1ST ROUND CFP upsets

[PITT 76]

Do you think the favorites are all going to win the 1st round, or do you see any upsets?

I like Texas and Ohio State to advance without serious problems.

However, I believe the bottom half of the bracket has the potential for an upset or two.

Both Penn State and Notre Dame are extremely difficult to beat at home. They'll also probably be favored by at least a touchdown. However, I cheer for Cinderella, and we've got 2 of them here.

If SMU plays the whole game like they did the last quarter against Clemson, they will win.

I'm rooting for Curt Cignetti to pull it off. Although Indiana is the away team, they're still in their state. Maybe, they'll even out the fandom if Notre Dame has to sell them tickets.

 

[BFo8]

Tennessee is a 7.5 point underdog to OSU in the first round, so that would certainly be an upset.

 

[HailtoPitt]

I would like nothing more than to see SMU send 100,000 white out wearing State Penn fans home disappointed.

 

[Burgh15]

SMU can win if they can win the battle up front and beat Penn State with the speed on offense.

Clemson can win because I think Texas may just be too tight and blow it. Dabo has a ton of big-game experience and Clemson has the athletes to play against the best. They'll need a balanced attack to win..

Tennessee is good and we know Ohio State and Ryan Day are fully capable of choking in a big moment.

Indiana can put up some serious points. Look out if Notre Dame needs Riley Leonard to throw the ball.

 

[TD_6082]

SMU can win if they can win the battle up front and beat Penn State with the speed on offense.

Clemson can win because I think Texas may just be too tight and blow it. Dabo has a ton of big-game experience and Clemson has the athletes to play against the best. They'll need a balanced attack to win..

Tennessee is good and we know Ohio State and Ryan Day are fully capable of choking in a big moment.

Indiana can put up some serious points. Look out if Notre Dame needs Riley Leonard to throw the ball.

I don't think Tennessee is very good. They also benefited from a rather weak SEC schedule. Nico has really struggled at times & they don't have playmakers at receiver. They have a good running game. Dylan Sampson is a really good back, but their offense is lame. The Vols have had 4 SEC games where they went scoreless for an entire half. Back 7 on defense is suspect. Not many teams have been able to exploit it though.

I do find the IU/Notre Dame game intriguing. Lots of pressure on the Domers.

 

[PITT 76]

SMU can win if they can win the battle up front and beat Penn State with the speed on offense.

Clemson can win because I think Texas may just be too tight and blow it. Dabo has a ton of big-game experience and Clemson has the athletes to play against the best. They'll need a balanced attack to win..

Tennessee is good and we know Ohio State and Ryan Day are fully capable of choking in a big moment.

Indiana can put up some serious points. Look out if Notre Dame needs Riley Leonard to throw the ball.

I edited my post. I meant to say that Ohio State would win. Tennessee is good, but it's really hard to win in Columbus.

 

[ratking17]

Does beaver stadium have enough hot water to keep bathrooms open or are they brining in a ton of porta johns for fans since their pipes freeze

 

[Upg bobcat]

Tennessee is a 7.5 point underdog to OSU in the first round, so that would certainly be an upset.

Tennessee is good and we know Ohio State and Ryan Day are fully capable of choking in a big moment.

I don't think Tennessee is very good. They also benefited from a rather weak SEC schedule. Nico has really struggled at times & they don't have playmakers at receiver. They have a good running game. Dylan Sampson is a really good back, but their offense is lame. The Vols have had 4 SEC games where they went scoreless for an entire half. Back 7 on defense is suspect. Not many teams have been able to exploit it though.

I'm very interested in the Ohio State-Tennessee game. OSU's defense has looked extremely good down the stretch. Didn't look great against Oregon but overall, has been excellent. Is that due to Big 10 competition being weak? Will Tennessee put up a lot of points against OSU?

 

[Mayday79]

ND in a blowout. the fighting cignetti's bubble will burst.

Buckeyes in a blowout. I'm still shocked that Michigan beat the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are awake now and take out their frustration on Tenn.

While I would like SMU to beat Pedofile Sate, I don't see it. Franklin will water down the field to slow up SMU

 

[thebadby2]

I'm very interested in the Ohio State-Tennessee game. OSU's defense has looked extremely good down the stretch. Didn't look great against Oregon but overall, has been excellent. Is that due to Big 10 competition being weak? Will Tennessee put up a lot of points against OSU?

Let's not forget that OSU just lost to the worst Michigan team in years memory, one that ranked near the very bottom of the 130 D1 teams in nearly every meaningful offensive category.

Ryan Day has taken Urban's juggernaut and slowly made it softer overall and less mentally and physically tough over the past 4 years. All those NFL guys all over the 2 deep and they manage a whopping 10 points against Michigan. Tennessee won't be the least bit afraid of them.

