'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Upset losses are a significant part of college football. In the 12-team Playoff era, a single loss is no longer the death toll to a season but that doesn't mean anybody is shrugging off potential defeat. Here are five teams vulnerable to upset losses in Week 2 of the 2024 season.
5 teams who could be upset in Week 2
5. Iowa (-3 vs. Iowa State)
It's a state rivalry game in a series of low-scoring defense slugfests. Last season, Iowa won 20-13 despite picking up just nine first downs in the game. In 2022, Iowa State won the last matchup in Iowa City 10-7 where the Cyclones were a 3.5-point favorite. In essence, this game is a coin flip, and depending on Iowa's offense to do much of anything is always an iffy proposition.
4. Kansas (-5.5 at Illinois)
The Jayhawks may have plateaued under coach Lance Leipold. Last season's 9-4 mark is getting Kansas plenty of credit, but Illinois and Bret Bielema looked good in their opener and will have an extra two days of rest heading into this game. QB Luke Altmyer of Illinois could be the difference in this one, especially at home.
3. Nebraska (-7.5 vs. Colorado)
The overhype bowl arrives in Week 2. Colorado, despite struggling against an FCS team in Week 1, is always supposedly on the edge of breaking through, while Nebraska is coming off seven straight losing seasons.
Dylan Raiola has Cornhuskers fans excited with his QB play, but Colorado's defense is substantially better, particularly against the pass. Colorado could well upset the Huskers in a devastating loss.
2. Georgia Tech (-2.5 at Syracuse)
Georgia Tech was the darlings of college football after taking down Florida State in Ireland. However, Tech has gone from off the radar to a bit overrated. Having to travel across the country to play Syracuse isn't ideal. Kyle McCord is a big-time threat for the Orange and could engineer the mild upset.
1. Texas (-7.5 at Michigan)
There's some heavy lifting involved here for Michigan, but Texas did lose all those running backs in the preseason. UM's offense isn't world-beating, but if Michigan can play from ahead at home, Texas could play its way into pressure. The other issue for Texas is that having a ton of receivers could be a challenge in a close game. Michigan has work to do, but the Wolverines have a path.
Which Week 2 favorite do you think could be in trouble for an upset? Share your thoughts and predictions below in our comments section!
