College football upset picks: Penn State and 5 teams on upset alert in Week 3

College football Week 3 upset alert No. 4: Alabama Crimson Tide

Rank: 1 | Opponent: at 11 Florida Gators | Time: Saturday, Sept. 18, 3:30 p.m. ET

Despite what Nick Saban is saying in post-game press conferences and likely in the locker room, the Alabama Crimson Tide have looked quite infallible to this point. On a neutral field against Miami, they made the Hurricanes look like an FCS program. Then against Mercer, they looked as if they’d gotten out of bed five minutes before kickoff and still won by 34 points. On both sides of the ball and at virtually every position, this team is ready to contend.

At the same time, it’s still a young Alabama team, most importantly at quarterback with Bryce Young. We’ve seen uber-talented players such as Spencer Rattler, Sam Howell and even recruiting classmate D.J. Uiagalelei struggle at times when they have a tough matchup against a defense that can get after them. Florida’s defense, even against Bama’s elite offensive line, is capable of doing that and forcing Young into mistakes.

Moreover, while Emory Jones hasn’t looked terrific in two games for the Gators as the starter, the two-quarterback system with Anthony Richardson — who has been one of the most explosive players used very little so far this season — is dynamic. And for the Crimson Tide defense, those different looks could present a challenge.

There’s a reason Bama is heavily favored in this game. However, if there’s a team on the schedule that can make the Tide look mortal, the Gators might be that challenger.