 

[upj87]

Let's not forget that OSU just lost to the worst Michigan team in years memory, one that ranked near the very bottom of the 130 D1 teams in nearly every meaningful offensive category.

Ryan Day has taken Urban's juggernaut and slowly made it softer overall and less mentally and physically tough over the past 4 years. All those NFL guys all over the 2 deep and they manage a whopping 10 points against Michigan. Tennessee won't be the least bit afraid of them.

and WVU lost to a lousy Pitt team and spanked #4 Oklahoma by 20 in their bowl game...Past performance not always indicative of future results...Me thinks this is a comfortable Ohio State win...btw, there is no such thing as a juggernaut anymore in the age of the NIL mercenary...

 

[Upg bobcat]

Let's not forget that OSU just lost to the worst Michigan team in years memory, one that ranked near the very bottom of the 130 D1 teams in nearly every meaningful offensive category.

The Michigan loss wasn't the fault of OSU's defense, they gave up 13 points. Although that does raise their NCAA D1 leading points per game up to 10.92. They have only given up 14 TDs in 12 games. Plus it was a rivalry game. Based on what we saw in GT-Georgia, you would think Georgia shouldn't be #2 overall seed because it took 8 OTs to beat a 7-5 GT team (well 7-4 team at the time), but crazy things happen in rivalry games.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I would be surprised if there wasn't at least one upset.

I don't think Tennessee is that good, but Ohio State has also laid some eggs (Nebraska, Michigan), and the offense can look flat at times. QB is fine, but he isn't some superstar that will make something out of nothing.

If SMU can shut down Penn State's run and fire on all cylinders on offense - sure, why not?

Not so sure Indiana isn't a fraud, but I don't think this is one of Notre Dame's better teams, either, is it?

Texas' offense sucks. I'm not big on Clemson, but if they can distribute the ball like they did in the first half against SMU I guess it's possible.

Again, not saying nay of these will happen. But given how teams come out in playoff football (oftentimes overly tight) and that no team this season is a juggernaut like we've seen with some past Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, LSU, etc. teams... I would expect at least one upset.

 

[Frabjous]

The Southern schools will be playing in cold weather, or worse, for the first time this year. I think this is worth 4 points or so for the home teams.

 

[forbesfield]

Weather will be a factor.

I think ND feels the pressure a lot more than IU in this one. I think SMU is going to be stunned by the atmosphere they likely will face.

That said, there's a reason I don't bet, as I am reminded every weekend.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Texas over Clemson rather easily.

ND over IU rather easily. IU is an 8-4 type team who essentially played in the MAC this year with 1 game vs OSU

I think Tennessee beats OSU. SEC>>>B10. And OSU has underachieved

Franklin never loses as a favorite so they probably beat SMU. I dont think PSU is that good, but really, neither is SMU. Pretty even game on a neutral field but PSU probably wins like 20-13

 

[BigChungus90210]

Texas over Clemson rather easily.

ND over IU rather easily. IU is an 8-4 type team who essentially played in the MAC this year with 1 game vs OSU

I think Tennessee beats OSU. SEC>>>B10. And OSU has underachieved

Franklin never loses as a favorite so they probably beat SMU. I dont think PSU is that good, but really, neither is SMU. Pretty even game on a neutral field but PSU probably wins like 20-13

Will be interesting to see how the SMU offense looks. Current forecasts of low 30s/high 20s wouldn't do them any favors.

 

[Pittisit4me]

Will be interesting to see how the SMU offense looks. Current forecasts of low 30s/high 20s wouldn't do them any favors.

Lashlee is a far better coach than the milk-dud. That said, I don't know if that difference can overcome the talent discrepancy. If SMU can stay close early and not let the 110,000 screaming white nitwits bother them to much, they will have a shot. SMU's QB will have to play a perfect game, but, they could really give the pedophiles fits.

 

[TerryD44]

I would be surprised if there wasn't at least one upset.

I don't think Tennessee is that good, but Ohio State has also laid some eggs (Nebraska, Michigan), and the offense can look flat at times. QB is fine, but he isn't some superstar that will make something out of nothing.

If SMU can shut down Penn State's run and fire on all cylinders on offense - sure, why not?

Not so sure Indiana isn't a fraud, but I don't think this is one of Notre Dame's better teams, either, is it?

Texas' offense sucks. I'm not big on Clemson, but if they can distribute the ball like they did in the first half against SMU I guess it's possible.

Again, not saying nay of these will happen. But given how teams come out in playoff football (oftentimes overly tight) and that no team this season is a juggernaut like we've seen with some past Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, LSU, etc. teams... I would expect at least one upset.

ND fan here. Indiana very well may win that game, but this is arguably the best Notre Dame team since 1993.

ND is the only team in CFB to be top 5 in both scoring offense (4th - 39.8 PPG) and scoring defense (3rd - 13.6 PPG).

