With all eyes on Michigan getting out coached, out schemed and out played by Appalachian State yesterday, another top ranked team who almost fell victim to the upset flew under the radar. Texas, who I chose to play LSU in the national championship game in my college football preview, had to hold off a fourth quarter comeback and an onside kick to defeat Arkansas State 21-13. Near upsets happen all the time and are seemingly popping up more than ever.
I’ll tell you what, these top dogs better start paying attention to the smaller schools. Not only are these games nice for the athletic department to make some money for the program, but if you win like Appalachian State did, you have a recruiting tool forever. “We just beat Michigan and it will be talked about as one of the greatest upsets in college football history. Want to be a part of that kid?” Long are the days where these schools just roll over and die – all these teams will now feel like they have a chance, which will force bigger schools to re-think their “tune-up” games.
If yesterday was any indication, it appears that these smaller schools aren’t messing around anymore.
