College Football 5 Thoughts After Week 9

Is Ohio State Still a National Championship Contender?

Yes, Ohio State is a Big Ten Championship contender, and it’s still likely to get into the College Football Playoff, but the Buckeyes had issues before the injury to Julian Sayin, and now, after the 30-18 loss to a decent-not-killer USC team, there’s a problem.

Here are the positives. It’s still Ohio State, and it’s still more talented than almost everyone else. Fill-in quarterback Luke Fahey wasn’t bad considering the situation – he threw for 260 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. And then there’s the schedule: Oregon, Northwestern, at Nebraska, Michigan. That’s not easy, but it’s Ohio State – it’s supposed to beat those four teams, no matter what.

However, the defense isn’t the national title killer of the last few seasons, and even with the 204 rushing yards against the Trojans, the offense isn’t blasting away like it needs to. Against USC, it dominated the tempo – it had the ball for close to 40 minutes, but penalties, stalls, and … everything felt a bit off. The rest of the team didn’t pick up the slack with a new, young (but talented) quarterback under center.

Under Ryan Day, the program plays better with an edge. Use whatever “circle the wagons” or “Ohio State vs. Everyone” cliché you’d like, but that fits here.

However, the Oregon game this week is everything. If the Buckeyes dominate the Ducks, the swagger should return. If they sputter, or just get by – like they did against Indiana – then, as crazy as it might seem, no, Ohio State might not be a player in the College Football Playoff chase.
– Lincoln Riley’s big win
– Under-the-radar biggest game
– Boise State’s scary Halloween

Will the SEC Have Enough College Football Playoff Teams?

In the first two years of the expanded College Football Playoff, the committee has never put in a team that lost three games before the conference championships.

Since the CFP came about in 2014, the committee is notorious for record-ranking, and there’s a reason – it’s justifiable.

This bunch sincerely wants to create the best tournament possible. (Seriously, every conspiracy theory with the CFP is a steaming pile of hoo-ha.) So if it’s between one 10-2 Power Four team and a 9-3 team, 10-2 is the easier call in the rankings.

What if there’s just one SEC team with a record better than 9-3?

Georgia: It’s 7-1, and it should be the one SEC team that avoids three losses, even with at Ole Miss, Missouri, and at South Carolina next.

Kentucky: It’s also 7-1, but it has to deal with at Tennessee, Florida, at Missouri, and Louisville. There might be two losses there.

To rapid-fire the 6-2 teams with the likely-to-probable third loss: Alabama (at LSU), LSU (at Tennessee, or Alabama, or Texas), Missouri (Texas, at Georgia), Ole Miss (Georgia, or at Oklahoma), Tennessee (Kentucky, at Texas A&M, LSU), Texas (at LSU, at Missouri, at Texas A&M).

Then what? Count it out. All four Power Four champions. Notre Dame, Group of Six champion, two more Big Ten teams, and likely a second Big 12 team. That’s nine, and that doesn’t include a possible third 10-2 Big 12 team, a fourth Big Ten team (like Iowa), or a Wake Forest team that has just one loss before the ACC Championship (more on that in a moment).

It’s okay – the 9-3 barrier is new, and it didn’t factor into the equation in the first two years of a 12-team format because it wasn’t an issue. But this year, assume one 9-3 SEC team gets in, but after six SEC teams made the playoff last season, there might be a hard ceiling on three teams being a part of the fun.
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections

Now what with the USC head coaching situation?

To respectfully steal from Vin Scully’s “momentum is tomorrow’s starting pitcher” line, a college football coaching hot seat is next Saturday’s outcome.

A funny thing happened on the way to Lincoln Riley getting fired and (insert ANY big-name coach you want here) being the leading candidate to take over.

Riley was all but gone after USC’s ugly 24-7 loss at Wisconsin, but things tend to look a little better when you beat Ohio State by 12 – the Buckeyes’ worst regular-season loss since dropping the 2022 Michigan game 45-23.

Here’s the problem: at Indiana, at UCLA. Riley can lose the first one, but there will be issues if he loses the second. If he beats them both, USC is off to the CFP – it’ll blow out Maryland – and he gets a gigantic extension. Lose both, and here we go.

By the way, in case you were wondering, not that Oklahoma would welcome Riley back with open arms, but if things continue to spiral in Norman, the Brent Venables buyout is over $50 million.

One of the Most Important Remaining Games in the College Football Playoff Puzzle

I’ll admit it. I thought Virginia would give Wake Forest a game. It did … for a few minutes. The Demon Deacons won 51-7.

I’ll also admit that I loved Syracuse as an underdog against SMU, but I certainly didn’t think it would win outright. The Orange pulled out a 30-27 thriller over the Mustangs in a game that was much, much bigger than you think, because it might end up making the ACC a one-bid CFP conference.

If you’re a fan of one of the SEC teams that will go 9-3, or maybe a top Big 12 team, or an Iowa, or at this point, an Ohio State, get those SMU pom-poms out, because on November 14th, you’re all in on the Mustangs when they host Wake Forest.

The Demon Deacons are 7-1, with the only loss coming to Miami. They will beat Merrimack this weekend, and they should rock Georgia Tech, but the regular-season home finale against Duke will be dangerous.

However, if they lose at SMU, that might be it for the ACC unless 1) the Mustangs shock Notre Dame in South Bend on November 21st, and/or 2) someone beats Miami in the ACC Championship.

But if Wake Forest wins in Dallas and gets to the conference title game at 11-1 in a rematch with the Hurricanes, go ahead and reserve two spots in the College Football Playoff for the ACC.

Is Boise State Really a Lock for the Group of Six CFP Spot?

It’s just assumed that Boise State will take the Group of Six spot in the College Football Playoff if it goes 12-1 with a Pac-12 Championship.

The Broncos are ranked 20th in the AP Top 25 and 21st in the Coaches Poll, and the record-ranking College Football Playoff committee is a mortal lock to put them somewhere around 20ish on Tuesday night.

It’s also a mortal lock to assume that almost everyone doing those rankings hasn’t seen the Broncos play in a while, if at all.

Boise State’s main claim is that it put up a great fight in a 34-27 loss at Oregon – the Broncos’ last win over an at-the-time Power Four program was against Florida State at the start of the 2019 season. But this year, more than ever in a transfer portal/NIL era, nasty schedules matter.

The 32-7 win at Western Michigan was terrific, and beating Memphis was strong, but the defense is struggling a bit, and quarterback Maddux Madsen suffered a knee injury in the 46-45 win over Texas State on Saturday.

And that’s sort of the issue. It was a great gut-check win for the Broncos on Saturday after blowing a 28-3 halftime lead, but the defense wasn’t even close in the second half against a Bobcat team that lost to a San Diego State squad decimated by injuries and a team outbreak of the mumps, and lost to Texas 59-7.

