College Football 2021: 3 teams that will be on upset alert in Week 9

Week 8 was one of the most straightforward weeks of college football we’ve had in terms of results of this season. Most games went according to plan in terms of winners and losers.

Unfortunately, there are two very notable exceptions: first, Coastal Carolina fell from the undefeated ranks against App State. Then, on Saturday, one of the true surprises of the season: Penn State lost to Illinois in a record nine overtimes, 20-18 — that is not a typo. The game was either one of the most entertaining in recent memory or one of the worst ever depending on your perspective.

We’d be having a much different conversation if Kansas had a better fourth quarter. The Jayhawks gave up 28 points over the final quarter and 18 seconds en route to a 35-23 loss to Oklahoma. Cincinnati had a close call against Navy as well, but as my sophomore year history teacher always used to say, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

Last week, teams on upset alert went 4-1. Only Virginia Tech lost, in incredible fashion, I might add: Syracuse scored 21 fourth-quarter points, including 14 in the final two and a half minutes to defeat the Hokies 41-36.

Teams on upset alert are now 36-18. We might be permanently over .500 for the season.

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