We’re 4 weeks into the faculty soccer season and there is no scarcity of drama. Coaches have already been fired, main upsets have rocked prime applications, and key accidents have some fan bases sweating.
Are we in for extra unpredictability in Week 4? There is a good probability. Listed here are three ranked groups on upset alert this week.
No. 9 Illinois at No. 19 Indiana
It is a uncommon prevalence to see Illinois and Indiana enjoying a significant soccer recreation. Shedding on the No. 19 staff within the nation would definitely not be a foul loss, and the Illini will want their greatest recreation of the season to keep away from their first loss.
The stakes for each groups are excessive. Illinois is getting into a tough stretch with three of its subsequent 4 video games in opposition to ranked opponents, together with Oct. 11 at house in opposition to No. 1 Ohio State. To remain within the Faculty Soccer Playoff image, Illinois cannot afford greater than two losses.
For Indiana, the sport presents a chance to get into the CFP dialogue. The Hoosiers have steamrolled their final two opponents and Illinois presents the primary actual check for Curt Cignetti’s bunch.
Why Illinois might be upset: Take it with a grain of salt due to Indiana’s weak schedule, however the Hoosiers have been explosive on offense to date. IU is averaging 591.7 yards per recreation (third in NCAA) and seven.96 yards per play (eighth). Within the final two video games, Illinois’ offense has gotten off to gradual begins. That will not fly in opposition to a staff pretty much as good as Indiana. Consider a raucous street setting the place Illinois is 1-3 in its final 4 and the Illini are in for a troublesome one.
No. 21 Michigan at Nebraska
It seems like Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and the Husker fan base are due. Nebraska has been oh-so-close previously few years to a breakthrough, however is 4-10 in one-score games under Rhule.
Can Nebraska comprise Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood? The freshman has had his ups-and-downs, and seemed his worst in a loss at Oklahoma. He is finishing 57.5% of his passes this season.
Rhule has grow to be recognized for his 12 months 3 success and Nebraska hopes he continues the development. By 12 months 3 at Temple he had the Owls 10-4. At Baylor he went 11-1. The Huskers are 3-0 and could be ranked with a win.
Why Michigan might be upset: Nebraska’s calling card over time is its protection. This season, the Huskers have the sixth-best protection within the nation (202 yards per recreation) and so they’ve been particularly stingy in opposition to the cross, permitting simply 66 yards per recreation via the air. The second-best cross protection within the nation? Oklahoma — the staff that dealt with Michigan simply two weeks in the past.
No. 13 Ole Miss vs. Tulane
Searching for one thing actually loopy? Maybe Tulane can pull off a stunner in Oxford. The Inexperienced Wave are 3-0 with a pair of wins over Energy 4 groups (Northwestern, Duke).
Ole Miss can not afford a slip up with video games in opposition to No. 3 LSU and No. 5 Georgia within the subsequent month.
Why Ole Miss might be upset: The Rebels protection has been porous this season, rating 93rd within the nation at 381.7 yards per recreation. It is led to some shut calls. Ole Miss allowed 23 factors to Kentucky, however gained by a landing. Final week, it outlasted Arkansas in a 41-35 shootout. Tulane runs the ball effectively (222 ypg — twenty fourth in NCAA) and controls the clock effectively.