This is all setting up for November 14th when a dangerous Oregon State team comes to Boise. The Broncos are still the favorite to get that CFP spot, but they almost blew it on Saturday night, and if there’s a slip, there’s a team down in Albuquerque, New Mexico, waiting to pounce.

Week 10 Bowl Projections

Bowl Projections Quick Hits

• The key game in all of this is Wake Forest at SMU on November 14th. If SMU wins, we predict that it will go on to lose at Notre Dame, and the ACC becomes a one-bid CFP conference, meaning the bowls will be loaded with ACC teams.
• There will likely be too many eligible teams for the bowls, with the MAC and Sun Belt not having enough open spots. However, several eligible teams will pass on the bowl invites – too many personnel losses to the transfer portal – so everyone will eventually get a spot.
• We will shoehorn in a few Power Four programs into bowls with other affiliations. This will all eventually work out as teams pass on spots, but for now, we’ll play it straight.

Cricket Celebration Bowl

South Carolina State vs Alabama A&M 
Saturday, December 12, 2026 
Game Time: 12:00, ABC 
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA 
Last Season: South Carolina State 50, Prairie View A&M 38 4OT
Bowl Affiliations: MEAC, SWAC

IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl

Delaware vs Miami University 
Tuesday, December 15, 2026 
Game Time: 5:30, ESPN 
Location: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL 
Last Season: Jacksonville State 17, Troy 13
Bowl Affiliations: CUSA, MAC, Sun Belt

Frisco Football Classic

Middle Tennessee vs Georgia State
Tuesday, December 15, 2026 
Game Time: 9:00, ESPN 
Location: Ford Center at the Star, Frisco, TX 
Last Season: No Game
Bowl Affiliations: CUSA, Sun Belt

TransPerfect San Juan Bowl

Pitt vs Marshall
Wednesday, December 16, 2026 
Game Time: 7:30, ESPN 
Location: Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico 
Last Season: No Game
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Sun Belt

Boca Raton Bowl

Florida Atlantic vs West Virginia* 
Friday, December 18, 2026 
Game Time: 11:00 am, ESPN 
Location: Flagler Credit Union Stadium, Boca Raton, FL 
Last Season: Louisville 27, Toledo 22
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

USF vs Mississippi State 
Friday, December 18, 2026 
Game Time: 3:30, ESPN 
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL 
Last Season: NC State 31, Memphis 7
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, CUSA (ACC, SEC)

Myrtle Beach Bowl

Jacksonville State vs Louisiana 
Monday, December 21, 2026 
Game Time: 11:00 am, ESPN 
Location: Brooks Stadium, Conway, SC 
Last Season: Western Michigan 41, Kennesaw State 6
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Ohio vs UNLV 
Monday, December 21, 2026 
Game Time: 2:30, ESPN 
Location: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID 
Last Season: Washington State 34, Utah State 21
Bowl Affiliations: MAC, Mountain West

Puerto Rico Bowl

Central Michigan vs Fresno State 
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 
Game Time: 1:30, ESPN 
Location: Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, Bayamón, Puerto Rico 
Last Season: No Game
Bowl Affiliations: MAC, Group of 6 or Pac-12

StaffDNA Cure Bowl

FIU vs App State 
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 
Game Time: 5:00, ESPN 
Location: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, FL 
Last Season: Old Dominion 24, USF 10
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

UCF vs Oregon State 
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 
Game Time: 8:30, ESPN 
Location: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA 
Last Season: Louisiana Tech 23, Coastal Carolina 14
Bowl Affiliations: Big 12, Former Pac-12

New Orleans Bowl

Liberty vs James Madison 
Wednesday, December 23, 2026 
Game Time: 2:00, ESPN 
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA 
Last Season: Western Kentucky 27, Southern Miss 16
Bowl Affiliations: CUSA, Sun Belt

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Army vs Baylor 
Wednesday, December 23, 2026 
Game Time: 5:30, ESPN 
Location: Amon G Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX 
Last Season: Texas State 41, Rice 10
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, CUSA, (or Big 12)

Poinsettia Bowl

Washington vs Boise State* 
Wednesday, December 23, 2026 
Game Time: 7:30, CW 
Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA 
Last Season: No Game
Bowl Affiliations: Former Pac-12, Mountain West/New Pac/12
*This one would require some tweaking. The bowl is set up for a former Pac-12 team to get a spot, but in this specific case, if Boise State really is available, the ESPN bowl types would do everything possible to give the Broncos a great matchup.

Frisco Bowl

Tulsa vs Texas State 
Wednesday, December 23, 2026 
Game Time: 9:00, ESPN 
Location: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX 
Last Season: Ohio 17, UNLV 10
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6

Isleta New Mexico Bowl

Air Force vs Arkansas State 
Thursday, December 24, 2026 
Game Time: 2:30, ESPN 
Location: University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM 
Last Season: North Texas 49, San Diego State 47
Bowl Affiliations: Mountain West, CUSA or Sun Belt

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Wyoming vs UAB 
Thursday, December 24, 2026 
Game Time: 7:00, ESPN 
Location: Clarence TC Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI 
Last Season: Hawaii 35, Cal 31
Bowl Affiliations: Mountain West, CUSA (or AAC), New Pac-12

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl

North Carolina vs Penn State 
Saturday, December 26, 2026 
Game Time: 12:00, ABC 
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY 
Last Season: Penn State 22, Clemson 10
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Big Ten

Wasabi Fenway Bowl

UTSA vs Clemson 
Saturday, December 26, 2026 
Game Time: 2:00, ESPN 
Location: Fenway Park, Boston, MA 
Last Season: Army 41, UConn 16
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, ACC

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Virginia vs Nebraska 
Saturday, December 26, 2026 
Game Time: 3:30, ABC 
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC 
Last Season: Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Big Ten (or SEC)

68 Ventures Bowl

Western Michigan vs Louisiana Tech 
Saturday, December 26, 2026 
Game Time: 5:30, ESPN 
Location: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL 
Last Season: Delaware 20, Louisiana 13
Bowl Affiliations: CUSA, MAC, Sun Belt

Cactus Bowl

Northwestern vs Kansas State 
Saturday, December 26, 2026 
Game Time: 7:30, ABC 
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ 
Last Season: Minnesota 20, New Mexico 17 OT
Bowl Affiliations: Big Ten, Big 12

Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl

Tulane vs Virginia Tech 
Monday, December 28, 2026 
Game Time: 2:00, ESPN 
Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD 
Last Season: East Carolina 23, Pitt 17
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, ACC

Holiday Bowl

Louisville vs Arizona State 
Monday, December 28, 2026 
Game Time: 5:00, CW 
Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA 
Last Season: SMU 24, Arizona 19
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Former Pac-12

JLab Birmingham Bowl

Memphis vs Auburn 
Tuesday, December 29, 2026 
Game Time: 2:00, ESPN 
Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL 
Last Season: Georgia Southern 29, App State 10
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, SEC

