Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Pete Thamel Puts Top 10 College Football Team on Upset Alert

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 4:50 PM ET

The first College Football Playoff rankings were released Tuesday, and one team looking to return to the CFP is the No. 9 Oregon Ducks.

The Ducks have a record of 7-1, with their only loss a 30-20 setback at home against the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (9-0). Since that defeat, Oregon has won two consecutive games. This weekend, they will face their next significant challenge as they take on the No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2). The game is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Iowa is aiming for its first CFP appearance, but it will likely need to win all of its remaining games to achieve this goal. On the "College GameDay Podcast," ESPN's Pete Thamel expressed his belief that the Hawkeyes have the potential to pull off an upset as a 6.5-point underdog.

Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski (11) prepares to throw a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. © Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

"I'm going to take Iowa," Thamel said. "The talent of Oregon, I cannot dismiss. The inexperience, I also cannot ignore. I really think that this is going to be a giant test for Dante Moore. A young, inexperienced, unproven receiving crew. An offensive line that's found a nice niche, but they certainly haven't felt anything like Kinnick (Stadium) yet."

The Hawkeyes are recognized for their strong defense, but they have recently experienced an offensive surge. Iowa has scored 25 or more points in three consecutive games. The team is led by quarterback Mark Gronowski, who has thrown for 946 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. Additionally, he has contributed 313 rushing yards and scored 11 touchdowns.

With both programs fighting to stay in the playoff race, Saturday’s result could determine who emerges as a legitimate contender and who’s left chasing momentum in November.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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