College Football 2021: 3 teams that will be on upset alert in Week 3

Sep 11, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Bryan Harsin talks with quarterback Bo Nix (10) after a touchdown drive during the third quarter against the Alabama State Hornets at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Bryan Harsin talks with quarterback Bo Nix (10) after a touchdown drive during the third quarter against the Alabama State Hornets at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s early enough in the season for Ohio State to recover, but do they have some work to do.

The Buckeyes defensive struggles became what will be a season-defining moment for Oregon, who was a 14-point underdog at the Horseshoe.

While technically an “upset” it’s hard to really call one conference favorite defeating another any sort of shocker. That’s the beauty of the early season: non-conference games that can turn a season upside down.

Ohio State wasn’t the only upset alert pick to lose. Fellow dishonorable mention Arizona couldn’t handle San Diego State and was beaten down 38-14, and Arkansas made Texas question their move to the SEC in an upset a lot of people saw coming.

As for upset dodgers, Pitt was in question early but came away with a win against Tennessee while Virginia hammered Illinois, Nebraska stopped everything the Buffalo offense was throwing at them and Penn State showed great mental toughness to not even allow a glimmer of hope to a Ball State upset.

That means last week. Teams on the list went 4-3. On the season, favored teams are now 11-8.

As usual, a disclaimer: these picks are not predictions unless otherwise stated as such.