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In latest years, Week 9 of the school soccer season has been good at shutting down enjoyable upstart tales — or not less than severely wounding them.
Think of unranked Wisconsin pummeling No. 9 Iowa, Mississippi State upsetting No. 12 Kentucky and Michigan State upending No. 6 Michigan in 2021. Or unranked Louisville upsetting No. 10 Wake Forest in 2022. Or Oregon blowing out No. 13 Utah in 2023 and No. 20 Illinois in 2024. Or Texas ending off final season’s Diego Pavia-and-Vanderbilt episode. Before we get to November, the place practically all the pieces we bear in mind from a given season occurs, we evidently should declutter a bit.
Maybe that claims foreboding issues this week about Texas A&M, with its highest ballot rating in 30 years, taking part in a determined LSU in Baton Rouge. Or an unbeaten BYU staff taking part in at Iowa State. But how do the school soccer gods correctly declutter this season? Who’s the upstart that falls when No. 10 Vanderbilt hosts No. 15 Missouri? How does an ACC race with 5 to seven contenders, none of whom had been the preseason favorites, get cleaned up?
The 2025 season has damaged containment, and as we careen towards November, let’s have a look at if it is even potential for it to start out making sense. Here’s all the pieces you could comply with in a cluttered Week 9.
Though there’s an opportunity the SEC race provides us one other Alabama-Georgia convention title sport, I nonetheless imagine we’d have a serious plot twist or two. Week 9 will assist us determine who would possibly profit from that plot twist, because the league once more provides us a tripleheader of attention-grabbing matchups.
Tiger Stadium is often an absolute cauldron at night time; the house staff has gained eight straight on this collection (six by a number of scores), and LSU is determined after losses at Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. A&M coach Mike Elko’s most essential process is perhaps retaining his unbeaten Aggies dialed in amid an early sea of noise and emotion.
The subsequent process will likely be scoring factors. The Aggies have performed loads of that this season, however LSU ranks sixth in defensive SP+ and has but to permit greater than 10 factors at house. The Tigers are higher in opposition to the cross than the run, which might be a problem — even with out the injured Le’Veon Moss, A&M averaged 6.2 yards per carry in opposition to Arkansas final week. But on third-and-3 or extra, Marcel Reed and the Aggies are changing simply 23.5% of the time, 129th nationally. Tiger Stadium can get awfully loud on third down.
LSU’s offense is exhibiting indicators of enchancment. Even with main receiver Aaron Anderson restricted, the Tigers averaged 6.7 yards per play in opposition to South Carolina and Vanderbilt, although crimson zone failures stored the purpose totals tamped down. Tight finish Trey’Dez Green is turning into a matchup nightmare, and LSU ran the ball nicely for as soon as in opposition to Vanderbilt. If Garrett Nussmeier can full even a few downfield passes, this turns into a really harmful staff. Unfortunately, we’re nonetheless ready on that.
On passes thrown not less than 25 yards downfield, Nussmeier is a surprising 1-for-16 this season. If you’ll be able to’t create simple factors from huge performs, and also you stink within the crimson zone, it turns into awfully tough to attain touchdowns.
A&M is No. 3 within the nation, however the stakes are greater for the Tigers, each as a result of they’ve run out of margin for error within the playoff hunt and due to the rising warmth on coach Brian Kelly. If the Aggies overcome this staff and this atmosphere, they’re legit SEC, and doubtlessly nationwide title, contenders.
Current line: A&M -2.5 | SP+ projection: A&M by 0.8 | FPI projection: A&M by 0.6
On Oct. 18, 1947, No. 10 Vanderbilt hosted Bear Bryant’s Twentieth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. Led by soon-to-be All-America middle Jay Rhodemyre, Kentucky managed the road of scrimmage, permitting simply 151 whole yards and getting simply sufficient offense from George Blanda & Co. to prevail 14-0. The Commodores fell out of the AP prime 10 … and did not return for 78 years. But right here they’re, ranked tenth and internet hosting Missouri and “College GameDay” on Saturday.
