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4 college football teams on upset alert in Rivalry Week 13

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; The Oklahoma Sooners celebrate after a fumble recovery against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; The Oklahoma Sooners celebrate after a fumble recovery against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Marquise Williams (12) looks to pass as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Dadi Lhomme Nicolas (90) pressures in the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Marquise Williams (12) looks to pass as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Dadi Lhomme Nicolas (90) pressures in the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

We’ve included the North Carolina Tar Heels on our list of college football teams on upset alert for three consecutive weeks now, and UNC responded first by blowing out Miami 59-21, but then narrowly escaped Blacksburg with a 30-27 overtime victory over Virginia Tech. Could the third time be the charm?

The Tar Heels are desperate for a win over No. 1 Clemson in the ACC Championship Game in order to sneak into the College Football Playoff. But, even a win over the Tigers may not be enough to launch No. 14 North Carolina into the final four because a season-opening loss to what is now a 3-8 (soon to be 3-9) South Carolina squad and an otherwise weak non-conference schedule that includes two FCS opponents. Plus, North Carolina can’t afford to overlook its in-state rival this weekend.

N.C. State is 7-4 this season, but the Wolfpack made life very difficult in hard-fought losses to Clemson (56-41) and Florida State (34-17, but was tied 17-17 at halftime) despite averaging just 343 yards of total offense in those two games while allowing 551 in those two contests. Overall this year, N.C. State has averaged 402.6 total yards of offense per game this year while surrendering just 312.5, which ranks third in the ACC – eight places ahead of North Carolina’s much improved unit that has allowed an average of 384.1 total yards per contest.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is one of the best signal callers in the ACC and has completed 63 percent of his passes for 2,242 yards an 17 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Brissett can also make plays with his feet, and has 175 rushing yards and three touchdowns that are far from impressive statistics until you calculate the lost yardage as a result of 28 sacks. If the Wolfpack can give Brissett enough time in the pocket to make plays, he’s very dangerous.

The Tar Heels have their own playmaking quarterback in Marquise Williams (2,431 passing yards, 17 TD, 7 INT) and running back Elijah Hood (1,060 rushing yards, 14 TD) is one of the best ball carriers in the ACC, but North Carolina is still very vulnerable – especially if they are caught looking ahead.

Next: Northwestern

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