College football upset picks Week 8: Oregon and 5 teams on upset alert

College football upset pick Week 8, No. 3: Pittsburgh Panthers

Rank: 23 | Opponent: Clemson Tigers | Time: Saturday, Oct. 23, 3:30 p.m. ET

Pitt just climbed into the Top 25 rankings after a 5-1 start on the back of veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett playing the best football of his life. So, naturally, this would be the spot where Pat Narduzzi’s team lays an egg in a high-profile spot and ultimately takes their first Power 5 loss of the season.

Outside of the narrative, though, this is an interesting matchup. Even with all of the injuries that Clemson is being forced to deal with, Brent Venables’ defense continues to put forth a high-end effort that strings together big stops. The offense is what has been the problem for the Tigers and why they aren’t ranked right now.

For as good as Pickett and the Panthers offense has been this season, they haven’t faced a defense the caliber of Clemson yet this season. If there was ever a week for the resurgent passing attack (21 touchdowns to only one interception for Pickett) to come down to Earth, it would be this game.

While it’s hard to have faith in the product that D.J. Uiagalelei has put on the field offensively this season, especially with weapons dropping all over the place. However, they have stayed above water with their defense and could force Pitt into an ugly game, which they would have the advantage in.