College football 2020: 6 teams that will be on upset alert in Week 8

5. Michigan (at Minnesota)

Not only is Michigan ranked higher, but it’s also the favorite. This doesn’t make much sense.

Minnesota returns nearly everybody from a team that won 11 games. Michigan is coming off another disappointing season, but without it’s starting quarterback, four of five starting offensive linemen and a multitude of opt-outs.

Minnesota showed last year they can compete with anyone: they beat Penn State at home and then dominated Auburn in the bowl game. Michigan’s only losses last year were to teams ranked in the top 15, three of their losses against top 10 teams. But that’s what Minnesota has potential to be is a top 10 team.

Michigan also loses both cornerbacks, which could leave some big openings for Rashod Bateman downfield. Michigan will be outmatched in this game and it’ll be the beginning of a magical season for the Gophers

6. Air Force (at San Jose State)

Maybe I’m the only one this high on the Spartans. But if they’re going to surprise people this year, it has to start with this game.

San Jose State continues to slowly rise under Brent Brennan. The loss of Jordan Love hurts but it’ll be eased with the transfer of Nick Starkel.

San Jose State was awful against the run last year, giving up 233 yards per game. That’s 125th out of 130 teams. But having this much time to prepare for an option attack should ease things a bit and hopefully make the rush defense a little stronger.

As for Air Force, the option is one of the things that makes this so unpredictable. It’s hot and cold, and that’s not an Air Force issue. Anyone who watches the option knows that when it’s on, it’s great and when it’s not, things are beyond tough.

Air Force has already played a game this year dominating rival Navy. That one game of in-game experience may be enough to give Air Force the edge. But don’t count out a San Jose State program looking to make a name for itself and reclaim its spot at the top of the Mountain West.