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Red Flags: 5 college football teams on upset alert in Week 6

By Cody Williams

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) congratulates Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy (15) on his touchdown during the first half of a game between the Tennessee Vols and Florida Gators, in Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Utvsflorida0924 02243
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) congratulates Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy (15) on his touchdown during the first half of a game between the Tennessee Vols and Florida Gators, in Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Utvsflorida0924 02243 /
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College football upset picks
USC Trojans. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. USC Trojans

Opponent: Washington State | Time: Saturday, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. ET | Spread: USC -12.5

We’re five games into the Lincoln Riley era and I remain perplexed about just how good USC is this season. Starting 5-0 is a good indication, but this is also a Trojans team that struggled mightily against Oregon State and then messed around more than they should’ve last week against Arizona State.

I’m not fully buying that this defense is atrocious but it’s still far from perfect and their turnover luck should see a downturn from their early astronomical pace. And that’s going to be dangerous against a Washington State team that has been impressive with Incarnate Word transfer Cameron Ward at quarterback.

For my money, we’re looking at another game that could devolve into an up-and-down shootout. USC’s offense is better and has more overall talent but, with the way the Trojans have already flirted with disaster this season, that worries me in the toughest matchup yet.

1. Tennessee Volunteers

Opponent: at LSU | Time: Saturday, Oct. 8, Noon ET | Spread: TENN -3

Tennessee undoubtedly had many people championing them coming into the season but I doubt even the most ardent supporters were believing wholly that the team would be ranked No. 8 with an unbeaten record as they travel to LSU in Week 6.

Josh Heupel’s Vols are getting a break by this game being early in Death Valley as opposed to a more raucous night environment. Moreover, Hendon Hooker should be able to keep cooking like a true Heisman candidate against a Tigers defense that has been good-not-great or worse to this point in this season.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is playing but banged up, which does make me think there is blowout potential for Tennessee here. At the same time, however, with an Alabama matchup looming, there is also some look-ahead potential for the Vols. In a tricky spot and in a tough road environment, there are enough red flags to put Tennessee on upset alert.

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