College Football 2021: Top 5 teams that will be on upset alert in Week 8

2. Minnesota (vs. Maryland)

If you’re a believer in either of these teams like I am, this is just another game. If you’re a doubter, this game is big for bowl eligibility. Maryland still has Indiana, Penn State, Michigan State, and Michigan remaining on the schedule while Minnesota has an easier path, but still some tough ones, including at Iowa.

I’ve been singing Minnesota’s praises since the off season, so why do I think this has upset potential? Two words: Taulia Tagovailoa.

As good as Minnesota has been (and could be) you can’t hide the fact that the defense has the offense has been, in some situations, very bad. The worst example was a loss to Bowling Green that looks wore each week where the offense managed only ten points. They can’t afford to take a step back into that territory against such an explosive quarterback.

That said, Tagovailoa desperately needs a big performance not only for a win, but for his confidence. Against two solid defenses in Iowa and Ohio State, Tagovailoa has thrown an impressive (and not in a good way) seven interceptions.

The good news is in the four games outside of that, he only has one pick and Maryland is 4-0. I believe that is the real Taulia Tagovailoa. And if that’s the guy that shows up — the one that doesn’t turn the ball over — he’s a big threat to the Golden Gophers.

Minnesota is coming off a bye week. They were playing their best football since 2019, but does that down week help or hurt them? Last season Maryland won a thriller, 45-44. Is this a revenge game for Minnesota or does Maryland take out two weeks worth of anger on the Gophers?