Last week’s college football action saw one notable upset when No. 14 Texas A&M defeated No. 8 LSU, 38-23. This week features several compelling matchups, headlined by No. 4 Ohio State traveling to Happy Valley to face undefeated No. 3 Penn State in a crucial Big Ten showdown. What teams are on upset alert this week?
Penn State over Ohio State
Ohio State (6-1) at Penn State (7-0)
Spread: Ohio State -3
The game of the week pits the Buckeyes against the Nittany Lions. Penn State comes in fresh off a bye week, while Ohio State narrowly defeated Nebraska, 21-17.
Why the Week 10 upset?
Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has struggled against top-five teams, posting a 2-6 record. Penn State’s notoriously difficult home environment presents another significant challenge for the Buckeyes.
Illinois over Minnesota
Minnesota (5-3) at Illinois (6-2)
Spread: Minnesota -3
Minnesota enters this contest following a dominant 48-23 victory over Maryland. Illinois, meanwhile, suffered a 38-9 loss to top-ranked Oregon.
Why the Week 10 upset?
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema holds a perfect 10-0 career record against Minnesota, including three victories with the Fighting Illini.
South Carolina over Texas A&M
South Carolina (4-3) at Texas A&M (7-1)
Spread: Texas A&M -3
No. 10 Texas A&M, fresh off their upset of LSU, faces a well-rested South Carolina team coming off a bye week. The Aggies jumped four spots in the rankings after last week’s victory.
Why the Week 10 upset?
South Carolina’s defense excels at creating turnovers, ranking third in the SEC and 12th nationally with 16 takeaways. Their defensive prowess was on display in their recent 35-9 win over Oklahoma, where they forced two turnovers in the first five minutes. This defensive strength could challenge Texas A&M’s potent offense.
Washington over USC
USC (4-4) at Washington (4-4)
Spread: USC -2.5
Both teams are fighting for bowl eligibility. USC snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over Rutgers last week, while Washington has dropped three of their last four games, including a loss to Indiana.
Why the Week 10 upset?
Washington boasts the nation’s second-longest home winning streak at 18 games. USC’s 1-3 road record suggests they may struggle in this hostile environment.
Related: How To Watch USC Football in 2024
Vanderbilt over Auburn
Vanderbilt (5-3) at Auburn (3-5)
Spread: Auburn -8
Vanderbilt’s surprising 5-3 record includes a competitive 27-24 loss to No. 5 Texas. Auburn (3-5) has underperformed but secured a 24-10 victory over Kentucky last week.
Why the Week 10 upset?
Two key factors favor Vanderbilt as Auburn’s turnover problems (-9 margin, ranking 125th nationally) could prove costly, and their run defense allows just 115 yards per game.