Week 3 College Football Upset Predictions and Top Underdog Picks

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This week in college football, there are some intriguing matchups that could really shake things up. As Week 3 arrives, all eyes are on potential upsets that might flip the script for a few teams.

Our expert picks spotlight three underdogs: Jacksonville State, Old Dominion, and Georgia Tech. Each of these teams brings something unique to the table, and the conditions might just be right for a surprise win. Let’s dig into why these teams are catching attention this weekend.

Table of Contents

Jacksonville State vs. Georgia Southern: A Ground Game Showdown

Jacksonville State is set to face off against Georgia Southern in what could be a fun clash. Even though they’re underdogs, Jacksonville State’s rushing attack has been quietly impressive, ranking 21st in EPA/rush according to GameOnPaper.

That’s not great news for Georgia Southern, whose defense sits at a rough 133rd in that same category. It’s a mismatch that could matter.

Why Jacksonville State Can Win

Here’s why Jacksonville State might pull off the upset:

Dominant Rushing Attack: The Gamecocks have a 45.4% success rate on the ground, and that’s a big edge against a Panthers defense that just hasn’t figured out how to stop the run.
Key Players: Running back Cam Cook just racked up 195 yards and two touchdowns last week. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt can make plays with his legs, too, and that combo could give Georgia Southern fits.
Comparative Analysis: Sure, Georgia Southern’s played tough teams like Fresno State and USC, but they gave up 351 rushing yards to Fresno. That’s a red flag.

Old Dominion vs. Virginia Tech: A Battle of Wits

Old Dominion is gearing up for a showdown against Virginia Tech. The pressure’s on Hokies head coach Brent Pry, and honestly, a loss here could sting.

The Monarchs have beaten Virginia Tech before, so there’s a bit of history and maybe even a chip on their shoulder. This one feels personal.

Old Dominion’s Path to Victory

Old Dominion has a few things working in their favor:

Explosive Offense: The Monarchs are Top 15 nationally in EPA/rush. Running back Colton Joseph has shown he can break off big plays, and that’s always dangerous.
Virginia Tech’s Vulnerabilities: The Hokies’ defense struggles with explosive plays, and their offensive line—especially at left tackle—has been shaky. Old Dominion could take advantage of that.
Historical Context: They beat Virginia Tech in 2022 and hung tough with Indiana this season. This team doesn’t back down.

Georgia Tech vs. Clemson: A Clash of Titans

Georgia Tech heads into a highly anticipated matchup against Clemson. The Yellow Jackets have looked sharp so far, and with quarterback Haynes King good to go, they’re not just showing up—they’re ready to compete.

Key Factors for Georgia Tech

Here’s what could tip the scales for Georgia Tech:

Offensive Strength: The Yellow Jackets are Top 25 in EPA/pass, rushing success rate, and net EPA/drive. They’re also Top 10 for explosive plays. That’s a lot of ways to hurt you.
Clemson’s Struggles: Clemson just hasn’t found its groove. The Tigers are 129th in EPA/rush and have struggled in both run and pass defense. It’s been rough.
Third-Down Efficiency: Clemson sits at 100th in late-down offense and 104th on defense. Georgia Tech’s knack for extending drives could be huge here.

With Haynes King and Jamal Haynes leading the way, Georgia Tech’s offense looks set to challenge Clemson’s defense. If they get rolling, this could get interesting fast.

The Week of the Underdogs

This week’s college football action looks like a rollercoaster. Several underdog teams are ready to make some noise.

Jacksonville State, Old Dominion, and Georgia Tech all have reasons to feel optimistic. Maybe it’s their strong rushing attacks, or maybe they’ve spotted cracks in their opponents’ armor.

Honestly, these teams have what it takes to surprise us. Wouldn’t it be fun to see some unexpected wins?

If you’re hungry for more details and expert picks, check out the full article on Covers.com. This week could get wild—just saying.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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