentially peering ahead to Louisville. Thursday night ACC games hosted by the underdog—quite frankly—can get really weird, and the Tigers know that firsthand after edging the Cardinals last year.
Quarterback Justin Thomas must keep Georgia Tech close enough on Sept. 22 for the defense or special teams to make the key play to spring the upset. Otherwise, Clemson will laugh at the notion of this being an upset alert.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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