Pac-12 Football: 5 teams on upset alert in Week 3

USC has won both of its first two games of the season by 18 points apiece. The game against Western Michigan was tougher than expected, though, as the Broncos held things close into the fourth quarter. The first Pac-12 win of the season was also close for much of the game, until the Trojans pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Texas enters its first season under new head coach Tom Herman hoping to continue its recovery from an opening loss to Maryland. Things got better for the Longhorns in Week 2, as they shut out San Jose State in a blowout 56-0 victory. The question then becomes which Texas defense will show up for the rematch of the 2006 Rose Bowl classic.

It must be noted that, though they are 1-1, Texas took a turn for the better once freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger got his first career start ahead of incumbent Shane Buechele. The rookie threw for 222 yards and a touchdown to balance a powerful rushing attack. Ehlinger contributed 48 yards on seven carries as the Longhorns racked up over 400 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

If Ehlinger continues to develop in his first start on the road, he will be in position to out-Darnold Sam Darnold, last year’s freshman phenom. Look for Ehlinger to run for 100 and throw for 250 as he gets three scores. After giving up a kickoff return to Darius Phillips in the opener, USC will give up another long return to Reggie Hemphill-Mapps. Texas, slated as anywhere from a 15- to 17-point underdog, could shock the country and rock the AP Top 25 with an upset in Los Angeles.