Pop-Tarts Bowl

Duke vs Cincinnati 
Tuesday, December 29, 2026 
Game Time: 5:30, ABC 
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL 
Last Season: BYU 25, Georgia Tech 21
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Big 12

Valero Alamo Bowl

Oregon vs Houston 
Tuesday, December 29, 2026 
Game Time: 9:00, ESPN 
Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX 
Last Season: TCU 30, USC 27 OT
Bowl Affiliations: Former Pac-12, Big 12

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Wake Forest vs Ole Miss 
Wednesday, December 30, 2026 
Game Time: 11:30 am, ESPN 
Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL 
Last Season: Virginia 13, Missouri 7
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, SEC

Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl

Michigan vs Kentucky
Wednesday, December 30, 2026 
Game Time: 3:00, ESPN 
Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN 
Last Season: Illinois 30, Tennessee 28
Bowl Affiliations: Big Ten, SEC

ReliaQuest Bowl

Wisconsin vs Tennessee 
Thursday, December 31, 2026 
Game Time: 12:00, ESPN 
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL 
Last Season: Iowa 34, Vanderbilt 27
Bowl Affiliations: Big Ten, SEC

Old El Paso Sun Bowl

SMU vs Arizona 
Thursday, December 31, 2026 
Game Time: 2:00, CBS 
Location: Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX 
Last Season: Duke 42, Arizona State 39
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Former Pac-12

Las Vegas Bowl

South Carolina vs USC 
Thursday, December 31, 2026 
Game Time: 3:45, ESPN 
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV 
Last Season: Utah 44, Nebraska 22
Bowl Affiliations: SEC, Former Pac-12

Kinder’s Texas Bowl

Texas Tech vs Florida 
Thursday, December 31, 2026 
Game Time: 7:30, ESPN 
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX 
Last Season: Houston 38, LSU 35
Bowl Affiliations: Big 12, SEC

Citrus Bowl

Minnesota vs Alabama 
Saturday, January 2, 2027 
Game Time: 12:00, ABC 
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL 
Last Season: Texas 41, Michigan 27
Bowl Affiliations: Big Ten, SEC

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

North Texas vs Oklahoma*
Saturday, January 2, 2027 
Game Time: 3:30, ESPN 
Location: Gerald R Ford Stadium, University Park, TX 
Last Season: UTSA 57, FIU 20
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6 (or ACC)

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop

Toledo vs North Dakota State 
Saturday, January 2, 2027 
Game Time: 5:30, CW 
Location: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ 
Last Season: Fresno State 18, Miami University 3
Bowl Affiliations: MAC, Mountain West

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Oklahoma State vs Missouri
Saturday, January 2, 2027
Game Time: 7:30, ESPN
Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
Last Season: Navy 35, Cincinnati 13
Bowl Affiliations: Big 12, SEC, (or AAC)

College Football Playoff Projections

Here’s our explanation for the seedings.
1. Notre Dame will beat Miami, beat SMU, and end up 11-1.
2. Georgia will run the table, including the SEC Championship, but will be just behind the Irish because they’ll be the only team to beat Miami.
3. Miami will finally win an ACC Championship and finish 12-1.
4. Ohio State will limp into the Big Ten Championship and will beat UCLA.
5. After beating BYU, Utah will be upset at Arizona. The Utes will still go on to beat Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship.
6. Indiana will get by USC, at Washington, and Purdue to finish 11-1.
7. UCLA will get to the Big Ten Championship and lose.
8. LSU – this is the big call because this hinges on beating Tennessee in Knoxville. The Tigers win out, but lose to Georgia in the SEC Championship.
9. Iowa isn’t pretty, but it doesn’t lose the rest of the way and finishes 10-2.
10. BYU loses to Utah and finishes 10-2, but it doesn’t go to the Big 12 Championship. However, it will be the one team that beat Notre Dame to take the last at-large spot.
11. Texas – and here’s where the CFP breaks the three regular-season loss (before the conference championships) precedent. Texas loses at LSU, but finishes 9-3 with wins over Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Tennessee to earn this spot.
12. New Mexico runs the table, including the Mountain West Championship. Boise State loses once along the way, either to Oregon State, or in the Pac-12 Championship. (BUT, Boise State is here if it runs the table.

College Football Playoff First Round

Iowa (9) at LSU (8) 
Friday, December 18, 2026 
Game Time: 8:00, ESPN 
Location: To Be Determined

New Mexico (12) at Utah (5) 
Saturday, December 19, 2026 
Game Time: 12:00, ABC/ESPN 
Location: To Be Determined

BYU (10) at UCLA (7) 
Saturday, December 19, 2026 
Game Time: 3:30, TNT/truTV 
Location: To Be Determined 

Texas (11) at Indiana (6) 
Saturday, December 19, 2026 
Game Time: 7:30, TNT/truTV 
Location: To Be Determined 

College Football Playoff Quarterfinals

Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

Indiana (6) vs Miami (3) 
Wednesday, December 30, 2026 
Game Time: 7:30, TNT/truTV 
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ 

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

UCLA (7) vs Georgia (2) 
Friday, January 1, 2027 
Game Time: TBD 
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA 

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

LSU (8) vs Notre Dame (1) 
Friday, January 1, 2027 
Game Time: TBD 
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX 

Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential

Utah (5) vs Ohio State (4) 
Friday, January 1, 2027 
Game Time: TBD 
Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA 

College Football Playoff Semifinals

Capital One Orange Bowl

LSU (8) vs Ohio State (4) 
Thursday, January 14, 2027 
Game Time: 7:30, TNT/truTV 
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Miami (3) vs Georgia (2) 
Friday, January 15, 2027 
Game Time: 7:30, ABC/ESPN 
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA 

College Football Playoff National Championship

LSU (8) vs Georgia (2) 
Monday, January 25, 2027 
Game Time: 7:30, ABC 
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

CFN Rankings Week 10: 101-138

CFN Rankings: Week 10
Top 25 | 26-50 | 51-75 | 76-100

138. Northern Illinois Huskies

Record: (0-8) 
Last Week Rank: 137 
Week 9: UNLV 31, Northern Illinois 24 
Up Next: at San Jose State

137. Sam Houston Bearkats

Record: (1-7) 
Last Week Rank: 135 
Week 9: Missouri State 24, Sam Houston 3 
Up Next: at Jacksonville State

136. UTEP Miners

Record: (1-7) 
Last Week Rank: 134 
Week 9: North Dakota State 31, UTEP 7 
Up Next: Hawaii

135. Akron Zips

Record: (1-7) 
Last Week Rank: 132 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: Ohio

134. ULM Warhawks

Record: (1-7) 
Last Week Rank: 130 
Week 9: Southern Miss 35, ULM 21 
Up Next: at Arkansas State

133. Rice Owls

Record: (1-7) 
Last Week Rank: 129 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at North Texas