The Tigers and Commodores have misplaced solely to Alabama, and one will likely be 7-1 and within the thick of the SEC and playoff hunts heading into November. If Mizzou wins, it’ll seemingly be Bear Bryant Kentucky-style, through the road of scrimmage. Ends Zion Young and Damon Wilson II key a Tigers protection that ranks seventh in success fee*, and after struggling to get Ahmad Hardy and the run sport going in opposition to Alabama and Auburn, Missouri might get some respite in opposition to a Vandy protection that ranks simply 62nd in yards allowed per carry (not together with sacks). The Commodores are good at limiting huge performs, however Mizzou can have a chance to generate effectivity for quarterback Beau Pribula.
The Tigers higher do this as a result of Vandy’s offense is as environment friendly as they arrive: The Dores are first nationally in factors per drive and third in success fee. The offensive line is superb, backs Sedrick Alexander and Makhilyn Young common 7.3 yards per carry, and quarterback Diego Pavia is the very best improviser within the sport. The passing sport is not significantly explosive, nevertheless it’s actually exhausting to knock Vandy off-schedule.
(* Success fee: How continuously an offense is gaining 50% of essential yardage on first down, 70% on second or 100% on third and fourth.)
Current line: Vandy -2.5 | SP+ projection: Vandy by 0.2 | FPI projection: Vandy by 1.3
From significance and “styles make fights” views, Ole Miss’ first journey to Norman is likely one of the most attention-grabbing video games of the week. As with Mizzou-Vandy, the winner will likely be in stable form within the SEC race and in nice form for the College Football Playoff. Everywhere you look, it is both strength-versus-strength or weakness-versus-weakness.
Ole Miss offense: twelfth in factors per drive
Oklahoma protection: second in factors per drive
Oklahoma offense: sixty fifth in factors per drive
Ole Miss protection: seventieth in factors per drive
Oklahoma boasts probably the most aggressive protection in faculty soccer: Opponents have gained zero or fewer yards on 44.0% of snaps, most within the nation. Ole Miss, nevertheless, has by far the very best offense the Sooners have confronted so far. Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels simply scored 35 factors on a Georgia protection that had been permitting 17 per sport. Chambliss’ No. 2 and three cross catchers (Deuce Alexander and tight finish Dae’Quan Wright) are listed as questionable, however Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. can often scheme up success.
Of course, Ole Miss additionally allowed 43 factors to the Dawgs. The Rebels are terrible in opposition to the run, however OU hasn’t established a lot in that regard. Oklahoma’s success comes through the cross, however Ole Miss is respectable in that regard (regardless of a poor cross rush), and Sooners quarterback John Mateer has averaged simply 4.5 yards per dropback since speeding again from a hand damage.
With the way in which Ole Miss faltered late in opposition to Georgia and the way in which OU’s offense has carried out of late, I might be talked right into a blowout in both path right here.
Current line: OU -5.5 (up from -3.5 on Sunday) | SP+ projection: OU by 5.0 | FPI projection: OU by 1.3
We’re out of the blue down to simply six unbeaten groups: Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, BYU and Navy. The Buckeyes are off, and we talked about A&M above, however here is what the opposite excellent groups have in retailer.
Surely UCLA cannot do it once more, proper? In the previous three weeks, the Bruins have wrecked Penn State’s season (and James Franklin’s tenure), additional wrecked Michigan State’s and hastened Maryland’s October demise. Now, they get a shot at Curt Cignetti’s good Indiana Hoosiers.
The Bruins have circled their season by creating destructive performs and turnovers on protection and operating the ball with ruthless effectivity behind backs Jalen Berger, Anthony Frias II and Jaivian Thomas. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava is making simply sufficient performs along with his legs to beat his sack-prone tendencies. (He’s additionally practising this week after struggling an damage in opposition to Maryland final Saturday.)
Of course, Indiana nearly utterly avoids destructive performs and turnovers on offense and each defends the run aggressively and sacks QBs like few others (third nationally in sack fee). The Hoosiers ought to deal with this take a look at fairly nicely, although at this level, it is perhaps honest to ask, what does not Indiana do nicely? Where would possibly the Hoosiers be weak to a problem between now and what appears like an inevitable battle with Ohio State within the Big Ten championship sport?
From a statistical standpoint, I can actually discover solely two areas of concern.
1. The Hoosiers are surprisingly poor on fourth downs. They’re simply 3-for-11 this season. Granted, this may be extra of an issue in the event that they weren’t fourth nationally in third-down conversion fee (54.9%), however one thing’s off there.
