5 NCAA football upsets to watch for in Week 1

Week 1 of any sport is a time where Vegas is going off team rankings without a big sample size. This usually means some faulty lines. As the season gets older, the lines always become sharper. The more the books know, the better their line is. Let’s try and find some upsets this week, spread and outright.

UCLA at Cincinnati (-3), Thursday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

Chip Kelly took over at UCLA last year and started more freshmen than upperclassmen. Taking into account a year of experience and progression, I think UCLA is under the radar here. Cincinnati is down and UCLA is on the rise. UCLA outright!

South Dakota State at Minnesota (-14), Thursday, 9 p.m. ET, FS1

I know what you are thinking. An FBS team beating a Big Ten team? Duh! Winning! This is an easy one. Minnesota has long been a cut-and-dried team, playing in the slow Big Ten and running over teams when they can. Enter the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, a high-powered, explosive squad that will outscore the Gophers.

Purdue (-11) at Nevada, Friday, 9:30 p.m. ET, CBSSN

Purdue lost its best playmakers on offense and defense, and Nevada broke out last season and will look to build off that success. Purdue certainly doesn’t wow me, and Nevada can hang with them. Toa Taua is a capable back and we will be interested how Cristian Solano handles taking over for Ty Gangi at quarterback. The time is now for Nevada to put itself back on the map.

Syracuse (-18.5) at Liberty, Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Syracuse enters its fourth year under head coach Dino Babers and renowned quarterback Eric Dungey has moved on. Expectations are high for the Orange, but how will they handle it? They have had to replace a lot of starters on offense and defense. I believe this team will only get better, but here is the spot to get them.

Liberty comes in with an offense that can compete with Syracuse. I foresee a high-scoring affair, and Liberty will have a shot late.

Fresno State at USC (-13.5), Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

This is a USC team that is ranked lower than any other Southern California team in recent memory. This spread is on reputation and home field alone, and Fresno State always comes with an effort. Anybody. Anytime. Anywhere. Expectations are high for Fresno State to compete in the Mountain West and this is a great way to start the season with an upset.