132. Kent State Golden Flashes

Record: (3-6) 
Last Week Rank: 120 
Week 9: Sacramento State 31, Kent State 10 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

131. Sacramento State Hornets

Record: (2-7) 
Last Week Rank: 138 
Week 9: Sacramento State 31, Kent State 10 
Up Next: Toledo

130. Old Dominion Monarchs

Record: (2-7) 
Last Week Rank: 127 
Week 9: Marshall 36, Old Dominion 23 
Up Next: at Coastal Carolina

129. Bowling Green Falcons

Record: (2-7) 
Last Week Rank: 126 
Week 9: Western Michigan 23, Bowling Green 10 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

128. Ball State Cardinals

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 128 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at UMass

127. Charlotte 49ers

Record: (1-7) 
Last Week Rank: 136 
Week 9: Tulane 38, Charlotte 31 OT 
Up Next: at UAB

126. Kennesaw State Owls

Record: (2-6) 
Last Week Rank: 133 
Week 9: Kennesaw State 44, Middle Tennessee 28 
Up Next: Delaware

125. Missouri State Bears

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 131 
Week 9: Missouri State 24, Sam Houston 3 
Up Next: at FIU

124. WKU Hilltoppers

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 119 
Week 9: Delaware 35, Western Kentucky 21 
Up Next: at Middle Tennessee

123. Troy Trojans

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 125 
Week 9: Troy 24, James Madison 21 OT 
Up Next: Louisiana Tech

122. Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 124 
Week 9: Southern Miss 35, ULM 21 
Up Next: James Madison

121. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 123 
Week 9: Coastal Carolina 31, Georgia State 20 
Up Next: Old Dominion

120. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Record: (2-6) 
Last Week Rank: 122 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at UTEP

119. New Mexico State Aggies

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 121 
Week 9: Jacksonville State 24, New Mexico State 0 
Up Next: Liberty

118. San Jose State Spartans

Record: (4-5) 
Last Week Rank: 118 
Week 9: New Mexico 21, San Jose State 16 
Up Next: Northern Illinois

117. Delaware Blue Hens

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 117 
Week 9: Delaware 35, Western Kentucky 21 
Up Next: at Kennesaw State

116. Marshall Thundering Herd

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 116 
Week 9: Marshall 36, Old Dominion 23 
Up Next: at Georgia Southern

115. UMass Minutemen

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 115 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: Ball State

114. Georgia Southern Eagles

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 114 
Week 9: Georgia Southern 19, App State 3 
Up Next: Marshall

113. Nevada Wolf Pack

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 111 
Week 9: UCLA 27, Nevada 0 
Up Next: New Mexico

112. Eastern Michigan Eagles

Record: (4-5) 
Last Week Rank: 113 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: Central Michigan

111. FIU Panthers

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 112 
Week 9: Liberty 49, FIU 10 
Up Next: Missouri State

110. Georgia State Panthers

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 108 
Week 9: Coastal Carolina 31, Georgia State 20 
Up Next: at App State

109. Buffalo Bulls

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 110 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Miami University

108. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 109 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: South Alabama

107. Central Michigan Chippewas

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 107 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Eastern Michigan

106. Washington State Cougars

Record: (1-8) 
Last Week Rank: 106 
Week 9: San Diego State 26, Washington State 20 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

105. Arkansas State Red Wolves

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 105 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: ULM

104. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 104 
Week 9: Kennesaw State 44, Middle Tennessee 28 
Up Next: Western Kentucky

103. Temple Owls

Record: (2-6) 
Last Week Rank: 103 
Week 9: East Carolina 17, Temple 9 
Up Next: at Navy

102. Miami University RedHawks

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 102 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: Buffalo

101. Navy Midshipmen

Record: (2-6) 
Last Week Rank: 100 
Week 9: Notre Dame 35, Navy 13 
Up Next: Temple
CFN Rankings: Week 10
Top 25 | 26-50 | 51-75 | 101-138

CFN Rankings Week 10: 76-100

100. South Alabama Jaguars

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 99 
Week 9: Louisiana Tech 35, South Alabama 20 
Up Next: at Louisiana

99. East Carolina Pirates

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 101 
Week 9: East Carolina 17, Temple 9 
Up Next: USF

98. Utah State Aggies

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 98 
Week 9: Utah State 31, Colorado State 14 
Up Next: Fresno State

97. UConn Huskies

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 95 
Week 9: Air Force 35, UConn 26 
Up Next: North Carolina

96. San Diego State Aztecs

Record: (4-5) 
Last Week Rank: 97 
Week 9: San Diego State 26, Washington State 20 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

95. Colorado State Rams

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 96 
Week 9: Utah State 31, Colorado State 14 
Up Next: Boise State

94. Ohio Bobcats

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 93 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Akron

93. Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 92 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Tulane

92. Texas State Bobcats

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 90 
Week 9: Boise State 46, Texas State 45 
Up Next: at Oregon State

91. Wyoming Cowboys

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 89 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at UNLV

90. Florida Atlantic Owls

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 88 
Week 9: North Texas 48, Florida Atlantic 41 
Up Next: UTSA

89. Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 94 
Week 9: Jacksonville State 24, New Mexico State 0 
Up Next: Sam Houston

88. App State Mountaineers

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 84 
Week 9: Georgia Southern 19, App State 3 
Up Next: Georgia State

87. Liberty Flames

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 91 
Week 9: Liberty 49, FIU 10 
Up Next: at New Mexico State

86. Maryland Terrapins

Record: (2-6) 
Last Week Rank: 87 
Week 9: Illinois 20, Maryland 17 
Up Next: at Purdue

85. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Record: (2-6) 
Last Week Rank: 86 
Week 9: Michigan 28, Rutgers 21 
Up Next: at Wisconsin

84. Army Black Knights

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 83 
Week 9: Memphis 49, Army 22 
Up Next: Air Force

83. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Record: (2-6) 
Last Week Rank: 82 
Week 9: Pitt 34, Georgia Tech 11 
Up Next: Louisville

82. UAB Blazers

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 80 
Week 9: USF 30, UAB 10 
Up Next: Charlotte

81. Tulane Green Wave

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 78 
Week 9: Tulane 38, Charlotte 31 OT 
Up Next: Tulsa

80. Western Michigan Broncos

Record: (6-3) 
Last Week Rank: 77 
Week 9: Western Michigan 23, Bowling Green 10 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

79. Air Force Falcons

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 76 
Week 9: Air Force 35, UConn 26 
Up Next: at Army

78. Oregon State Beavers

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 57 
Week 9: Fresno State 38, Oregon State 22 
Up Next: Texas State

77. North Texas Mean Green

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 75 
Week 9: North Texas 48, Florida Atlantic 41 
Up Next: Rice

