There has been at least one college football upset every week this season, and Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Florida all look like very worthy candidates to fall victim to the trend on Saturday. If one — or all of these three — of these teams fall, it won’t be a shock.
Notre Dame is hosting Navy, Oklahoma travels to Baylor, and Florida is at Missouri. They are all favorites. Oklahoma is laying 10.5 points, and Florida is giving away seven points.
If any of these three teams lose, it won’t be as earth shattering as Georgia losing to South Carolina or Illinois defeating Wisconsin, but the upset will still cause a tremor throughout college football.
Oklahoma Already an Upset Victim
Oklahoma has already lost to an unranked team this season. The Sooners were stunned by Kansas State in Week 9. Oklahoma was a 23.5-point road favorite, and lost, 48-41. That dropped the Sooners from No. 5 to No. 10 in the AP Top-25 Poll, and effectively killed their hopes of playing in the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners avoided a second upset last week at home against Iowa State. Oklahoma was a 14.5-point pick and struggled against the Cyclones, but managed to win 42-41.
On Saturday, the Sooners travel to Waco, Texas to face No. 12 Baylor. Though the Bears are only two spots below them in the AP Top-25 Poll, Oklahoma is a 10.5-point favorite.
Baylor knocked off one ranked team already this season, defeating then No. 11 Texas in Week 7. The Bears have the best defense in the Big 12. The moneyline is an attractive +300.
Florida Faces Rejuvenated Missouri
Six weeks ago, Florida was on the other side of a college football upset, when they upended then No. 7 Auburn, 24-13. The Gators rose up to No. 7 in the AP Top-25 Poll, but then faced No. 1 LSU, and No. 4 Georgia. They lost both, and dropped to No. 11.
If they don’t want to fall any further in the poll, they will have to handle Missouri. They are favored by seven on the road, and Missouri is +210 on the moneyline.
The Tigers are getting starting quarterback Kelly Bryant back. Bryant, who transferred from Clemson, had been battling a hamstring injury, and missed Missouri’s last three games.
Coach Barry Odom told reporters on his weekly conference call, he is excited to see his quarterback ready to compete.
“He’s as close to 100% as I’ve seen in the last few weeks, which is good,†Odom said. “He’s had a really good week of practice so far. Anticipate him playing, and playing well.â€
Navy Looking to Sink Notre Dame
Navy has one of the best teams it’s had in years, and the Midshipmen employ a triple-option run package that gives opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. Navy is +240 on the moneyline.
Notre Dame have to stop a trio that includes quarterback Malcolm Perry. Perry has 1,042 yards in eight games, gaining 6.6 yards per carry, and 16 touchdowns.
The Fighting Irish’s offense will face a much tougher Navy defense than it has in past encounters. Last year’s defense was 103rd in the country, allowing 33.5 points a game. This season, the Midshipmen are 15th nationally, and are allowing an average of 18.1 points.
