College football Week 9 brought a whirlwind of excitement and unexpected outcomes.
Alabama faced a surprising defeat against Tennessee, marking the first time since 2004 that the Crimson Tide has suffered two losses in October. Meanwhile, Georgia triumphed over top-ranked Texas in a fiercely competitive match that belied the final score. The clash between Miami and Louisville saw a staggering 97 points scored, with the Hurricanes narrowly avoiding defeat for the third consecutive week. Additionally, BYU and Iowa State each secured victories by a mere three points, maintaining their status as the only undefeated teams in the Big 12.
This weekend proved challenging for traditional powerhouse programs, as USC, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Florida State also suffered losses, emphasizing the remarkable parity in college football today.
After weekends filled with such dramatic twists, discussions with the team at FOX Sports become essential for planning the upcoming Big Noon Kickoff production. Each Sunday night, reflections on the previous day’s games lead to detailed emails sent to producers, researchers, and on-air colleagues, outlining significant moments and highlights for the week ahead.
In the spirit of sharing insights, here are thoughts on the thrilling world of college football that everyone can appreciate.
This week features four ranked teams facing unranked opponents, alongside five matchups between ranked teams. Six of the top 10 teams in the AP poll will be in action, with 20 of the top 25 competing this weekend.
Let’s explore key matchups and notable games to watch in Week 9.
Friday Night Clash in the Mountain West
Boise State continues to capture attention, with their story evolving each week. In a pivotal Friday night matchup, the 5-1 Broncos will head to Las Vegas to face the 6-1 UNLV Rebels. This game holds significant implications for the Mountain West title and potential CFP spots, as both teams vie for the Group of Five conference champion position. Ashton Jeanty has made waves against major conference defenses like Oregon and Washington State, raising the question: can he sustain this impressive performance and remain a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy? This Friday promises to deliver excitement.
Scarlet Knights Visit Los Angeles
USC, after starting the season 3-1, now finds themselves below .500 following three consecutive conference losses. This week, they will host a Rutgers team that has also stumbled, dropping three straight after an impressive 4-0 start. The Trojans have not experienced a 3-5 record since 2001, while the Scarlet Knights aim to avoid their seventh season starting 3-5 or worse since 2015. Lincoln Riley’s job security is being questioned—can he really afford a fourth straight loss? For context, since mid-October last year, several programs, including USC, have struggled with similar records. A loss on Friday would leave USC at 5-10 in that span. Notably, Riley has never lost four games in a row in a single season throughout his coaching career.
Undefeated Pitt
The Panthers are making headlines as one of the last two undefeated teams in the ACC, alongside Miami. They will face a formidable Syracuse team on Thursday night. Pitt hasn’t boasted a 7-0 start since the early 1980s. Syracuse’s only defeat this season came against Stanford in a close 26-24 game. This matchup showcases an intriguing quarterback duel, with Kyle McCord ranking seventh in FBS for passing yards and tied for fifth in touchdown passes, while Alabama transfer Eli Holstein leads all FBS freshmen in both categories. Fran Brown will lead the Orange as they aim for just their second 6-1 start since 2000.
Exciting Times in Louisiana
Louisiana is buzzing with football action! Tulane stands at 5-2 and remains undefeated in AAC play, while No. 8 LSU boasts a 6-1 record in the SEC. The Ragin’ Cajuns are also 6-1, undefeated in Sun Belt play, and UL Monroe holds a 5-1 record, also unblemished in the Sun Belt. This is a rare occurrence, as it marks only the second time since 2000 that these four programs have collectively achieved 20+ wins by Week 8. LSU is set for an exciting clash against the 14th-ranked Aggies this Saturday, a game that could have SEC championship implications. The Green Wave enters as 7.5-point favorites against North Texas, while the WarHawks face a seven-point underdog situation against South Alabama. Louisiana is on a bye this week, but the state’s performance in Week 9 will be closely watched.
For now, let’s ignore the 3-4 Louisiana Tech and focus on the successes of the other programs.
Can Navy Do It?
The Midshipmen are on a roll, boasting a 6-0 record for the first time since 1979, with a 4-0 mark in AAC play. Despite their impressive start, Navy is a 13.5-point underdog against Notre Dame, a team they haven’t defeated since 2016. Historically, teams with a 6-0 or better record facing such a significant point spread have struggled, with most losses coming by 14 points or more. However, a few teams have managed to pull off upsets in similar situations. Will Navy defy the odds and secure a victory this week?