2. They’re generally too aggressive up entrance. They’re first nationally in stuff fee (run stops at or behind the road), however after they hand over a profitable rush, it is a fairly large one. Big performs are holding them again not less than barely.
Granted, it is exhausting to complain an excessive amount of a couple of protection that ranks third nationally in factors allowed per drive, however huge performs have been recognized to create upsets.
Current line: Indiana -25.5 (up from -23.5) | SP+ projection: Indiana by 27.9 | FPI projection: Indiana by 26.4
Not too way back, Iowa State was 5-0 with wins over rivals Kansas State and Iowa and a blowout of Arizona. But after shedding cornerbacks Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams to ACL accidents, and with a nonexistent cross rush, the Cyclones gave up too many huge performs in street losses to Cincinnati and Colorado. (The offense additionally failed in Boulder, turning 441 yards into simply 17 factors.)
What do you do when your unbeaten season is ruined? Try to damage another person’s! Coming off a bye week, ISU is considerably surprisingly favored at house in opposition to unbeaten BYU. The Cougars have already survived just a few tight Big 12 contests. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier is a lower-efficiency, higher-explosiveness passer, and he is making a distinction within the run sport. Can ISU make sufficient stops? If not, can Rocco Becht and the offense sustain in a monitor meet?
Current line: ISU -2.5 | SP+ projection: BYU by 3.2 | FPI projection: BYU by 1.2
Syracuse is 0-3 since quarterback Steve Angeli was misplaced for the season; Rickie Collins has thrown six interceptions in his previous two video games, and the Orange have misplaced to Duke, SMU and Pitt by a median of 33-11. Georgia Tech’s protection is not superb however might be adequate to maintain Syracuse caught in impartial.
Meanwhile, the Tech offense is the very best the Orange have confronted since Week 1 in opposition to Tennessee. It could be nice for the Yellow Jackets if they may deal with this one simply sufficient that Haynes King is not compelled to run loads and take numerous hits for as soon as.
Current line: Tech -16.5 | SP+ projection: Tech by 17.8 | FPI projection: Tech by 13.7
FAU is a novel out. Zach Kittley’s Owls go for it on fourth down greater than half the time, they play on the nation’s second-fastest tempo they usually hunt huge performs. Unfortunately, additionally they rank one hundred and twentieth in success fee and 124th in turnovers. Their aggressiveness usually fails to provide factors (or give their protection a relaxation), they usually’ve misplaced 4 video games by a median of 27 factors. Blake Horvath and Navy are projected underdogs in every of their previous 4 video games — at North Texas, at Notre Dame, vs. USF, at Memphis — however they need to transfer to 8-0 right here.
Current line: Navy -15.5 | SP+ projection: Navy by 19.3 | FPI projection: Navy by 11.1
They know trophies within the Big Ten. They additionally know 5-2 information. Eight of the convention’s 18 groups are 5-2, and any of these groups that may win out and get to the end line at 10-2 will likely be within the CFP dialog.
This weekend provides us two of the game’s finest trophy video games involving three members of the 5-2 membership.
It’s actually exhausting to beat the Floyd of Rosedale, a 98-pound bronze pig that Minnesota and Iowa have been preventing over for 90 years. Iowa has held on to it (him?) for 9 of the previous 10 years.
Iowa is the projected favourite on this one, each due to home-field benefit and since the Hawkeyes can run the ball and defend the run. They’re seventeenth in speeding success fee, a large improve over a few years in the past, and although quarterback Mark Gronowski threw for simply 68 yards in final week’s win over Penn State, he rushed for 130 yards and two scores. Meanwhile, Iowa is permitting simply 3.4 yards per carry, not together with sacks.
The floor sport might be all that issues in an Iowa-Minnesota sport, however Minnesota is placing loads on redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey’s proper arm, and he is holding up principally nicely regardless of an inefficient floor sport (103rd in speeding success fee). The Gophers had been additionally good final week, sacking Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola 9 occasions, getting a 16-for-20 efficiency from Lindsey and even getting 148 speeding yards from Darius Taylor in a 24-6 win.