To go with that: - ND has the highest margin of victory in CFB. ND won ten games in a row with an average score of 42-10.

ND set a modern era school record (since 1968) for scoring offense.

As far as Riley Leonard, in addition to his 720 yards rushing and 14 rushing TD's, he has completed 66% of his passes for 2100 yards, with 16 TD's to only 5 interceptions.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

ND fan here. Indiana very well may win that game, but this is arguably the best Notre Dame team since 1993.

ND is the only team in CFB to be top 5 in both scoring offense (4th - 39.8 PPG) and scoring defense (3rd - 13.6 PPG).

To go with that: - ND has the highest margin of victory in CFB. ND won ten games in a row with an average score of 42-10.

ND set a modern era school record (since 1968) for scoring offense.

As far as Riley Leonard, in addition to his 720 yards rushing and 14 rushing TD's, he has completed 66% of his passes for 2100 yards, with 16 TD's to only 5 interceptions.

2,092 yard passing isn't good, though. That's 174.33 yards/game.

And it looks like the leading receiver on the team has 34 catches and 427 yards (he leads in both categories). I remember watching a preseason thing on Notre Dame that said they're going to be light at receiver, and these stats make that look like an understatement.

Totally agree with you about the scoring differential, but it's kind of Indiana-esque in that it hasn't been a great schedule at all. That's why I honestly don't know what to expect from Notre Dame. Can they hang with the best of the best, or are they just exceptional at beating the snot out of bad teams?

In fairness, though, I don't think any team in college football is anything close to, for instance, 2018 Clemson, 2019 LSU, 2022 Georgia, etc. So I definitely don't mean that as an insult - more in an "anyone is susceptible" sort of way. I said in another thread ND could be a dark horse because they're getting Indiana and then probably a Georgia team with a backup QB. I sincerely don't know what they'll do in the playoff, and it wouldn't shock me if they got to the final four or beyond.

 

[forbesfield]

I don't see how any of these teams think that their fans are going to travel for 3-4 more games. CCG, first round, etc is asking a lot, even if teams have a history of traveling well.

The time and money involved to be a "true fan" these days is insane.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Will be interesting to see how the SMU offense looks. Current forecasts of low 30s/high 20s wouldn't do them any favors.

Northern weather being a factor is overrated. SMU is a good running team and has a dual threat QB. Weather was mid 30s in Charlotte, though they lost that one so that doesn't help my point. I think PSU wins but not because of weather.

 

[Pittisit4me]

2,092 yard passing isn't good, though. That's 174.33 yards/game.

And it looks like the leading receiver on the team has 34 catches and 427 yards (he leads in both categories). I remember watching a preseason thing on Notre Dame that said they're going to be light at receiver, and these stats make that look like an understatement.

Totally agree with you about the scoring differential, but it's kind of Indiana-esque in that it hasn't been a great schedule at all. That's why I honestly don't know what to expect from Notre Dame. Can they hang with the best of the best, or are they just exceptional at beating the snot out of bad teams?

In fairness, though, I don't think any team in college football is anything close to, for instance, 2018 Clemson, 2019 LSU, 2022 Georgia, etc. So I definitely don't mean that as an insult - more in an "anyone is susceptible" sort of way. I said in another thread ND could be a dark horse because they're getting Indiana and then probably a Georgia team with a backup QB. I sincerely don't know what they'll do in the playoff, and it wouldn't shock me if they got to the final four or beyond.

I agree with everything you said right up to the last sentence. I would truly be shocked if ND makes the final 4, I just don't think they are anything special. As you said above, they played an unusually soft schedule.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I agree with everything you said right up to the last sentence. I would truly be shocked if ND makes the final 4, I just don't think they are anything special. As you said above, they played an unusually soft schedule.

I think just about anybody can be had this season. In addition to losing twice, I've seen Georgia play some nail biters against Kentucky and Georgia Tech with their starting QB. I have to imagine they're plenty beatable without him.

 

[wilbury]

Northern weather being a factor is overrated. SMU is a good running team and has a dual threat QB. Weather was mid 30s in Charlotte, though they lost that one so that doesn't help my point. I think PSU wins but not because of weather.

SMU ranks 49th in rushing offense with 175 yards per game. I doubt they'll get that much playing at Penn State. I think a better bet is that they stop Penn State's rushing game since SMU ranks 4th in rush defense and force them to throw. In that case, bad weather could actually help SMU.

It also looks like the best rushing offense they've faced is ranked 40th so that #4 defense ranking might be a little inflated.

 

[MJG-90]

Does beaver stadium have enough hot water to keep bathrooms open or are they brining in a ton of porta johns for fans since their pipes freeze

The stadium is being renovated and that part has been completed. Supposed to be ready for games like this. And it’s not like late November games were always balmy. The stadium has hosted sub freezing weather before and held up fine. But I guess we’ll find out in a couple of weeks.

