Hokies - Hurricanes Odds Preview and Week 7 Upset Alerts

I always like to start off the article by recapping the previous one. I am all for admitting when I was wrong, but also like to prove when I was right. That is what makes sports so much fun.

Only one out of the four underdogs I selected ended up winning last week. I picked Indiana to possibly pull off the upset in Happy Valley, but was way off. I also thought Southern Mississippi would beat Marshall and that turned into a blow out as well. Not to mention I picked against the Hokies, and they surprised a lot of people by beating N.C. State.

I was right choosing Tennessee to upset Georgia. Butch Jones finally got a decent win on his resume and might of just saved his job. California almost upset Utah, but standout quarterback Jared Goff decided to throw a career high five interceptions and cost his team a 6-0 start. I said that game wouldn't be decided until late in the fourth and it came down to the final possession.

Last week we saw No.19 Georgia, No.10 Oklahoma, and No.17 USC all lose to unranked teams. What's going to happen in week 7? Without further ado, here is preview of Virginia Tech and Miami and also who I think is on upset alert.

Virginia Tech at Miami -6.5: I almost picked Virginia Tech as one of my guaranteed underdog selections, but I stopped just short. I need to see consistency from Frank Beamer and company before I put my faith back in them. My worry is which team show up? The Hokie squad that lost to East Carolina after being up 14-0, or the one that came back and beat N.C. State after trailing early. I have the same concern with Miami? Keeping the score close in a rivalry game can be greatly overblown. There is extra motivation in those types of games and it doesn't always result in the best production the following week. Virginia Tech has revenge on their minds after last years 30-6 embarrassment in Lane Stadium. Brad Kaaya is a talented quarterback, but he doesn't have the same weapons from a year ago. This number is inflated because everyone saw Miami almost upset FSU. This is also a perfect letdown spot for the Hurricanes. Virginia Tech will keep this game close and stay within the number.

Upset Alerts

No.8 Florida at No.6 LSU -9.5: If you haven't heard, Florida will be playing this game without starting quarterback Will Grier because of a suspension. Your probably wondering how is LSU even on upset alert. Well, I will tell you. Starting in Grier's place is Treon Harris. The sophomore is no stranger to playing in the SEC. In 2014 he started the final six games and performed admirably. He also hails from a high school in Miami called Booker T. Washington. A powerhouse known to produce great football players, Harris helped lead his team to state championships in 2012 and 2013. He has a level of calmness to him and won't be rattled. On top of that this Gator defense is playing at an extremely high level and has the players to slow down stud Leonard Fournette. Is there a more overrated team than LSU? The Tigers might be undefeated, but their best win is at Mississippi State and they only won by two. The Gators will load the box and force Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris to beat them. This game will be a low scoring affair and I think Florida will have a shot to win it at the end.

Penn State at No.1 Ohio State -17: Is this the week the top ranked team in college football loses? Not quite. However I do think this game comes down to the wire. Penn State is not a great team, but I am also not a believer in Ohio State. The Buckeyes have not been impressive and now they have to play a rival in Penn State. That can be a recipe for disaster. Urban Meyer and company don't have the same chemistry from last season. Cardale Jones seems to have taken a step back and the offense is not in sync. I think in a rivalry game you can throw all the stats. It's about which teams wants it more. I also love James Franklin as an underdog. The guy won at Vanderbilt and we all know how difficult that can be. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00pm, which is another reason the Nittany Lions won't be given a chance. I believe this game will be decided on a last possession. Christian Hackenberg will have an opportunity to prove he was worth all the preseason hype.

Week 7 Guaranteed Upsets to Happen (2-4 YTD)

No.17 Iowa -2.5 at No.20 Northwestern: I like this game for one reason. Northwestern was just shutout in their highly anticipated matchup with Michigan and nobody is giving them a chance against Iowa. The Wildcats have two very good wins against Stanford and at Duke. Now they are home underdogs against a team who's best win is against Wisconsin. I don't think so. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz had done a great job this year, but I am still not a believer. The Hawkeyes are down five starters because of injury, including star defensive end Drew Ott. Northwestern is out to prove their 5-0 start was not a fluke. I think the Wildcats bounce back this week and upset Iowa.

USC at No.14 Notre Dame -6.5: Yes, this isn't a typo. I am picking Southern Cal to go into South Bend and upset the Fighting Irish. Hear me out. I think the best recipe when negativity surrounds your program is to play an actual game. Southern Cal has removed the distraction from its team and now all the kids have to do is play football. This Trojans roster is loaded with future NFL players and I think they put all the distractions aside and shock the world. Notre Dame's college football playoff hopes are all but gone, and it is going to take a lot from Brian Kelly to keep them motivated. The Fighting Irish also have a ton of injuries and I think they end up finishing the year 8-4. Cody Kessler will play much better than he did against Washington. Adoree Jackson will actually show up and I think USC wins in a very close game.