Current line: Iowa -8.5 | SP+ projection: Iowa by 10.2 | FPI projection: Iowa by 8.7
The Paul Bunyan Trophy is a reasonably good reward in a collection that has seen some latest momentum shifts. Michigan State gained eight of 10 between 2008 and 2017 — a run that included some of the surprising endings of the twenty first century — however Michigan has gained 5 of the previous seven.
Both of those groups want this one. Michigan’s glorious 24-7 win over Washington final week laid out a situation during which the Wolverines are 9-2 and driving a five-game successful streak when Ohio State visits.
MSU, however, simply wants one thing constructive. The Spartans have misplaced 4 straight, all by double digits. Quarterback Aidan Chiles confirmed flashes of enchancment early, however the Spartans’ offensive effectiveness has trailed off. Second-year coach Jonathan Smith is starting to indicate up on “hot seat” lists, and although that appears silly to me — you do not rent a man due to his long-term program-building prowess, then drop him in lower than two seasons — it will nonetheless nearly definitely be State’s fourth shedding season in a row.
Current line: Michigan -14.5 | SP+ projection: Michigan by 15.8 | FPI projection: Michigan by 14.6
Memphis’ surprising loss to UAB final week threw the races for each the American title and the Group of 5’s assured playoff bid into uncertainty, and at first look, it looks as if USF is finest poised to take benefit. Guess who will play in opposition to one another this weekend? Memphis and USF! It’s the gorgeous apparent G5 sport of the week, although I’ve bought one other attention-grabbing sport to place in your radar, too.
USF leaves little question. Apart from their 18-16 win over Florida, the Bulls have gained 5 video games by a median of 52-19 and suffered their lone loss (to Miami) 49-12. Alex Golesh’s offense is each ridiculously explosive and, thanks partially to quarterback Byrum Brown’s legs, glorious on third downs. And after a median defensive SP+ rating of 113.0 in Golesh’s first two seasons, the Bulls are at the moment 57th.
If final week was only a “stuff happens” loss for Memphis — interim-coached groups (like UAB) have been shockingly good to this point this season — the Tigers ought to have loads to supply, particularly at house. They begin and end drives fantastically (eighth in three-and-out fee, third in crimson zone TD fee), and although their cross rush is problematic, they management the road of scrimmage in opposition to the run and pressure third-and-longs. They have a right away probability to proper final week’s wrongs and climb again to the highest of the convention pecking order.
Current line: USF -4.5 | SP+ projection: Memphis by 5.4 | FPI projection: Memphis by 0.1
If you are on the lookout for playoff options exterior of the American, take a gander at San Diego State. Starting with a 34-0 stomping of Cal, Sean Lewis’ Aztecs have gained 4 straight, overachieving in opposition to SP+ projections by 17.3 factors per sport. They’re not dependable but — they’ve scored 34-plus 4 occasions and beneath 14 twice, they usually’ve allowed 7.4 factors per sport in wins and 36 of their lone loss. But nook Chris Johnson and edge rusher Trey White are two of the G5’s finest playmakers, and if they will rating sufficient in opposition to a stable Fresno State protection (not a given), their odds of reaching 11-1 enhance significantly.
Current line: SDSU -2.5 | SP+ projection: SDSU by 6.1 | FPI projection: SDSU by 2.7
South Dakota State misplaced coach Jimmy Rogers to Washington State and greater than 20 transfers, together with quarterback Mark Gronowski (Iowa), to FBS groups. North Dakota State misplaced just a few stars, too, together with operating again CharMar Brown (Miami) and security Cole Wisniewski (Texas Tech). The switch portal can hit you particularly, exhausting even on the FCS degree.
Oh proper, I nearly forgot: NDSU and SDSU are a mixed 14-0 this season.
SDSU’s stats have slipped barely, although huge quarterback Chase Mason has 1,419 passing yards and thrown 11 touchdowns and one interception, and the cross protection is as nasty as ever, with 12 interceptions and 18 sacks in seven video games. NDSU, nevertheless, has established a degree of dominance we’ve not seen from the Bison shortly. The defending FCS champs have outscored opponents by a median of 44-10, and just one opponent has stayed nearer than 27 factors. Quarterback Cole Payton is producing Mason-like stats, and the receiver trio of Bryce Lance, RaJa Nelson and Reis Kessel is averaging 20.1 yards per catch. Based on their present SP+ ranking, the Bison could be within the prime 40 in FBS.