 

[NCanton Panther]

ND fan here. Indiana very well may win that game, but this is arguably the best Notre Dame team since 1993.

ND is the only team in CFB to be top 5 in both scoring offense (4th - 39.8 PPG) and scoring defense (3rd - 13.6 PPG).

To go with that: - ND has the highest margin of victory in CFB. ND won ten games in a row with an average score of 42-10.

ND set a modern era school record (since 1968) for scoring offense.

As far as Riley Leonard, in addition to his 720 yards rushing and 14 rushing TD's, he has completed 66% of his passes for 2100 yards, with 16 TD's to only 5 interceptions.

You’re definitely in a better position than me to judge whether this might be ND’s best team since 93. What I find interesting though, which may be just because I don’t follow ‘all’ of college football enough these days, is that I don’t recall a year where ND has been talked about as less as they have been this year, particularly given their record and not having lost since the 2nd game of the season if I’m remembering correctly.

In that regard, I’d consider them a good sleeper candidate to make some noise in the playoffs.

 

[NCanton Panther]

I don't see how any of these teams think that their fans are going to travel for 3-4 more games. CCG, first round, etc is asking a lot, even if teams have a history of traveling well.

The time and money involved to be a "true fan" these days is insane.

Time and money …. Can’t be much worse than what parents do for their kids participating in a youth or elite sports travel team.

 

[forbesfield]

Time and money …. Can’t be much worse than what parents do for their kids participating in a youth or elite sports travel team.

Way more money, and potentially way further travel.

I get your point, but it's not parents we're talking about here.

 

[upj87]

Will be interesting to see how the SMU offense looks. Current forecasts of low 30s/high 20s wouldn't do them any favors.

it gets to be be in the 30s in Dallas at times and the Penn State players play maybe one or two games a year in chilly temps...they make way too big a deal over the temps..

 

[NCanton Panther]

Way more money, and potentially way further travel.

I get your point, but it's not parents we're talking about here.

I was mostly just making a light-hearted comment. But you may be underestimating how much time and money go into upper level youth sports.

My grandson went to wrestling camps in Arizona, Michigan and Missouri this summer just to name a few and the time and travel since then sure hasn’t slowed down this fall with wrestling tournaments all over the place on weekends.

I think the same exists for youth in soccer, basketball, baseball, you name it.

 

[Burgh15]

it gets to be be in the 30s in Dallas at times and the Penn State players play maybe one or two games a year in chilly temps...they make way too big a deal over the temps..

To an extent I think it'll impact some players. However, you're right that college players don't always acclimate. There were a handful of Pitt players who I thought looked like they had no interest in playing in the cold weather when Clemson was in town.

 

[BigChungus90210]

To an extent I think it'll impact some players. However, you're right that college players don't always acclimate. There were a handful of Pitt players who I thought looked like they had no interest in playing in the cold weather when Clemson was in town.

Yeah, I mean it's probably overblown and it's not like anywhere in PA is comparable to Anchorage or Bozeman but I'd imagine the majority of SMU's roster is from the southwest and southeast while PSU's is mid-Atlantic to Midwest. They can get chillier days down there but rarely during football season, and rarely ever for a sustained period of time. It's not a total nothing-burger.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Yeah, I mean it's probably overblown and it's not like anywhere in PA is comparable to Anchorage or Bozeman but I'd imagine the majority of SMU's roster is from the southwest and southeast while PSU's is mid-Atlantic to Midwest. They can get chillier days down there but rarely during football season, and rarely ever for a sustained period of time. It's not a total nothing-burger.

Yes it is. You will so that over time, the southern teams will win more in the north than you expect. These are college players. The HS and college seasons end early. They practice indoors. None of these players have played more than a handful of games in sub-freezing temperatures in their career. Its usually not 28 degrees in November when they are playing HS playoffs or college. The better teams or the teams that execute better that day will win. PSU has better players so I think they will win but this is the 3rd best team you played this year. They are significantly better than Illinois and Minnesota.

 

[ShadyTwoFive]

Do you think the favorites are all going to win the 1st round, or do you see any upsets?

I like Texas and Ohio State to advance without serious problems.

However, I believe the bottom half of the bracket has the potential for an upset or two.

Both Penn State and Notre Dame are extremely difficult to beat at home. They'll also probably be favored by at least a touchdown. However, I cheer for Cinderella, and we've got 2 of them here.

If SMU plays the whole game like they did the last quarter against Clemson, they will win.

I'm rooting for Curt Cignetti to pull it off. Although Indiana is the away team, they're still in their state. Maybe, they'll even out the fandom if Notre Dame has to sell them tickets.

Rooting for SMU. Knew we would lose to them. They have tall receivers lol.