76. Fresno State Bulldogs

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 85 
Week 9: Fresno State 38, Oregon State 22 
Up Next: at Utah State
CFN Rankings: Week 10
Top 25 | 26-50 | 76-100 | 101-138

CFN Rankings Week 10: 51-75

75. UNLV Rebels

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 74 
Week 9: UNLV 31, Northern Illinois 24 
Up Next: Wyoming

74. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 70 
Week 9: Louisiana Tech 35, South Alabama 20 
Up Next: at Troy

73. James Madison Dukes

Record: (7-2) 
Last Week Rank: 62 
Week 9: Troy 24, James Madison 21 OT 
Up Next: at Southern Miss

72. Toledo Rockets

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 68 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Sacramento State

71. North Dakota State Bison

Record: (7-2) 
Last Week Rank: 65 
Week 9: North Dakota State 31, UTEP 7 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

70. Cal Golden Bears

Record: (3-6) 
Last Week Rank: 81 
Week 9: NC State 31, Cal 10 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

69. Arizona State Sun Devils

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 72 
Week 9: BYU 27, Arizona State 20 
Up Next: Colorado

68 Boston College Eagles

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 71 
Week 9: Duke 47, Boston College 2 
Up Next: Florida State

67. Vanderbilt Commodores

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 66 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Mississippi State

66. Colorado Buffaloes

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 79 
Week 9: Colorado 27, Kansas State 24 OT 
Up Next: at Arizona State

65. Stanford Cardinal

Record: (4-5) 
Last Week Rank: 67 
Week 9: Louisville 52, Stanford 24 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

64. Memphis Tigers

Record: (7-2) 
Last Week Rank: 73 
Week 9: Memphis 49, Army 22 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

63. NC State Wolfpack

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 69 
Week 9: NC State 31, Cal 10 
Up Next: Duke

62. Kansas Jayhawks

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 61 
Week 9: TCU 22, Kansas 16 
Up Next: UCF

61. Virginia Cavaliers

Record: (4-5) 
Last Week Rank: 60 
Week 9: Wake Forest 51, Virginia 7 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

60. Michigan State Spartans

Record: (2-6) 
Last Week Rank: 64 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Michigan

59. USF Bulls

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 63 
Week 9: USF 30, UAB 10 
Up Next: at East Carolina

58. Pitt Panthers

Record: (6-3) 
Last Week Rank: 58 
Week 9: Pitt 34, Georgia Tech 11 
Up Next: OPEN DATE

57. UTSA Roadrunners

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 56 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Florida Atlantic

56. Iowa State Cyclones

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 53 
Week 9: Iowa State 51, Oklahoma State 49 
Up Next: at Baylor

55. Florida State Seminoles

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 48 
Week 9: Clemson 36, Florida State 24 
Up Next: at Boston College

54. Arkansas Razorbacks

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 47 
Week 9: Missouri 34, Arkansas 10 
Up Next: at Auburn

53. Kansas State Wildcats

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 46 
Week 9: Colorado 27, Kansas State 24 OT 
Up Next: Oklahoma State

52. Illinois Fighting Illini

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 52 
Week 9: Illinois 20, Maryland 17 
Up Next: Nebraska

51. New Mexico Lobos

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 42 
Week 9: New Mexico 21, San Jose State 16 
Up Next: at Nevada
CFN Rankings: Week 10
Top 25 | 51-75 | 76-100 | 101-138

CFN Rankings Week 10: 26-50

50. Boise State Broncos

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 33 
Week 9: Boise State 46, Texas State 45 
Up Next: at Colorado State

49. TCU Horned Frogs

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 54 
Week 9: TCU 22, Kansas 16 
Up Next: at Arizona

48. Syracuse Orange

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 59 
Week 9: Syracuse 30, SMU 27 
Up Next: Clemson

47. UCF Knights

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 51 
Week 9: Baylor 41, UCF 9 
Up Next: at Kansas

46. Texas A&M Aggies

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 43 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at South Carolina

45. Purdue Boilermakers

Record: (3-5) 
Last Week Rank: 34 
Week 9: Penn State 31, Purdue 17 
Up Next: Maryland

44. Baylor Bears

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 50 
Week 9: Baylor 41, UCF 9 
Up Next: Iowa State

43. Duke Blue Devils

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 55 
Week 9: Duke 47, Boston College 2 
Up Next: at NC State

42. North Carolina Tar Heels

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 45 
Week 9: Miami 38, North Carolina 35 
Up Next: at UConn

41. Penn State Nittany Lions

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 49 
Week 9: Penn State 31, Purdue 17 
Up Next: at Washington

40. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 36 
Week 9: Washington 17, Nebraska 10 
Up Next: at Illinois

39. West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 32 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Texas Tech

38. Clemson Tigers

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 44 
Week 9: Clemson 36, Florida State 24 
Up Next: at Syracuse

37. Virginia Tech Hokies

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 41 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at SMU

36. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 26 
Week 9: Texas 31, Mississippi State 3 
Up Next: Vanderbilt

35. SMU Mustangs

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 31 
Week 9: Syracuse 30, SMU 27 
Up Next: Virginia Tech

34. Louisville Cardinals

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 40 
Week 9: Louisville 52, Stanford 24 
Up Next: at Georgia Tech

33. Washington Huskies

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 39 
Week 9: Washington 17, Nebraska 10 
Up Next: Penn State

32. Oklahoma Sooners

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 21 
Week 9: South Carolina 42, Oklahoma 25 
Up Next: at Florida

31. Michigan Wolverines

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 38 
Week 9: Michigan 28, Rutgers 21 
Up Next: Michigan State

30. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 27 
Week 9: Iowa State 51, Oklahoma State 49 
Up Next: at Kansas State

29. Northwestern Wildcats

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 20 
Week 9: Oregon 34, Northwestern 26 
Up Next: Iowa

28. Auburn Tigers

Record: (4-4) 
Last Week Rank: 25 
Week 9: Ole Miss 45, Auburn 15 
Up Next: Arkansas

27. Cincinnati Bearcats

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 28 
Week 9: Utah 49, Cincinnati 25 
Up Next: at Houston

26. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 22 
Week 9: Indiana 23, Minnesota 16 OT 
Up Next: UCLA
CFN Rankings: Week 10
Top 25 | 26-50 | 51-75 | 76-100 | 101-138

AP Top Poll Week 10 Quick Hits

• Give the AP voters credit for moving Indiana down two spots after the tough win over Minnesota. Unbeaten Utah and UCLA teams moved up, Indiana dropped to six, and other than Notre Dame (4) being ahead of BYU (7), it’s a strong top five.
• The Week 10 AP Top 25 Poll Biggest Winners: Utah (up 3), Missouri (up 4), Iowa (moves in at 21).
• The Week 10 AP Top 25 Poll Biggest Losers: Ohio State (down 9), Florida (down 8), SMU (19 to out).

