College Football 2021: Ranking the top upsets from Week 1

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Sep 3, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Dax Hollifield (4) celebrates after he intercepts a pass with teammates linebacker Alan Tisdale (34) and defensive back Nasir Peoples (31) during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Virginia Tech shocks North Carolina

10. 838. 17. 847. Final

This game was technically an upset and on paper, a significant upset as North Carolina was ranked No. 10 in the country and the Hokies were unranked entering this game. However, it appears that the Tar Heels were somewhat overrated, and in fairness to North Carolina, they played on the road in front of a loud and amped-up Hokies crowd.

Virginia Tech won by one score and North Carolina will more than likely bounce back from this loss as well so this upset is not ranked higher due to both teams being more evenly matched and we will more than likely see that come true later in the season.

The Hokies won the game and look to continue to build momentum going into next week.

7. UTSA stuns Illinois

807. Final. 37. 2410. 30

This game was not as big of an upset as you may think as the Roadrunners of Conference USA won seven games last season and only lost by single digits to ranked Louisiana last year in the Servpro First Responder Bowl.

Yes, Illinois plays in the Big Ten and defeated Nebraska last week but the Fighting Illini have a new coach and played their second-string quarterback as their starting quarterback Brandon Peters was inquired in their first game.

UTSA never trailed in the game and the running attack of the Roadrunners was too much for the Fighting Illini to overcome. UTSA may also win the Conference USA title this season and this may not look like an upset by the end of the season if the Roadrunners continue to play this well on the field.

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