College Football Picks Week 3: 5 Shocking Upsets Waiting to Happen

It’s going to happen sooner or later.

There is always a Saturday during the college football season on which ranked teams fall faster than Sarah Palin’s sports reporting credibility.

The first two weeks of the season were relatively tame, with no major upsets to speak of.

That all changes this week.

There are five games that jump off the page with huge upset potential for a variety of reasons.

Cross your fingers that the team you root for isn’t on this list…

5. No. 21 Auburn @ Clemson

Face it Tiger fans, the magic carpet ride is going to get completely derailed soon.

In two incredibly close games, Auburn won with plays like a kickoff return for a touchdown, an interception return for a touchdown and a memorable onside kick recovery.

They have been able to pull off these miracles in front of the home crowd, but now they go to a hostile Clemson environment.

I expect running back Andre Ellington to wear down the Tigers with his speed, and he will be bleeding the clock in the fourth quarter against a young, inexperienced and shallow Tigers defense.

History is on Auburn’s side, as they won the two teams' last 14 matchups, yet the last two have gone into overtime.

This will be the year that Clemson finally breaks through.

4. No. 18 West Virginia @ Maryland

The Mountaineers have trouble starting games.

They found themselves down 12-10 at halftime last week to NORFOLK STATE.

This week, the slow start is going to be too much to overcome. Expect the Terps to minimize the impact that quarterback Geno Smith has on the offense as they shutdown the WVU running game.

The Mountaineers have really struggled to find Noel Devine’s replacement, as they have run for only 144 yards on 59 carries in two games this season.

Remember that was against two lesser opponents.

The Terps are riding high after the emotional victory over Miami, and quarterback Danny O’Brien is a budding star.

With the extra week of preparation and the home field advantage, expect the Terps to beat the Mountaineers comfortably.

3. No. 17 Ohio State @ Miami

Sure this game will likely be completely erased in the NCAA record books down the line, but for now it’s one of the biggest games of the week.

After watching the Buckeyes sneak away with a win against Toledo, it’s clear that this team is going to struggle.

New quarterback Joe Bauserman is in over his head, and it’s going to really show on the road. Sure, the guy is in his mid-20’s as a super-duper redshirt senior, but there is no way to prepare for 50,000 fans screaming at the top of their lungs for the other team.

Miami quarterback Jacory Harris will be back in action along with a few other key players and his speed should really stymie the OSU linebackers.

Last year the Hurricanes gave the Buckeyes a huge scare at the Horse Shoe with Terrelle Pryor and the rest of the “tattoo five.”

Without them, it’s going to be a Miami romp.

2. No. 16 Florida vs. Tennessee

Sure it’s at the Swamp and the Vols are 0-6 in their last six games against the Gators, but that doesn’t matter to the players involved.

We don’t know a whole lot about both of these teams aside from the fact that the Vols' sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray is a stud.

Why wouldn't he be able to expose an average Florida secondary?

The Gators offense is still getting used to the new pro-style of Charlie Weis. The growing pains will be on full display. The Vols' front four will be able to push the Gators offensive line, and the pressure will get to quarterback John Brantley.

Here is the shocker of the week.

1. No. 15 Michigan State @ Notre Dame

This pick is more because of the Fighting Irish.

They have too much talent, and Brian Kelly is too good of a coach to allow Notre Dame to go 0-3.

The Michigan game was an instant classic, and it’s clear the Fighting Irish can play with the cream of the crop in the Big 10. They have churned out 500 yards of offense in both games thus far, but have committed 10 turnovers.

No way that keeps up.

Expect a more disciplined Notre Dame to score early and often with quarterback Tommy Rees and wide receiver Michael Floyd providing most of the damage.

Four of the last six matchups have been decided by three points of less, and expect this one to follow the trend. The Spartans haven’t been tested yet, and the Irish have already been in two thrillers against tough opponents. That’s a big advantage for Notre Dame.

Expect the Irish to get off to a fast start and eventually stave off a Spartan comeback.