When upsets occur in football, my contention is it's because of the attitude of the offensive linemen on the favored team. Note I didn't say the attitude of the "skill" players will make the difference. Football is known as an emotional sport. A lesser team with high octane emotions can often beat a physically superior team running on just regular.
Here's my reasoning.
The offensive "skill" players are in the eyes of spectators. So, they often will be "up" for any competition because they want to look good, and pad their stats. The work of defensive players can also be easily seen.
However, the work of the offensive linemen, who wrestle and perform "weightlifting" moves on most every play, are relatively hidden from the spectator's eyes. So, if they're playing against a team they should easily beat, they subconsiously figure they can coast a little. On the other side of the ball, the opposing team knows it has to go all out on every play to just be in the game. So, they give a great effort.
When the favored offensive linemen come in with a slack effort, and the weaker team comes in with an all out performance, upsets can happen. Then, when the offensive linemen know it will be a tight game, they know they have to give it their best on every play. Again, they make the difference.
That's my view.
What's yours?
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