Upset Alert in Madison?
Penn State faces a challenging scenario this week as they prepare for a crucial matchup against Ohio State next week. Historically, games in Madison have proven to be tough for the Nittany Lions.
Here’s a look at their recent matchups:
PENN STATE ON ROAD vs WISCONSIN
SINCE 1996
- 2021: Penn State 16, Wisconsin 10
- 2013: Penn State 31, Wisconsin 24
- 2011: Wisconsin 45, Penn State 7
- 2008: Penn State 48, Wisconsin 7
- 2006: Wisconsin 13, Penn State 3
- 2004: Wisconsin 16, Penn State 3
- 2002: Penn State 34, Wisconsin 31
- 1998: Wisconsin 24, Penn State 3
- 1996: Penn State 23, Wisconsin 20
This record shows a 5-4 standing for the Nittany Lions at Camp Randall since joining the Big Ten in 1990, with many games decided by a narrow margin. Wisconsin has recently dominated weaker opponents, showcasing a strong defense. Drew Allar will need to bounce back from his first career multi-interception game against USC as he faces a defense that has not allowed double-digit points this month.
Cougars in a Rare Spot
BYU remains undefeated, yet they find themselves as 1.5-point underdogs against a struggling UCF team. The Knights nearly upset Iowa State last week in a close contest. Historically, teams with a perfect record facing opponents with losing records rarely enter as underdogs. In fact, only one instance since 1978 has seen a team 7-0 or better in this situation. Will BYU continue to surprise and maintain their winning streak, or will UCF turn the tables?
Six Win Teams with Concerns
Several teams with 6-0 or 6-1 records face significant challenges ahead. Miami, for example, has allowed 117 points in their last three games, winning by just a combined 12 points. They must address defensive issues to avoid future losses. Pitt, facing Syracuse, could also see their undefeated streak come to an end, given their narrow victories. Duke’s recent win against FSU was historic, yet they still have a negative point differential in ACC play. BYU, with three one-score wins, and Illinois, who allowed 49 points in a recent overtime win, also raise concerns. Notre Dame suffered an unexpected loss earlier this season, and Missouri has struggled against weaker teams. One of these teams is likely to falter soon.
Wild Heisman Race
The Heisman race is heating up with numerous contenders emerging.
Carson Beck’s recent performance raises questions about his candidacy. Jeremiah Smith enters the conversation as a potential candidate, while the implications of losses will affect Cam Ward and Dillon Gabriel’s chances. With Travis Hunter’s injuries impacting his play, could Shedeur Sanders rise in the rankings if Colorado continues to win? Currently, Jeanty leads the pack as the favorite, followed closely by Ward and Gabriel.
Spartans and Wolverines Meet
Michigan and Michigan State surprisingly enter this week with identical records. Despite playing at home, the Wolverines are only four-point favorites. Both teams have struggled offensively, with MSU ranking 14th in the Big Ten in scoring. The last four meetings have been split evenly, with the home team winning only four of the last ten contests. Michigan’s upcoming schedule includes tough matchups against top-ranked teams. Will they avoid becoming the third team in history to finish below .500 after winning a major national title?
Big Noon Kickoff in Columbus
Ohio State aims to rebound from recent criticisms regarding their defensive performance. The Buckeyes have dominated Nebraska in past matchups, winning by an average of 41.3 points per game since 2000. Nebraska is currently on a 26-game losing streak against ranked opponents, and their struggles continue with a recent loss to Indiana. Can Ohio State capitalize on this opportunity, or will Nebraska surprise?
Exciting Biletnikoff Race
The wide receiver performances this season have been exceptional. Stars like Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith are making headlines, while Tre Harris and Tetaiora McMillan also present strong cases for the Biletnikoff Award. Harris leads FBS in receiving yards, and Restrepo from Miami ranks in the top ten for multiple receiving categories. Travis Hunter continues to impress with his two-way play. This award race is shaping up to be one to watch throughout the season.
Fact or Fiction?
Here are some statements to ponder based on recent performances:
- Alabama will miss the CFP.
- Oregon will win the Big Ten.
- BYU will win the Big 12.
- Tulane is the best G5 team.
- Oklahoma will not make a bowl game.
- Florida State will finish 2-10.
- Clemson is the best team in the ACC.
- Shedeur Sanders will be the No. 1 pick in NFL Draft.
- Texas A&M will be in the SEC title game.
- Curt Cignetti has the Bryant Award wrapped up.
- Texas is better off with Arch Manning at QB.
