College football Week 3: 5 teams on upset alert

3. Kansas State Wildcats

Rank: 18, Opponent: Vanderbilt Commodores, Spread: Kansas State -3.5

It’s most certainly not a stretch to say that we don’t how good the Kansas State Wildcats actually are after the first two weeks of the season. Sure, they’re ranked No. 18 and have two resounding victories to their credit, but they define the phrase “they haven’t beat anyone” at this point. Victories over Central Arkansas and UNC Charlotte frankly aren’t convincing anyone of anything, even if the Wildcats put up 55 points in both wins.

Having said that, there is certainly reason to believe in the Wildcats. For a team that has often seen running quarterbacks with questionable arms, Jesse Ertz might be the best and most well-rounded player under center that they’ve seen in some time. He’s put that on display already with 511 passing yards and four scores to go with 111 rushing yards and another touchdown through the first two games of the year. Ertz is a true dual-threat that carries this KSU team.

They will finally be tested — or possibly might be — in Week 3 as they have to go on the road to play the Vanderbilt Commodores. Like the Wildcats, Vandy hasn’t truly played anyone to this point either, beating Middle Tennessee State (admittedly the best team either Kansas State or Vandy has played) and Alabama A&M to come into this game at 2-0.

Even still, the Commodores seem to have real weapons on offense as Kyle Shurmur has looked quite good at quarterback and Ralph Webb is a weapon at running back. More importantly, though, their defense has been quite good. MTSU might not be a great overall team, but they should boast a good offense and Vanderbilt shut them down completely. As such, Vandy has a chance to earn a big upset win at home.