We’ve seen intriguing performances from applications resembling Tarleton State (third in SP+) and Harvard (fourth), however till confirmed in any other case, these stay FCS’ defining applications. And for the third time since 2022, the Dakota Marker is a 1-versus-2 battle. The No. 2 staff gained each of the earlier video games, and it would not be a shock if SDSU pulled off a house upset. But it will undoubtedly be an upset — the Bison have been at a distinct degree to date.
SP+ projection: NDSU by 6.9
We’re as soon as once more utilizing this house to will chaos into existence, 4 fastidiously curated video games with fairly huge level spreads and mashing them collectively into a way more upset-friendly quantity. We ended a three-week shedding streak with a two-fer final week, so we’re again to 4-4 for the yr.
This week, we set our sights on the Big 12. SP+ says there’s solely a 54% probability that Cincinnati (75% win likelihood in opposition to Baylor), Utah (86% in opposition to Colorado), TCU (84% in opposition to West Virginia) and Texas Tech (99% in opposition to Oklahoma State) all win. I say there is a 0% probability!
Here are some extra video games it is best to take note of if you wish to get absolutely the most out of the weekend, from each info and leisure views.
Friday night
California at Virginia Tech (7:30 p.m., ESPN). After the turmoil of the previous few years, Cal reaching 5-2 is a cool story. But the Golden Bears have gotten right here whereas beating just one staff higher than ninetieth in SP+. Virginia Tech is simply 91st, however the interim-coached Hokies have been extra aggressive over the previous month and are favored regardless of their 2-5 file.
Current line: Tech -4.5 | SP+ projection: Cal by 0.9 | FPI projection: Tech by 6.6
Early Saturday
Auburn at Arkansas (12:45 p.m., SECN). This is well probably the most stylistically attention-grabbing sport of the week within the SEC. In league play, Auburn video games have averaged 32.8 whole factors, whereas Arkansas video games have averaged 76.0. It’s like the 2 groups are taking part in completely different sports activities in the meanwhile, although they’re each shedding at these sports activities. (Combined SEC file: 0-7.)
Current line: Arkansas -2.5 (flipped from Auburn -1.5) | SP+ projection: Auburn by 0.3 | FPI projection: Arkansas by 0.2
Northwestern at Nebraska (midday, FS1). Something has clicked for Northwestern: The Wildcats have gained 4 in a row, and over the previous three, they’ve overachieved in opposition to SP+ projections by 19.6 factors per sport. Nebraska is favored for a purpose, however Matt Rhule’s Huskers had been fairly poor in final week’s loss to Minnesota, and Northwestern’s protection is simply nearly as good because the Gophers’.
Current line: Huskers -8.5 | SP+ projection: Huskers by 12.0 | FPI projection: Huskers by 7.2
Kansas State at Kansas (midday, TNT). Kansas State’s previous three video games have been its finest three of the season, and the sight of Kansas on the opposite sideline tends to carry out the Wildcats’ finest — they have not misplaced the Sunflower Showdown since 2008. Kansas bought every week off to get well from a humbling loss at Texas Tech; during which path does the Jayhawks’ season go from right here?
Current line: KU -2.5 | SP+ projection: KU by 5.0 | FPI projection: KU by 1.7
No. 16 Virginia at North Carolina (midday, ACCN). UVA tried fairly exhausting to lose to Washington State at house final week, whereas UNC went throughout the nation and performed its finest sport of 2025. It’s not less than conceivable that Bill Belichick’s Heels can pull a shock. Still, UVA’s offense is so clear, with minimal destructive performs and effectivity through run and cross, that the Cavaliers get the good thing about the doubt.
Current line: UVA -10.5 (up from -8.5) | SP+ projection: UVA by 12.6 | FPI projection: UVA by 11.9
SMU at Wake Forest (midday, The CW). These groups went a mixed 4-4 in September however are 5-0 in October. Wake performs nice protection with probably the most all-or-nothing offense you may see, and SMU’s protection has rounded again into kind after a poor begin. The Mustangs want this one for ACC rivalry, however Jake Dickert has Wake shifting in a really enjoyable path.
