College Football: 5 teams on upset alert in Week 6

On the strength of a 24-17 victory over Michigan in the season opener (a win that looks better and better every week as the Wolverines improve) and a 62-20 demolition of Pac-12 heavyweight Oregon two weeks ago, Utah has risen all the way to No. 5 in the AP Top 25.

Idle last Saturday, the Utes have had two weeks to prepare for an explosive Cal offense that is averaging 43.4 points and 527.8 total yards of offense in a 5-0 start. That production has come in large part from quarterback Jared Goff, who ranks seventh nationally with 1,630 passing yards and third with 15 touchdowns.

The Bears haven’t always won impressively (most notably being the beneficiary of one of Texas’ inexplicable special teams blunders during a 45-44 victory in Austin in Week 3), but they have survived three consecutive tests by the Longhorns, Washington and Washington State. And, Cal has made strides on defense – specifically, with 18 turnovers (which leads the nation) and 18 sacks (which leads the Pac-12).

Utah has its own top notch QB, Travis Wilson, who threw for 227 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 100 yards and a TD against the Ducks. The Utes also have the benefit of the buzz that comes with ESPN’s College GameDay, which gives an added element of national attention to two undefeated Pac-12 teams that aim to make themselves a part of the College Football Playoff discussion moving forward.

Because of their stronger resume to date and a home field advantage, Utah obviously has the edge – but that doesn’t mean Cal can’t pull off the upset.

Next: TCU