Week 10 CFB: 5 Underdogs Primed for Upset Wins

**Week 10 College Football: Upset Alerts on November 4th Could Reshape Landscape**

College football’s Week 10 is poised to deliver a classic Saturday of gridiron drama on November 4th, with several top teams potentially vulnerable to a shocking upset. As the playoff picture and conference races tighten, five specific underdogs, according to betting lines, enter the weekend with a legitimate chance to derail their favored opponents. The stakes are high, and the unpredictability that defines the sport is set to be on full display across the nation.

**South Carolina (+14.5) at Texas A&M (12 p.m. ET, CBS, Kyle Field)**

The action kicks off early in College Station, Texas, where the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-6) face Texas A&M (5-3). Despite their sub-.500 record, Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks have shown flashes of resilience, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Their defense has demonstrated recent improvement, which could prove challenging for an Aggies team that, despite its immense talent, has struggled to find consistent performance this season under head coach Jimbo Fisher, often falling short of expectations. With A&M coming off a tough loss to Ole Miss, the pressure is mounting, making them ripe for a potential ambush by a desperate South Carolina squad looking for a signature win.

**SMU (+17) at Memphis (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium)**

Later in the evening, American Athletic Conference implications are on the line as the SMU Mustangs (6-2) visit the Memphis Tigers (5-3) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. SMU boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the AAC, led by quarterback Preston Stone and a dynamic receiving corps. This potent attack has the capability to put up points rapidly, which could overwhelm a Memphis team that, historically, has tended to falter when confronted by other strong opponents, especially those with high-octane offensive capabilities. With both teams eyeing the AAC championship race, this matchup promises a shootout where the Mustangs’ offensive firepower could be the deciding factor.

**Wake Forest (+12) at Duke (7:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network, Wallace Wade Stadium)**

An ACC Coastal clash unfolds in Durham, North Carolina, as the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-4) take on the Duke Blue Devils (5-3). Wake Forest’s defense has proven to be quite stout this season, often keeping them in games even when their offense sputters. The biggest variable in this contest is the health of Duke’s starting quarterback, Riley Leonard. Leonard’s status remains questionable, and if he is sidelined or not at 100%, backup Henry Klingler would likely lead the Blue Devils. This uncertainty at the most critical position could provide a significant opening for the Demon Deacons to exploit, especially with their disciplined defensive unit.

**Arizona (+9.5) at UCLA (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Rose Bowl)**

As the night progresses, Pac-12 action heats up in Pasadena, California, where the Arizona Wildcats (4-4) travel to face UCLA (6-2) at the iconic Rose Bowl. Jedd Fisch’s Wildcats have been a surprising team on an upward trajectory, with their offense, helmed by quarterback Noah Fifita, truly clicking in recent weeks. They’ve pushed ranked opponents like USC and Oregon to the brink, demonstrating their dangerous potential. UCLA, under Chip Kelly, has faced its own struggles with inconsistent quarterback play, often rotating between Ethan Garbers and Dante Moore. Even with the home-field advantage, UCLA’s offensive uncertainty could allow a surging Arizona team to pull off a significant road upset.

**Stanford (+6.5) vs. Washington State (3:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network, Stanford Stadium)**

Rounding out the upset watch list is a Pac-12 late afternoon affair at Stanford Stadium, where the Stanford Cardinal (2-6) host the Washington State Cougars (4-4). After a stunning upset victory over Colorado, Stanford’s offense has shown signs of life and improvement over their last few games, defying earlier season struggles. They’ll face a Washington State team that began the season strong but has since hit a significant rough patch, enduring a four-game losing streak that has seen their momentum evaporate. With home-field advantage and a renewed sense of confidence, the Cardinal are well-positioned to surprise a Cougar team grappling with defensive lapses and a downturn in morale, potentially extending WSU’s woes.

Week 10 is traditionally a crucial juncture in the college football calendar, and with several close spreads and compelling storylines, November 4th promises to be a day where championship aspirations could be cemented or shattered by the unexpected. Fans are advised to keep a close eye on these matchups, as the sport’s inherent chaos often delivers its most memorable moments when least expected.