On Thursday, we explored some of the many games this weekend that pit Top-25 teams versus other Top-25 teams. Today, we are back with another question. Which one of the higher rated teams in the Top 25-versus-Top 25 games is most likely to lose?
TSS associate editors Bart Doan and Terry Johnson join staff writer Kevin Causey in this roundtable discussion.
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Question: Of the five games featuring two ranked teams, which higher ranked team will lose and why?
Bart Doan:
On Twitter @TheCoachBart
Look no further than the dirty south for your “upset,” if Alabama defeating anyone is possibly considered that, and stay a little longer if you want to double dip.
Georgia isn’t the fast-paced type of team that typically gives Alabama fits and has Nick Saban reaching for his flask by the middle of the third quarter. Even as bad as their offense has been, I predict the defense has a big game and holds Nick Chubb at bay. Saban will not allow himself to not be the best Nick on the field, and that includes any time Santa Claus may or may not be in town taking in a game with field passes.
Florida over Ole Miss is a little more of a surprise, but assuming the Gators’ offense doesn’t give the game away with turnovers, their defense is a brutal matchup for Ole Miss. Also, it’s in the Swamp, where after a “get the hell out of dodge” win last weekend against Tennessee, the joint should be rocking strong.
Kevin Causey:
On Twitter @CFBZ
I think there is a very good chance that three of the higher-rated teams will fall this weekend. Georgia and Texas A&M both face tough challenges. West Virginia will give Oklahoma all it can handle.
Those games’ outcomes are certainly questionable, but I think the most likely higher-rated team to lose will be Notre Dame. The Irish have had a fantastic season so far. They have also seen quite a few casualties through the first few games.
Combine the injuries with the fact that they are playing on the road in a hostile environment, and I think it’s the perfect recipe for a Clemson victory.
Terry Johnson:
On Twitter @SectionTPJ
History suggests that Georgia is the team that’s most likely to lose this weekend. Alabama hasn’t opened up the season 0-2 in SEC play since 1990. Considering how well the Crimson Tide defense has played on third down this year — allowing its opponents to complete just 17 of 55 passes (30.9%) on third and longer than four — I like Alabama’s chances to come away with a “W” Between the Hedges.
In addition, watch out for Mississippi State over Texas A&M. While the Aggie defense is the most improved unit in the country this year, it’s worth noting that the Bulldogs have averaged 474.4 yards per game in Dak Prescott’s 24 starts. Given that he’s thrown for an average of 335 yards against ranked opponents this season, State has to feel confident that it can go into College Station and come away with a victory.
