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College football Week 3: 5 teams on upset alert

By Cody Williams

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins calls a playduring the first half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins calls a playduring the first half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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BATON ROUGE, LA – SEPTEMBER 09: Danny Etling #16 of the LSU Tigers throws the ball during the first half of a game against the Chattanooga Mocs at Tiger Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA – SEPTEMBER 09: Danny Etling #16 of the LSU Tigers throws the ball during the first half of a game against the Chattanooga Mocs at Tiger Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2. LSU Tigers

Rank: 12, Opponent: Mississippi State Bulldogs, Spread: LSU -7.5

Much of the talk about the LSU Tigers coming into the year centered on how their offense could improve. With new coordinator Matt Canada taking over on the sidelines, things were looking up for this group. Though it hasn’t been spectacular to this point, there have at least been positive signs for the Tigers offense en route to 2-0 on the season.

We all know that running back Derrius Guice is a stud that can take over a game whenever he’s handed the ball. However, the big improvement to this point has been quarterback Danny Etling, who may only have 398 yards and one score passing through two games, but has more importantly raised his completion rate from 59.5 percent last year to 71 percent.

Meanwhile, the LSU defense has been predictably strong. They pitched a shutout against BYU in the opener and then only allowed 10 points against Chattanooga after they took their foot off of the gas. Moreover, they’ll get star defensive end Arden Key back this week, which should propel them.

Still taking all of that into account, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are going to be a tough opponent for everyone in the SEC this year, even if they aren’t an overall elite team. The big reason for that is quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, whose already accounted for 515 total yards and eight touchdowns through two games. He can beat defenses with his arm and legs and could do the same against LSU.

Even with the talent of the Tigers defense, Fitzgerald and company are going to have some success. And though the LSU offense has looked better, Mississippi State will be their biggest test yet. If Etling and his group struggle, the Bulldogs welcome the Tigers to Davis Wade Stadium and notch a huge victory.

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