Current line: SMU -3.5 | SP+ projection: SMU by 4.1 | FPI projection: SMU by 4.8
Saturday afternoon
No. 23 Illinois at Washington (3:30 p.m., BTN). Washington has averaged simply 12.3 factors per sport in opposition to top-15 defenses (per SP+) and 51.3 in opposition to defenses ranked eighty fifth or decrease. Illinois’ protection is within the center (forty eighth), so I suppose we assume the Huskies rating 30 or so? Illinois can most likely hit that mark in opposition to a shaky-but-improving UW protection, too. This needs to be enjoyable.
Current line: UW -3.5 | SP+ projection: UW by 3.7 | FPI projection: UW by 2.9
No. 4 Alabama at South Carolina (3:30 p.m., ABC). After a blowout loss at house, South Carolina circled its 2024 season by practically toppling Alabama in Tuscaloosa, then successful six straight. The circumstances are even worse for the Gamecocks this time — final week’s 19-point loss to Oklahoma dropped them to 3-4 — however perhaps they nonetheless have a turnaround in them? Maybe Alabama suffers a letdown after 4 straight wins in opposition to ranked groups? Possibly? Yeah, I’m not satisfied both.
Current line: Bama -12.5 | SP+ projection: Bama by 10.5 | FPI projection: Bama by 10.7
Baylor at No. 21 Cincinnati (4 p.m., ESPN2). Baylor lives to entertain: Five of the Bears’ seven video games have topped 60 whole factors, they usually’re nineteenth in offensive SP+ and 98th on protection. Cincinnati does not thoughts an excellent monitor meet, however the Bearcats’ bend-don’t-break protection has improved of late. With video games in opposition to Utah and BYU looming, Cincy’s Big 12 title hopes would take successful with an upset loss.
Current line: Cincy -3.5 (down from -5.5) | SP+ projection: Cincy by 10.9 | FPI projection: Cincy by 4.5
No. 22 Texas at Mississippi State (SECN). Mississippi State is 0-3 in SEC play, however two losses went right down to the wire. So did Texas’ irritating extra time win at Kentucky final week. The MSU offense is rapidly shedding steam, however the Texas offense hasn’t actually had any. One assumes the elite Texas protection drives one other win, however this might be tight for some time.
Current line: Horns -7.5 | SP+ projection: Horns by 7.2 | FPI projection: Horns by 9.5
Western Michigan at Miami (Ohio) (3:30 p.m., ESPN+). WMU most likely did not desire a bye final week — the smoking-hot Broncos have gained 4 straight since an 0-3 begin, overachieving in opposition to projections by 21.3 factors per sport. Now, they trek to Oxford to face a Miami staff that has additionally gone from 0-3 to 4-3. The winner of this one heads into November’s midweek MACtion slate because the convention title favourite.
Current line: Miami -1.5 | SP+ projection: Miami by 2.5 | FPI projection: Miami by 0.5
Oklahoma State at No. 14 Texas Tech (4 p.m., ESPNU). With quarterback Behren Morton injured, Tech suffered its first blemish of the season at Arizona State final week. Backup Will Hammond seems prone to begin once more Saturday, however even with out Morton (or tortillas), one assumes the Red Raiders ought to manhandle an OSU staff that has fallen to an nearly inconceivable 121st in SP+.
Current line: Tech -38.5 | SP+ projection: Tech by 39.3 | FPI projection: Tech by 34.6
Saturday night
Houston at No. 24 Arizona State (8 p.m., ESPN2). ASU has gained 11 of its previous 13 Big 12 video games, and each of the losses had been with out Sam Leavitt. After Saturday’s injury-aided victory over Tech, the Sun Devils might be in nice form to return to the convention title sport with a win right here. But they will should tackle a robust Houston protection with out star receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring), and Houston’s offense is coming off two sturdy performances.
Current line: ASU -6.5 (down from -8.5) | SP+ projection: ASU by 0.9 | FPI projection: ASU by 6.0
No. 17 Tennessee at Kentucky (SECN). Kentucky confirmed indicators of life for the primary time shortly in opposition to Texas. Was that the beginning of one thing or a final gasp? If it is the previous, Tennessee has underachieved in opposition to SP+ projections for 5 straight video games and might be weak after final week’s demoralizing loss to Bama. If it is the latter, by no means thoughts.