Also Receiving Votes: Northwestern 79, Oregon 55, UTSA 43, SMU 27, Virginia Tech 12, Duke 10, Minnesota 8, Liberty 4, Oklahoma State 3, Louisville 1

25. Florida

Points: 94 
Last Week Ranking: 17 
Record: 5-3 
Last Week: Georgia 27, Florida 8

24. Arizona

Points: 154 
Last Week Ranking: 22 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26

23. South Carolina

Points: 163 
Last Week Ranking:
Record: 5-3 
Last Week: South Carolina 42, Oklahoma 25

22. New Mexico

Points: 179 
Last Week Ranking: NR 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: New Mexico 21, San Jose State 16

21. Iowa

Points: 401 
Last Week Ranking: 15 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Iowa 30, Wisconsin 0

20. Boise State

Points: 451 
Last Week Ranking: 20 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: COMING

19. Missouri

Points: 475 
Last Week Ranking: 23 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Missouri 34, Arkansas 10

18. USC

Points: 539 
Last Week Ranking: 16 
Record: 7-2 
Last Week: USC 30, Ohio State 18

17. Houston

Points: 590 
Last Week Ranking: 18 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

16. Tennessee

Points: 719 
Last Week Ranking: 16 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

15. LSU

Points: 814 
Last Week Ranking: 15 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

14. Wake Forest

Points: 898 
Last Week Ranking: 14 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Wake Forest 51, Virginia 7

13. Texas Tech

Points: 931 
Last Week Ranking: 13 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26

12. Ole Miss

Points: 953 
Last Week Ranking: 12 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Ole Miss 45, Auburn 15

11. Ohio State

Points: 1049 
Last Week Ranking: 2 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: USC 30, Ohio State 18

10. Texas

Points: 1057 
Last Week Ranking: 11 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Texas 31, Mississippi State 3

9. Alabama

Points: 1107 
Last Week Ranking: 10 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

8. Kentucky

Points: 1253 
Last Week Ranking: 9 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

7. BYU

Points: 1358 
Last Week Ranking: 8 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: BYU 27, Arizona State 20

6. Indiana

Points: 1446 
Last Week Ranking: 4 
Record: 8-1 
Last Week: Indiana 23, Minnesota 16 OT

5. UCLA

Points: 1473 
Last Week Ranking: 7 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: UCLA 27, Nevada 0

4. Notre Dame

Points: 1476 
Last Week Ranking: 5 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Notre Dame 35, Navy 13

3. Utah

Points: 1540 (1) 
Last Week Ranking: 6 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: Utah 49, Cincinnati 25

2. Georgia

Points: 1468 (7) 
Last Week Ranking: 3 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Georgia 27, Florida 8

1. Miami

Points: 1740 (62) 
Last Week Ranking: 1 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: Miami 38, North Carolina 35

Coaches Poll Week 10 Quick Hits

• Texas and Ohio State are both 6-2, Texas beat Ohio State, and … Ohio State is 10, Texas 11. There weren’t any other major moves, but Northwestern (23), SMU (24), and Arizona (22) stayed in the top 25.
• The big winners in the Week 10 Coaches Poll Top 25: USC (up 8), New Mexico (up 4 to No. 25), UCLA (up 2 to No. 5),
• The big losers in the Week10 Coaches Poll Top 25: Ohio State (down 8), SMU (down 8), Florida (20 to out)

Also Receiving Votes: South Carolina 91; Florida 81; UTSA 76; Duke 76; Virginia Tech 53; Oregon 41; Minnesota 10; Oklahoma State 9; Liberty 6; North Texas 4; Wisconsin 3; Memphis 2; North Dakota State 1; Nebraska 1; Cincinnati 1

25. New Mexico

Points: 119 
Last Week Ranking: NR 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: New Mexico 21, San Jose State 16

24. SMU

Points: 146 
Last Week Ranking: 16 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Syracuse 30, SMU 27

23. Northwestern

Points: 160 
Last Week Ranking: 18 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Oregon 34, Northwestern 26

22. Arizona

Points: 174 
Last Week Ranking: 21 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26

21. Boise State

Points: 445 
Last Week Ranking: 22 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Boise State 46, Texas State 45

20. Iowa

Points: 448 
Last Week Ranking: 24 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Iowa 30, Wisconsin 0

19. Missouri

Points: 488 
Last Week Ranking: 23 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Missouri 34, Arkansas 10

18. Houston

Points: 556 
Last Week Ranking: 19 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

17. USC

Points: 570 
Last Week Ranking: 25 
Record: 7-2 
Last Week: USC 30, Ohio State 18

16. Tennessee

Points: 761 
Last Week Ranking: 17 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

15. LSU

Points: 886 
Last Week Ranking: 13 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

14. Wake Forest

Points: 897 
Last Week Ranking: 15 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Wake Forest 51, Virginia 7

13. Texas Tech

Points: 962 
Last Week Ranking: 14 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26

12. Ole Miss

Points: 1034 
Last Week Ranking: 12 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Ole Miss 45, Auburn 15

11. Texas

Points: 1057 
Last Week Ranking: 11 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Texas 31, Mississippi State 3

10. Ohio State

Points: 1101 
Last Week Ranking: 2 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: USC 30, Ohio State 18

9. Alabama

Points: 1131 
Last Week Ranking: 10 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

8. BYU

Points: 1278 
Last Week Ranking: 9 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: BYU 27, Arizona State 20

7. Kentucky

Points: 1344 
Last Week Ranking: 8 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

6. Notre Dame

Points: 1498 
Last Week Ranking: 6 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Notre Dame 35, Navy 13

5. UCLA

Points: 1501 
Last Week Ranking: 7 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: UCLA 27, Nevada 0

4. Utah

Points: 1590 
Last Week Ranking: 5 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: Utah 49, Cincinnati 25

3. Indiana

Points: 1597 
Last Week Ranking: 4 
Record: 8-1 
Last Week: Indiana 23, Minnesota 16 OT

2. Georgia

Points: 1719 (4) 
Last Week Ranking: 3 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Georgia 27, Florida 8

1. Miami

Points: 1818 (68) 
Last Week Ranking: 1 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: Miami 38, North Carolina 35

2026 College Football Rankings: The 25 Best Teams in Week 10

25. USC Trojans

Record: (7-2) 
Last Week Rank: 37 
Week 9: USC 30, Ohio State 18
Up Next: at Indiana
USC went from the season being over and Lincoln Riley being fired to looking fantastic against Ohio State and now looking like they could possibly pull off something else special at Indiana in two weeks. Beating Washington now looks better, too.

24. Oregon Ducks

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 27 
Week 9: Oregon 34, Northwestern 26
Up Next: at Ohio State
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Ducks should be behind Oklahoma State, but the Cowboys just lost again. The loss to Illinois doesn’t help, but the Ducks beat USC in Los Angeles, handed Boise State its only loss so far, and came up with a wonderful gut-check win over Northwestern. The team hasn’t quit.

