The college football season is officially underway as things kicked off on Aug. 24 with eight teams in action. There was one ranked team in action – the No. 10-ranked Florida State Seminoles – and they suffered an upset loss at the hands of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who picked up a 24-21 victory in Dublin, Ireland.
With all 25 ranked teams set to take the field this weekend, there figures to be more upsets on the docket.
Here's a closer look at five teams that could pull off an upset in Week 1 of the college football season.
5 teams that could pull off an upset during Week 1 of 2024 college football season
#1. Clemson Tigers
The No. 14-ranked Clemson Tigers will face the No. 1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday. While the Bulldogs are favorites to win the national championship, the Tigers are also expected to contend for a postseason spot. Clemson could make a statement that they are back after missing the College Football Playoff in each of the past three seasons.
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#2. Texas A&M Aggies
The No. 20-ranked Texas A&M Aggies will host the No. 7-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Fighting Irish are expected to contend for a postseason spot, however, Texas A&M could steal some of their preseason shine with a Week 1 victory.
#3. West Virginia Mountaineers
The West Virginia Mountaineers will host the No. 8-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. While the latter has also been a popular choice for the College Football Playoff, West Virginia is expected to improve after a 9-4 season in 2023. They won five of their past six games and could cement themselves as legitimate Big 12 contenders with a Week 1 victory.
#4. USC Trojans
The No. 23-ranked USC Trojans will face the No. 13-ranked LSU Tigers in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both programs are entering a year of uncertainty after losing Caleb Williams and Jayden Williams to the 2024 NFL draft. Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley has seen his seat heat up, however, a big win over a ranked SEC foe could quiet some of those talks.
#5. Florida Gators
The Florida Gators will host the No. 19-ranked Miami (FL) Hurricanes. Florida has a talented roster entering the 2024 season but has been overlooked due to a brutal schedule that includes eight ranked opponents in 12 games. They could put the college football world on notice with a big Week 1 victory.
Which upset do you see happening during Week 1 of the new college football season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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