Upset Alert: 5 college football teams in danger of losing in Week 10

PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks hands off to running back CJ Verdell #7 against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 24: Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Shane Buechele (7) warms up before the football game between the SMU Mustangs and Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on October 24, 2019 in Houston, TX. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. SMU Mustangs

Rank: 15 | Opponent: 24 Memphis Tigers | Time: Saturday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. ET

The revival of the SMU Mustangs has been one of the most enjoyable stories in college football this season, if you’ve been smart enough to follow along. Shane Buechele’s arrival from Texas has sparked the Mustangs to having one of the best offenses in the country and making them exceptionally entertaining. This is especially true as they’ve grown harrowingly accustomed to playing in close games this season.

Whether it was a three-point win on the road at TCU, needing a massive comeback and three overtimes to get overtop Tulsa at home or even having to grind out another road win at Houston last week (a three-point victory again), SMU has not been cruising to get to 8-0. They are undefeated nonetheless, though, but now face a crucial road matchup against the one-loss Memphis Tigers on Saturday.

Aside from a two-point loss at Temple — a team that’s played incredibly well at home overall this season — Memphis has been highly impressive, particularly offensively. Averaging 39.5 points per game behind versatile running back Kenneth Gainwell and quarterback Brady White, the Tigers have more than proven that they can put up points against any opponent set before them.

The truth about the SMU-Memphis matchup in Week 10 is that it should be a high-scoring slugfest. The Mustangs actually best Memphis’ scoring average by putting up 43.0 points per contest but both teams surrender at least 23 points per game on the year as well. With the Tigers playing at home and the undeniable shootout potential of this game where, as the cliche goes, the team who has the ball last could determine the winner, SMU is firmly on upset alert.

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