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College Football: 5 teams on upset alert in Week 4

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) is hugged by teammates after running for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Rose Bowl. Ucla won 24-23.Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) is hugged by teammates after running for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Rose Bowl. Ucla won 24-23.Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Jhajuan Seales (81) touchdown during the first half against the UTSA Roadrunners at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Jhajuan Seales (81) touchdown during the first half against the UTSA Roadrunners at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite what many fans may be feeling in Austin these days, the 2015 college football season isn’t over already. Though Texas is just 1-2 following an embarrassing 38-3 season opening loss to Notre Dame and an inexplicable missed extra point that cost them a chance to tie Cal in last week’s 45-44 loss, the slate is wiped clean because the Longhorns open Big 12 conference play Saturday at home against No. 24 Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys have improved each week this season. After surviving a trip to Central Michigan in Week 1 with a 23-14 victory, they beat Central Arkansas 32-8 in the home opener and dominated UTSA 69-14 last week. The Oklahoma State offense piled up 529 yards of total offense against the Roadrunners, and the defense forced seven turnovers.

The Texas defense has been completely absent this year, having allowed an average of 37 points and 512.3 total yards per game through the first three weeks of the season. For head coach Charlie Strong, who has built his reputation through guiding tough, fast, and fundamental defenses, his seat is getting hotter and hotter by the week.

On the bright side, however, Strong may have found a quarterback. Freshman Jerrod Heard set a school record with 527 yards of total offense (364 passing, 163 rushing with three TDs on the ground) in last week’s loss. The dual threat signal caller now gives the Longhorns hope that they can outscore opponents, even if the defense struggles. Of course, if Strong can turn the defense around, Texas can pick up a victory in their first conference game and still challenge for the league title.

Next: TCU at Texas Tech

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