2021 CFP SEASON PREVIEW AUTUMN 11

UPSET SECTION
Below are a few games that have potential upset capabilities for top teams in 2020. An upset in any of these games
is unlikely but they fit the description of a “trap game”. A “trap game” is a game against a perceived lesser
opponent and fits one or more of the following: scheduled between big games, scheduled before an upcoming big
game or before entering a bye week.
Louisiana @ Texas – The first game of the year and as the head coach of the Longhorns for Sarkisian could be a
nightmare. Louisiana went 10-1 last season with a 7-0 record on the road, including a 17- point win over Iowa State
to start the year. The only Ragin’ Cajun loss was by a field goal to 11-1 Coastal Carolina. To make things worse for
Texas, Louisiana is set to return the most production of any team in the FBS. Texas could get caught looking ahead
to the following week’s road game at Arkansas.
Mississippi State @ Memphis – A road game against one of the best group of five teams after playing NC State and
the week before facing LSU is not ideal.
Cincinnati @ Notre Dame – Arguably the best group of five team in 2020 and 2021 could find the Fighting Irish in a
bad time, after Wisconsin and before traveling to Virginia Tech. Notre Dame hired Cincinnati’s defensive
coordinator in the offseason.
Liberty @ Ole Miss – After a road trip to Auburn, before hosting Texas A&M. Liberty was 10-1 with their only loss
coming by 1 point. Wins in 2020 included Virginia Tech, Syracuse, and Coastal Carolina who was 11-0 at the time.
Liberty is led by former Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze (2012-16) and has NFL prospect Malik Willis at QB.
Appalachian State @ Miami – The Hurricanes face the Mountaineers after starting the season vs Alabama and
before hosting Michigan State. Appalachian State is only 2 years removed from a 13-1 season that included wins
over North and South Carolina.
West Virginia @ Oklahoma – This game is scheduled on the week after Nebraska and before Kansas State. OU
could come in high off a win over Nebraska and looking ahead to revenge against K-State who has won two in a
row vs OU and is a potential upset of its own worthy of this list. The Mountaineers are 0-8 vs the Sooners since
joining the Big 12. That streak is bound to snap at some point.
Penn State @ Iowa – The Hawkeyes have proved to be good for an upset every couple of years. Kinnick is a tough
environment to play in, especially at night. This time PSU does not have Saquon Barkley to save them like 2017.
This game for PSU will be after an emotional contest vs Indiana and before a bye week. If things play out like last
season, Iowa beating Penn State might not be an upset after all.
Other potential upsets that are not trap games:
San Jose State @ USC – The Spartans went undefeated in the Mountain West in 2020 before losing their bowl
game. SJSU was one of two teams that did not lose a fumble last season. Starting QB Nick Starkell is back. The
defense only allowed 19.9 PPG (15 th best in FBS).
Army @ Wisconsin – A game featuring fullbacks. Army took Oklahoma to overtime in 2018 and Michigan to double
overtime in 2019. The Black Knights lost by a field goal to West Virginia in their bowl game to end 2020.
Fresno State @ UCLA – The Bulldogs return their starting QB Jake Haener (2021 YDS, 14 TD passing in 6 games).
Nevada @ Kansas State – Nevada has one of the best proven QB/WR connections with Carson Strong (2858 YDS,
27 TD in 9 games) throwing to Romeo Doubs (1002 YDS, 9 TD) and Elijah Cooks who missed last season with injury
but had 926 YDS and 8 TDs in 2019. K-State could get caught slipping before beginning conference play. Nevada
plays Idaho State the week prior to KSU and has a bye week after. Arkansas State upset the Wildcats last year.
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