Plenty of solid G5 games this weekend

One of the best parts of the early-season schedule is Group of 5 games vs. Power 5. This week should provide a chance for a few upsets — or at least close finishes (we are hoping).

If you’re looking for some good games to watch — and hopefully an upset or two — here are a few that might turn into something on Saturday.

Memphis at UCF, Friday 5:30 p.m. ESPNU (time, day has been changed)

This might be called off thanks to the looming hurricane (Irma) but if not, this should be a solid game of two G5 teams. UCF is a mild favorite, but this one should be close in Orlando, with the winner becoming a front-runner (with South Florida, of course) for a berth in the American Athletic Conference title game.

Western Michigan at Michigan State, noon on BTN

Western gave USC all it could handle last week and this week should give Sparty a run for its money as well. Michigan State is a touchdown favorite and plenty to prove after last year’s giant thud of a season.

Eastern Michigan at Rutgers, 2:30 p.m. on BTN

Don’t sleep on this one as Eastern Michigan is only a 5.5 underdog against Rutgers, a team that has not impressed in a while. The Eagle are coming off a 24-7 win against Charlotte, while Rutgers got beat by Washington, 30-14.

Central Michigan at Kansas, 3 p.m. 

Why not, we got the other directional Michigan schools in here. The Chippewa’s are 1-0 and only a 5.5 underdog at Kansas, a team known to embarrass itself from time to time.

Western Kentucky at Illinois, 7 p.m. on BTN

This one has upset written all over it — a more than solid Western Kentucky team on the road against a not-so-good Big Ten team? Sign me up. The Hilltoppers are a touchdown underdog, by the way.

Houston at Arizona, 9:30 p.m. on ESPNU

At G5 team on the road as a favorite? Yes, sir! Rich Rod may be on the outs in Tucson.

Two in the Mountain West

San Diego State travels to Arizona State (10 p.m. on PAC12) and will (more than likely) keep it close, while Boise State heads to No. 20 Washington State (9:30 p.m. on ESPN). I think one of these Mountain West teams may pull off the mild upset, and who knows, maybe both will?