23. Houston Cougars

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 30 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: Cincinnati
We’re giving credit where others don’t – you shouldn’t be punished for losing to elite teams. The Cougars lost on a missed two-point conversion at Texas Tech, and had the ball and were driving in a loss to a Utah team that just doornailed Cincinnati. Don’t be stunned if a month from now we’re arguing for a 10-2 Houston to find a spot in the CFP.

22. Wisconsin Badgers

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 19 
Week 9: Iowa 30, Wisconsin 0 
Up Next: Rutgers
So this is a badly flawed team offensively. This is still the team that rolled the USC squad that just beat Ohio State. The three losses to Notre Dame, UCLA, and Iowa were all to teams that might be in the College Football Playoff.

21. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 23 
Week 9: Wake Forest 51, Virginia 7 
Up Next: Merrimack
What do you do when you have blowhards – like us – whining about your schedule? You go out there and beat Stanford, NC State, Cal, and Virginia by a combined score of 187-31. The Demon Deacons are going to be 8-1 going into SMU.

20. Florida Gators

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 18 
Week 9: Georgia 27, Florida 8 
Up Next: Oklahoma
Those wins over Ole Miss, Texas, and Auburn buy you one more week of love and respect, Florida. Don’t lose to Oklahoma, or we’re going to have to ask you to leave.

19. Arizona Wildcats

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 15 
Week 9: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26 
Up Next: TCU
Aw, Arizona, you had them. The Wildcats played well against Texas Tech, but buckled late. The 34-7 win over Cincinnati helps get them into the top 20, but all respect for the two losses being at BYU and Texas Tech – no shame there.

18. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 29 
Week 9: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26 
Up Next: West Virginia
That was a wonderful win over Arizona that’s going to get lost in the national discussion. The Red Raiders bounced back from the ugly loss to Cincinnati and looked the part of the defending Big 12 champion.

17. Missouri Tigers

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 16 
Week 9: Missouri 34, Arkansas 10 
Up Next: Texas
Mizzou looked and played against Arkansas like a rested team that needed those two weeks off. Texas, at Georgia, Kentucky. If Missouri wants to be a player, it’s about to get its shot.

16. Iowa Hawkeyes

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 24 
Week 9: Iowa 30, Wisconsin 0 
Up Next: at Northwestern
How the Floyd did you lose to Minnesota with no offense whatsoever, Iowa? That performance against a frothing Wisconsin defense this week was fantastic. Beat Northwestern, go to the College Football Playoff (maybe).

15. Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 1 
Week 9: USC 30, Ohio State 18 
Up Next: Oregon
It’s not about Julian Sayin being hurt, although that doesn’t help. This defense isn’t close to being national title-good, and the running game isn’t strong enough to carry the load. USC hurdling over the Buckeyes might have signaled the end of the season if the team doesn’t play up to its talent level.

14. Indiana Hoosiers

Record: (8-1) 
Last Week Rank: 3 
Week 9: Indiana 23, Minnesota 16 OT 
Up Next: OPEN DATE
Enough. “Find a way” usually means there’s a problem. Don’t let one monster field goal fool you, the special teams were awful against Minnesota, Josh Hoover is hurt, and Indiana keeps playing with fire in game after game. Even so, 8-1 is 8-1. Indiana is 8-1, and you’re not.

13. Alabama Crimson Tide

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 13 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at LSU
The 31-20 win over Texas A&M two weeks ago wasn’t enough. Beat LSU in Baton Rouge, and we’ll buy that things are really changing. Or lose, and we’ll see the backups in a restaurant-quality New Year’s Day bowl.

12. Tennessee Volunteers

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 11 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: Kentucky
Can the Tennessee team that beat Alabama 26-10 show up when Kentucky comes into town? Considering LSU comes to Knoxville, the rest of the schedule isn’t unmanageable if the Vols get by the Cats.

11. South Carolina Gamecocks

Record: (5-3) 
Last Week Rank: 17 
Week 9: South Carolina 42, Oklahoma 25 
Up Next: Texas A&M
It’s been interestingly blown off that the Mississippi State and Kentucky losses were this close to going the other way. Okay, so the Tennessee win was this close to being a fail, but now with the win over Oklahoma, the Gamecocks are rolling.

10. LSU Tigers

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 12 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: Alabama
There are two sides to this. Three, actually, with the third being that LSU might be the most dominant team in America, at least when it’s at home. The first side is the total destruction of everything in its path in the six wins. The second side is that LSU’s best win is … Auburn? Here we go: Alabama, Texas, at Tennessee, at Arkansas.

9 Ole Miss Rebels

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 10 
Week 9: Ole Miss 45, Auburn 15 
Up Next: Georgia
Okay, Ole Miss. You looked great against Auburn, and the 31-3 win over Missouri was impressive. This is your season – at 6-2, you have to win at home over Georgia.

8. Texas Longhorns

Record: (6-2) 
Last Week Rank: 9 
Week 9: Texas 31, Mississippi State 3 
Up Next: at Missouri
For all the drama, the problems, and the ripping on parts of this program, Texas is still a solid 6-2 – Arch was terrific against Mississippi State – with wins over Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Ohio State. Even so, it has to take its game up several levels with a brutal November schedule.

7. Kentucky Wildcats

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 8 
Week 9: OPEN DATE 
Up Next: at Tennessee
The Wildcats are just renting this spot – they’re not allowed to put holes in the wall – with at Tennessee, Florida, and at Missouri up next. The wins over LSU and South Carolina earned Kentucky this spot. Now it has to prove it can keep it.

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 6 
Week 9: Notre Dame 35, Navy 13 
Up Next: Miami
Ehhhh, it would’ve been nice to see the Irish come out blazing after two weeks of grooving on the BYU loss. Navy was never going to beat Notre Dame, but it took too long to wake up. Okay, the Irish were probably looking ahead. We’re here now. Go beat Miami.

5. BYU Cougars

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 5 
Week 9: BYU 27, Arizona State 20 
Up Next: at Utah
The UCF loss looks totally awful now, after the Knights got rocked by Baylor this week. But BYU still beat Notre Dame, and the Arizona win continues to be impressive. Beat Utah, live in the top three next week.

4. Miami Hurricanes

Record: (8-0) 
Last Week Rank: 4 
Week 9: Miami 38, North Carolina 35 
Up Next: at Notre Dame
Being the one team to beat Wake Forest now looks excellent, but … there’s no need to badmouth the Hurricanes, or point out just how miserable this pass defense is. Beat Notre Dame, be No. 1 in the country.

3. Utah Utes

Record: (8-0) 
Last Week Rank: 14 
Week 9: Utah 49, Cincinnati 25 
Up Next: BYU
That’s it. That’s what we were waiting for. Okay, fine, we got a little spooked out by the tough fight at Colorado, but the Buffs actually aren’t that bad right now. The win over Houston was great, and blowing out the Cincinnati team that rocked Texas Tech is everything.

