Here are three teams on upset alert in week 13 of the 2020 college football season.
*Spreads are according to TeamRankings as of Tuesday night.*
Central Michigan Chippewas (-7)
Eastern Michigan Eagles (0-3) vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (2-1)
When: Friday, November 27 | 4:00 PM EST
Watch: CBS Sports Network
Although Eastern Michigan has yet to get in the win column this season, they have been in some close games. Their first two losses came by a combined 11 points, with their most recent loss coming against Toledo by a score of 45-28. In 2019, the Eagles were in a one possession game in eight of their 13 games, so they have been in numerous close games. If it gets to that point on Friday, Eastern Michigan can use that experience and potentially get their first win of 2020.
After starting off 2-0, Central Michigan lost in an offensive showdown against Western Michigan. The score was 52-44. This was the second week in-a-row where the Chippewas have scored at least 40 points (they scored 30 points in their first game.)
Chippewas’ runningback Kobe Lewis had his second 100-yard rushing game of the season, with 114 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Having another game like that can be a big factor in the Central Michigan avoiding the upset.
12 Indiana Hoosiers (-11.5)
12 Indiana Hoosiers (4-1) vs. Maryland Terrapins (2-1)
When: Saturday, November 28 | 12:00 PM EST
Watch: ESPN2
Maryland started their season with a brutal 43-3 loss to Northwestern, who is currently in the top 10 of the college football playoff rankings. They bounced back from that by winning two games. However, they have not played a game since November 7 when they beat Penn State 35-19.
The Terrapins scored a combined 80 points in their two wins. Another offensive game like that could help them in getting a huge upset win this weekend.
Indiana got off to an unexpected 4-0 start this year and were in the top 10 of the AP poll. They played Ohio State, and lost 42-35 while having a chance to get a game tying touchdown in their last possession. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had one of his better games this season as he threw five touchdowns and 491 yards. If Indiana lingers on a tough loss or looks ahead to facing a ranked Wisconsin team the week after, they could lose focus against Maryland.
Purdue Boilermakers (-11.5)
Purdue Boilermakers (2-2) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-4)
When: Saturday, November 28 | 4:00 PM EST
Watch: FS1
Rutgers got off to a 1-0 start this season by beating Michigan State 38-27. Michigan State has not played too well this season, as they are currently 1-3. As for Rutgers, they have gone 0-4 since their win, including two one possession losses against Illinois and Michigan. The loss against Michigan went to double overtime where the Wolverines won the game 48-42. The Scarlet Knights will get a chance to get back in the win column this week against Purdue.
Purdue won their first two games of the year, and have lost their two most recent games. All four of their games have been one possession games. They lost to Northwestern 27-20, then lost to Minnesota 34-31.
The Boilermakers’ offense has thrown for at least 263 yards in all four of their games, including 367 yards and three passing touchdowns in the defeat against Minnesota. However, in the two games they won, they had a 100 yard rusher, while in the two losses, they did not. Based off that, Purdue could look to get the running game going again against Rutgers.
Featured Image Courtesy of Fox Sports 2.
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