Three Teams Most Likely To Pull The Upset in Week 1
.J. Grine
1. Centennial vs Rio Rancho
Chances: 78%
This will not be a huge upset, any game this week will likely not be an upset but sticking true to the feature Centennial enters the contest ranked 9th this week and host Rio Rancho (No. 6). The game takes place on Saturday night in Las Cruces and could be a chance to see two playoffs teams in week 1. In order for the Hawks to pull the upset it will have to come on defense. Rio Rancho has been explosive in the past, they had a new QB last season that went for 2600 yards. They again have a new QB, the Rams will pass, but they do have more options to run this season. Rio's D is strong and we like the veterans running on Centennial's O so focus on contain Rio Rancho from getting into the end zone is the focus with hopes of a lower scoring contest. Rio went for over 35 points per game last season, in the two of three losses they had 7 and 13 points both well under the average. In the meeting between Centennial and Rio Rancho last season, during the playoffs, the Rams took a 24-7 win - Centennial held them under their average and what helps this year will be an experienced offense.
Would the degenerate gambler take the upset: Flip my coin
2. Carlsbad at Artesia
Chances: 60%
Whoa, Whoa didn't we just claim that this wasn't a top game to watch because the Artesia Bulldogs have walked past Carlsbad by an average of 33.2 to 10 going 4-0 in the last four meetings. Artesia also won 34-0 last season on the road in Carlsbad. However, anytime there is a rivalry attached to a game, Eddy County Rivalry, you have to at least consider it. Other reasons to consider is Carlsbad will have one of the best OL's in the state with three prospects on our top 20 OL's in 2018. We know Coach Bradley likes to run the ball, he returns some skilled players and the question of staying healthy this season they could make some noise. We have also said for two years that this will be the year Carlsbad gets over the hump to .500. Will this be the game that gets this engine running. Carlsbad will have to be effective on offense in their run game but the issue will be Artesia's defense returns some top players in the state. So they will have to contain Artesia's offense and with them having a new QB could help in that upset bid opportunity.
Would the degenerate gambler take the upset: I wouldn't bet the house but maybe my loose change
3. Taos vs St. Mikes
Chances: 55%
Taos is looking to solidify themselves as a playoff team in 4A football. They return some players that have the town filled with excitement for the football season. St. Michael's returns as the top ranked team in 3A football this season. This cross-classification game is placed here because the Horsemen are a No. 1 ranked team in their classification and Taos has yet to make full-time believers even though they return after a 8-4 season and a playoff win. The two met last season during district play with St. Michael's winning 41-21 after a second half scoring frenzy by the Horsemen. Taos will need to keep the momentum swings in their favor with a northern showdown and play four full quarters. St. Michael's is one of the most disciplined teams and tend to wear you down and Taos will have to play consistent and likely rely on multiple options in the backfield at running back.
Would the degenerate gambler take the upset: Nope, but I had to pick another possible upset. Some would take the upset.
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Who pulls an upset this week?
.J. Grine
1. Centennial vs Rio Rancho
Chances: 78%
This will not be a huge upset, any game this week will likely not be an upset but sticking true to the feature Centennial enters the contest ranked 9th this week and host Rio Rancho (No. 6). The game takes place on Saturday night in Las Cruces and could be a chance to see two playoffs teams in week 1. In order for the Hawks to pull the upset it will have to come on defense. Rio Rancho has been explosive in the past, they had a new QB last season that went for 2600 yards. They again have a new QB, the Rams will pass, but they do have more options to run this season. Rio's D is strong and we like the veterans running on Centennial's O so focus on contain Rio Rancho from getting into the end zone is the focus with hopes of a lower scoring contest. Rio went for over 35 points per game last season, in the two of three losses they had 7 and 13 points both well under the average. In the meeting between Centennial and Rio Rancho last season, during the playoffs, the Rams took a 24-7 win - Centennial held them under their average and what helps this year will be an experienced offense.
Would the degenerate gambler take the upset: Flip my coin
2. Carlsbad at Artesia
Chances: 60%
Whoa, Whoa didn't we just claim that this wasn't a top game to watch because the Artesia Bulldogs have walked past Carlsbad by an average of 33.2 to 10 going 4-0 in the last four meetings. Artesia also won 34-0 last season on the road in Carlsbad. However, anytime there is a rivalry attached to a game, Eddy County Rivalry, you have to at least consider it. Other reasons to consider is Carlsbad will have one of the best OL's in the state with three prospects on our top 20 OL's in 2018. We know Coach Bradley likes to run the ball, he returns some skilled players and the question of staying healthy this season they could make some noise. We have also said for two years that this will be the year Carlsbad gets over the hump to .500. Will this be the game that gets this engine running. Carlsbad will have to be effective on offense in their run game but the issue will be Artesia's defense returns some top players in the state. So they will have to contain Artesia's offense and with them having a new QB could help in that upset bid opportunity.
Would the degenerate gambler take the upset: I wouldn't bet the house but maybe my loose change
3. Taos vs St. Mikes
Chances: 55%
Taos is looking to solidify themselves as a playoff team in 4A football. They return some players that have the town filled with excitement for the football season. St. Michael's returns as the top ranked team in 3A football this season. This cross-classification game is placed here because the Horsemen are a No. 1 ranked team in their classification and Taos has yet to make full-time believers even though they return after a 8-4 season and a playoff win. The two met last season during district play with St. Michael's winning 41-21 after a second half scoring frenzy by the Horsemen. Taos will need to keep the momentum swings in their favor with a northern showdown and play four full quarters. St. Michael's is one of the most disciplined teams and tend to wear you down and Taos will have to play consistent and likely rely on multiple options in the backfield at running back.
Would the degenerate gambler take the upset: Nope, but I had to pick another possible upset. Some would take the upset.
Join the Conversation
Who pulls an upset this week?
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