As the college football season enters week 4, there have been an abundance of upsets already. Now, however, these upsets are starting to carry a whole new meaning, as one loss could mean the end of a teams season. As these teams enter conference play, they must win these games. If a loss is suffered, it could massively shake up the college football world. Here are some potential upset games to keep your eye on before week 4:
Purdue At Notre Dame
The Purdue Boilermakers are coming off a 1-11 season and haven’t exactly blown anyone away with their start to the season. However, Purdue managed to keep the USC Trojans at bay for a long time in week 3, while the Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost their first two games.
This suggests that a surprise upset game isn’t impossible. In all likelihood, this will be a blowout game, with Notre Dame winning their first game this season in convincing fashion. However, such an upset could stun the college football world, as it would almost certainly kick the Fighting Irish out of playoff contention. Again, this is a game that Notre Dame will probably win convincingly. However, just like last season, you never know what could happen at the beginning of a season.
Tulane At Ole Miss
This game hasn’t gained too much national attention. However, if there is one major group of 5 team capable of defeating a ranked SEC opponent, it is the Tulane Green Wave. Tulane has already beaten two Power Four opponents convincingly, nearly blowing out the Duke Blue Devils last week. Tulane has a whole other animal when it comes to the Ole Miss Rebels. However, the Green Wave has become a team to be reckoned with over the last few seasons. Ole Miss, meanwhile, has shakily begun the season.
The last two opponents have been one-touchdown wins for the Rebels. Of course, the two opponents, the Kentucky Wildcats and the Arkansas Razorbacks, were no easy assignments. Yet, at the same time, it proves that a loss against the Green Wave isn’t impossible. This upset would almost certainly change the whole picture of the SEC and give us a new group of 5 power house- the Tulane Green Wave.
Michigan At Nebraska
As the Michigan Wolverines head into Lincoln, Nebraska, it is apparent an upset here is very possible. The Wolverines are 2-1 and already have a loss this season, so a loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers would almost certainly destroy any chance of competing. Michigan did nothing last season on their way to a 8-5 record. Such a loss would set the No. 21 Wolverines up for failure in 2025 too. For Nebraska, such a victory would revive a college football team.
The Huskers haven’t defeated a ranked opponent since 2016, and starting 4-0, being ranked, and having some lesser opponents on the schedule would make Nebraska a potential threat in the BIG Ten. Nebraska began the year barely getting by the Cincinnati Bearcats but have looked way better since week 1. This includes the best secondary and specials teams unit in the nation after week 3. This game means a lot to the Wolverines, but it means everything to the Cornhuskers.
Overall, upsets happen every week. However, these games are examples of upsets that would destroy teams chances early this season. From Tulane At. Ole Miss, to Michigan At. Nebraska, these games will make national headlines… Especially if the underdog is able to come out on top. It will definitely be fun to see the final result of these games. Surprising or not, they could mean everything for these teams seasons.
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