Current line: Vols -7.5 (down from -9.5) | SP+ projection: Vols by 10.4 | FPI projection: Vols by 7.3
Stanford at No. 9 Miami (7 p.m., ESPN). Consider this an excellent temperature verify for Miami after its first setback of the season in opposition to Louisville. The Hurricanes will seemingly roll over Stanford regardless, however with a giant journey to SMU looming, now’s the time for a bounce-back sport from quarterback Carson Beck and fewer missed tackles from the protection.
Current line: Miami -29.5 | SP+ projection: Miami by 29.4 | FPI projection: Miami by 26.6
Wisconsin at No. 6 Oregon (7 p.m., FS1). Against groups ranked worse than sixtieth in SP+, Oregon has gone 5-0 with a median rating of 51-9. Wisconsin is most definitely worse than sixtieth. In truth, after back-to-back shutout losses, the Badgers would most likely take the 9 factors if provided. Hmm. Tell me why I listed this sport?
Current line: Ducks -32.5 | SP+ projection: Ducks by 31.6 | FPI projection: Ducks by 29.4
Late Saturday
Colorado at Utah (10:15 p.m., ESPN). Utah must win out to maintain its convention title hopes alive and is favored in every remaining sport. But quarterback Devon Dampier is listed as questionable after an damage in opposition to BYU, and Colorado has dropped hints of defensive competence. Kaidon Salter and the Buffaloes even have some big-play potential on offense. This one won’t be a gimme.
Current line: Utah -12.5 (down from -14.5) | SP+ projection: Utah by 17.0 | FPI projection: Utah by 11.2
Let’s as soon as once more save a shout-out for the fantastic decrease ranges of the game. Besides Dakota Marker, listed here are three video games it is best to monitor.
FCS: No. 16 Presbyterian at Dayton (12 p.m., YouTube). We’re getting fairly used to unimaginable turnaround tales in faculty soccer — hiya, Indiana and Vanderbilt — however hiya, Presbyterian. In their first 16 years in FCS, the Blue Hose averaged 2.8 wins per season and gained greater than 4 video games as soon as. They had been recognized primarily for hiring the Never Punts man in 2021, they usually went 1-10 in 2022, Steve Englehart’s first yr in cost. But they gained their final 4 video games of 2024, three by blowouts, to leap to 6-6 and eighty fifth in FCS SP+.
Seven video games into 2025, Englehart’s staff is unbeaten and as much as sixteenth! They’re outscoring opponents by a median of 41-14. From quarterback Collin Hurst to a secondary that has picked off 10 passes, they don’t have any apparent weaknesses, they usually’re charging towards their first FCS playoff bid. This one might be tough, although, as a result of Dayton is as much as thirty first in SP+. Last week’s tight loss to Butler ended a five-game successful streak, however the Flyers are permitting solely 16.1 factors per sport.
SP+ projection: Presbyterian by 4.9.
Division II: No. 18 Grand Valley State at No. 1 Ferris State (1 p.m., FloCollege). Always make room for the Anchor-Bone Classic! Top-ranked Ferris State seems nearly as good as ever regardless of having misplaced quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) and several other different offensive stars to high-level FBS rosters. Redshirt freshman quarterback Wyatt Bower is posting even higher numbers than Chambliss did, because the meeting line retains cranking out expertise. GVSU, nevertheless, wants this one. The Lakers are 4-2 after an upset loss to Saginaw Valley State final week, and their playoff résumé won’t stand up to one other defeat.
SP+ projection: Ferris State by 12.9.
Division III: No. 8 Wisconsin-Platteville at No. 9 Wisconsin-Whitewater (2 p.m., local streaming). Three weeks into my favourite small-school convention title race — D-III’s Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference — we’ve an excellent six-team logjam at 2-1. No. 12 Wisconsin-La Crosse hosts No. 24 Wisconsin-Oshkosh in a single matchup of 2-1 groups, however the huge one’s in Whitewater, Wisconsin, the place two top-five defenses, per SP+, will seemingly dictate one of many sport’s most bodily video games at any degree.
SP+ projection: UWW by 4.1.
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This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you…
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