Exciting Upsets Loom in Week 0 and Week 1 of College Football Season

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ICARO Media Group
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23/08/2024 23h12

As the 2024 college football season approaches, fans are eagerly analyzing the odds and matchups for the first few weeks of action. With a stacked schedule featuring highly competitive games, there's potential for some major upsets that could set the tone for the entire season. Today, we highlight 10 underdog teams with the best chance of pulling off early-season surprises.

Week 0 kicks off with an exciting matchup between Florida State and Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. Despite the Seminoles being the double-digit favorite, the Yellow Jackets return a talented offense led by quarterback Haynes King and are expected to put up a fight against their more favored opponent.

Other marquee season-openers include Clemson vs. Georgia, LSU vs. USC, Miami at Florida, and Notre Dame at Texas A&M. These programs are known for their winning traditions, and none of them plan on starting the season with a loss.

One of the potential upsets to watch in Week 0 is the game between Georgia Tech and Florida State. The Seminoles have undergone significant changes, losing 13 starters, including star quarterback Jordan Travis. Their question marks on offense could spell trouble against Georgia Tech's solid defense and an experienced quarterback in Haynes King. The Yellow Jackets had a few upsets last season and held No. 1 Georgia to a close game, making them a team to keep an eye on.

In another intriguing matchup, North Dakota State faces off against Colorado in Week 1. Although North Dakota State is an FCS powerhouse, they have a history of defeating Power Five opponents, making them a dangerous underdog. On the other hand, Colorado has witnessed several players transfer out, leaving them with much to figure out before facing a well-coached and veteran North Dakota State team.

Hawaii also enters Week 1 as an underdog against UCLA, but they have a few advantages going into the matchup. The Rainbow Warriors have already had the opportunity to iron out their kinks with a warm-up game against Delaware State in Week 0, while UCLA introduces a new coaching staff led by DeShaun Foster, who lacks prior head coaching or coordinating experience. This sets the stage for a potential upset by Hawaii.

Michigan State is another team that could provide an upset in Week 1 as they face Temple. Though Michigan State had a disappointing season last year, they have a promising young quarterback in Aidan Chiles, who showed potential as a true freshman. However, with a new coach and significant changes in the roster, this game should not be taken lightly by the Spartans.

In a surprising turn of events, UNC opens as a slight underdog against Minnesota, despite convincingly defeating them at home last season. UNC's road record last year leaves room for doubt, but with Omarion Hampton returning to the backfield after an impressive season, the Tar Heels have the potential to secure a victory.

Penn State also faces a potential challenge in Week 1 against West Virginia. Although Penn State is favored, recent doubts raised by oddsmakers suggest a less confident outlook for the Nittany Lions. West Virginia's strong pass defense and an impressive rushing attack from last season could make this game a competitive one.

Lastly, a highly anticipated showdown between USC and LSU in Las Vegas presents an opportunity for USC to challenge the favored Tigers. Both teams have new quarterbacks and defensive coordinators, and USC's recent performance in the Holiday Bowl hints at their offensive capabilities under new leadership. The Tigers' struggling pass defense adds to the intrigue of this matchup.

As college football fans gear up for an action-packed start to the season, these underdogs have the potential to shake up the rankings and create some early-season drama. With exciting matchups in both Weeks 0 and 1, fans will be eagerly watching to see if these underdogs can pull off the upsets and make their mark on the 2024 season.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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