College Football Teams on Upset Alert in Week 12

Florida State (9-0, 6-0 ACC) was viewed as a wrecking ball during last season's national title run. This season, they are more like the 'Comeback Kids'. Defensive issues have been the root to most of their problems. The Seminoles had the best total defense in the ACC last season. After losing their defensive coordinator and five of their top six tacklers, they now currently rank 10th in the ACC. Fisher may be an offensive minded coach, but he knows that you can't win championships without a good defense.

At least they still have defending Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston, right? Winston does lead the conference in passing yards, but most of his numbers have been accumulated in the second half. In the first half of his last three games, Winston has had a 2-5 touchdown to interception ratio while completing just 52 percent of his passes. Slow starts will eventually catch up to especially when you are on the road facing one of the best pass defenses in the ACC.

Miami (6-3, 3-2 ACC) is on track to once again be a dominant force in the ACC. The Hurricanes have won each of their last three games by 21 points or more. But a win over a top ranked arch rival would help put the program back on the map. A lot of this year's success can be attributed to running back Duke Johnson. Johnson has already rushed for over 1,200 yards and broke the school's career all-purpose yards record in just 27 games. It took the previous record holder, Santana Moss, 41 games. Freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya's ACC leading 20 passing touchdowns is also nice to have.

Johnson and Kaaya are very important factors, but not nearly as vital as slowing down Jameis Winston. Florida State is able overcome deficits because of big plays in the second half. They have to like their chances if they rattle Winston early because only Clemson gives up fewer long scrimmage plays than Miami. But it is not all about Winston. FSU running backs Karlos Williams and Dalvin Cook are dangerous as well, and the Hurricanes allowed an average of 263 rushing yards per game in their three losses.

The Miami-Florida State rivalry is one of the best in college football. It would come as no surprise if this year's matchup was close, but we will say that you should not expect a "Wide Right: Part V"  considering current FSU kicker Robert Aguayo has only missed one field goal in his career. Florida State's 25 game win streak and 4 game win streak over Miami is on the line, and all great streaks come to an end eventually.

Arizona State (8-1, 5-1 PAC 12) has made a complete recovery from their 62-27 loss to UCLA earlier in the year. They have won the respect of the playoff committee, who awarded the Sun Devils the No. 6 ranking in their most recent poll. What is even more impressive is that they were able to do this even though quarterback Taylor Kelly has missed time with an injury. Running backs D.J. Foster and Demario Richard kept the foundation intact and back up quarterback Mike Bercovici did a nice job filling in.

It is probably best to compare ASU to last year's Auburn. The Tigers suffered an embarrassing loss to LSU before climbing up the rankings and pulling a few upsets to get thrust into the national title. The only difference being that Auburn got most of their late November games at home. The Sun Devils' ranking does not allow them to play on the road without having a target on their back. There is no particular reason why they shouldn't play well, but it is more challenging to win when your opponent comes at you with full force.

Oregon State (4-5, 1-5 PAC 12) has completely taken a turn for the worst. The Beavers are on a four game losing streak after starting the season 4-1. Quarterback Sean Mannion had thrown 31 touchdown passes through nine games last season yet he has only thrown 10 this season. Oregon State is ranked in the bottom tier in almost every offensive category while only averaging 26 points per game.

So why do we think the Beavers have a chance of beating Arizona State? Home field advantage and defense. The Sun Devils boast have the second best defense in the conference. Although it has not happened in a few years, they also have a history of pulling off big upsets. In Mike Riley's tenure, Oregon State has pulled four upsets over top 10 teams. Also keep in mind what Sean Mannion is capable of doing when he gets going.

Arizona State is in great position to make the playoffs while Oregon State would be lucky just to make a bowl game. Earlier we compared ASU to Auburn, who just recently lost to Texas A&M. A similar result could happen on Saturday if the Sun Devils overlook Oregon State like Auburn did A&M.

Marshall (9-0, 5-0 C-USA) is doing everything in their power to earn a top 25 ranking from the playoff committee. Since that has yet to happen, the Thundering Herd will need to finish undefeated in order to eventually get in. If you are wondering why they are not ranked, it's because their opponents have a combined 29-60 record. Rice will be just the second team they have played this season that has a winning record right now.

To be fair, Marshall has dominated its opponents. Their 47 points per game average is 2nd nationally behind Baylor. Quarterback Rakeem Cato has thrown a touchdown pass in 41 straight games, an NCAA record. So obviously they have enough talent to make the argument that they could compete if they were awarded the opportunity to play in one of the top 6 bowl games. Realistically, Rice is the only team that stands in there way of this happening.

Rice (6-3, 4-1 C-USA) seemed like a lost cause after starting out the year 0-3. Winning their next six helped the get the Owls back in business. Ironically, a win over Marshall could give them the opportunity to possibly finish the year ranked if they win the conference. In order for that to happen, they have to put a lot of pressure on Cato. Rice will likely call on defensive linemen Zach Pratt and Brian Nordstrom who have a combined 15 sacks this season.

One way or another, Marshall will find a way to score so it is important that the Owls find a way to match them offensively. Quarterback Driphus Jackson may not be a Rakeem Cato, but he does not turn the ball over much with only four interceptions thrown this season. Above all else, Jackson has to sustain long drive and keep Marshall's offense off the field.

Marshall leads Conference USA in almost statistical category possible. Maybe that is why they are 21 point favorites. Rice has enough talent to win this game outright or at least keep it close. The Thundering Herd has not yet to face adversity late in the game.