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Upset Alert: 5 college football teams in danger of losing in Week 5

By Cody Williams

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 07: Ohio State Buckeyes running back J.K. Dobbins #2 during game action between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bearcats on September 7, 2019, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 07: Ohio State Buckeyes running back J.K. Dobbins #2 during game action between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bearcats on September 7, 2019, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 14: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts a pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 14, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 14: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts a pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 14, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

5. Penn State Nittany Lions

Ranking: 12 | Opponent: Maryland Terrapins | Time: Friday, Sept. 27, 8:00 p.m. ET

You could make the argument that the Penn State Nittany Lions are one of the most unproven teams in college football coming into Week 5 of the 2019 season. This team might be 3-0 and have a win over Pittsburgh but neither the 17-10 victory over the Panthers nor their other two wins on the year have really told as all that much about James Franklin’s team.

While quarterback Sean Clifford has performed well overall to begin the year, the concern about Penn State’s lack of playmakers this season still rings true. This is a team that may not have the experienced players on offense that are capable of competing against high-end competition, which the Pitt game may have shown. On top of that, the talented defense has not been remotely tested.

Coming off their idle week, the Maryland Terrapins were a letdown two weeks ago when they suffered their first loss of the season. Josh Jackson, Anthony McFarland and the Terps offense were otherworldly in their first two games but were shut down in a defeat at the hands of Temple. Even still, it’s clear that Maryland has an explosive offensive unit that can put up points on anyone when they’re right.

With this Friday night matchup being on the road at Maryland for the Nittany Lions, this will be a big test for Penn State. What’s clear is that the Terrapins have the talent to protect their turf and get back on track by pulling off an upset, handing Penn State their first loss of the season.

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