2. UCLA Bruins

Record: (8-0) 
Last Week Rank: 2 
Week 9: UCLA 27, Nevada 0 
Up Next: at Minnesota
The Bruins are playing smarter than everyone else. They’re not doing anything they can’t. This is a tough, rugged team that wins on the lines and with a nasty defense that’s going to be a problem in the College Football Playoff. And yes, the wins over Oregon and Wisconsin are a good start – now win at Minnesota.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Record: (7-1) 
Last Week Rank: 7 
Week 9: Georgia 27, Florida 8 
Up Next: at Ole Miss
The win over Florida showed off the depth, adaptability, and defensive speed to look and play like the best team in college football. Yes, Georgia lost to Auburn and struggled against Alabama, but in a season loaded with flawed teams, talent-wise, right now, this is the best of the bunch.
– CFN Rankings 26 to 138

2026 College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction: Week 11 Quick Hits

• There probably won’t be too many debates about the top two, even though Miami doesn’t have the greatest resume, and Georgia has a loss to Auburn. Where the committee can show its stuff is at No. 3. Indiana shouldn’t be a slam dunk.
• Watch for where New Mexico is ranked, if anywhere. Boise State will be the presumptive top Group of Six team, but will another team make the first top 25?
• The big story will be the pecking order of the SEC teams. Georgia will be the highest-ranked SEC team, and then it’ll take a whole lot of piecing together to get this right.

25. Northwestern

Record: 6-2
The blowout win over Penn State might seem splashy, but it’s not all that great at this point. There isn’t another win on the schedule against anyone likely to go bowling. However, the losses are at Indiana and on the road at …

24. Oregon

Record: 5-3
This is more of a hope that the committee gets this close to right than an actual call. The loss at Illinois is ugly, but losses to UCLA and at Oklahoma State aren’t that bad. Why should the Ducks be here, and potentially higher? It beat USC at USC, Northwestern, and handed Boise State its only loss.

23. Arizona

Record: 6-2
In general, the committee doesn’t give a ton of credit for good losses. Arizona lost at BYU and at Texas Tech – no shame there on either one. It blew out Cincinnati 34-7 and won at West Virginia.

22. Boise State

Record: 7-1
Nothing against Boise State. It’s a fine program, and it wins a lot of games, but there’s almost nothing on the resume compared to any of the Power Four programs in the top 25. Beating Memphis is nice, but whatever. Losing 34-27 to Oregon in Week 1 isn’t much to get fired up about.

21. Florida

Record: 5-3
When it comes to reading the committee’s collective thoughts, Florida is the toughest call. The losses to Missouri, South Carolina, and Georgia were all blowouts, but wins over Texas and Ole Miss might put the Gators closer to the top 15.

20. USC

Record: 7-2
The committee loves splashy wins more than it hates rough losses. The win over Ohio State along with the record should push the Trojans into the top 25, even if this might be a tad high.

19. Missouri

Record: 6-2
This is a comfortable spot for the Tigers. They lost to Mississippi State on the road back when Bulldog quarterback Kamario Taylor was rolling, and it roasted Florida 45-17. All six wins were by double-digits.

18. Houston

Record: 6-2
This will be repeated several times here. The committee’s lack of respect for strong losses has always been a glaring hole. Houston lost at Texas Tech and at Utah, but it beat Oklahoma State and Oregon State.

17. Iowa

Record: 6-2
The loss to Minnesota hurts, the win over Wisconsin helps, and while there’s nothing too splashy to get excited about, the committee will fall for the fun way the Hawkeyes won at Michigan and the 41-24 blowout over Washington.

16. Wake Forest

Record: 7-1
Yeah, the Demon Deacons have the splashy record, and the only loss was 33-20 to Miami. Beating Louisville and Purdue, though, isn’t a lot to get fired up about. But for now, this would be a good spot.

15. Tennessee

Record: 6-2
Tennessee 26, Alabama 10. To know the College Football Playoff committee is to understand that it couldn’t possibly love anyone more than a team that beats the Crimson Tide. The losses to Texas and South Carolina were close.

14. Texas Tech

Record: 7-1
Texas Tech will be one of the teams to keep an eye on when the rankings roll out on Tuesday night. The 37-24 loss at Cincinnati was ugly, but the Red Raiders made up for it with a strong win over Arizona. Beating Houston and Oregon State will ensure a spot in the top 15.

13. LSU

Record: 6-2
Just a guess – the committee will have no idea what to do with LSU. The close loss to Kentucky was strange, and the emotional defeat at Ole Miss was fine, but there aren’t a lot of great wins in the bunch. However, all six wins were totally dominant annihilations.

12. Ole Miss

Record: 6-2
Ole Miss beat LSU, Ole Miss gets ahead of LSU and into the top 12. The committee will offset the blowout loss to Florida with the 31-3 win over Missouri and easy rocking of Auburn.

11. Ohio State

Record: 6-2
The problem is the logjam of teams up top – it’ll be hard to justify Ohio State being higher than this. It’s the only team to ever beat Curt Cignetti in Bloomington, and the 31-14 win over Iowa is great. But this is a flawed team that wasn’t all that close against USC.

10. Alabama

Record: 6-2
Watch the pretzels the committee will twist to get Alabama into the top ten. The 45-17 win over Kentucky – the Wildcats’ only loss – will be the talking point, but losing to Tennessee by 16 and being ranked this high is tough to justify.

9. Texas

Record: 6-2
Yeah, it lost to Oklahoma, but for all the digs on the committee here so far, it does actually have a collective brain. It knows enough to get that the Red River Rivalry is just one of those games. The loss to Florida, though, will be the problem. With that said, Ohio State, at Tennessee, Ole Miss – those three wins are better than anything anyone else has done.

8. Kentucky

Record: 7-1
UK lost to Alabama – that’s almost a badge of honor. Winning at South Carolina looks great now, and beating Oklahoma was nice, but the 7-1 record and win over LSU is why the Wildcats will be here.

7. Notre Dame

Record: 7-1
The schedule is slightly better than it gets credit for – you try going to Provo and coming away with a win (looking at you, Miami). Blowing out Wisconsin 41-13 is great, and rocking Purdue and North Carolina was nice, but … it’s all about Miami this week.

6. BYU

Record: 7-1
This is the test the committee has to pass, and the AP and Coaches polls have miserably failed – BYU beat Notre Dame. Especially considering the Cougars beat Arizona, too, get grouchy if they whiff this and have the Irish higher.

5. Utah

Record: 8-0
There’s an honest case to be No.1 after taking down Houston and blowing away the Cincinnati team that rolled Texas Tech. If Notre Dame beats Miami, and Utah beats BYU, the Utes should be in the top spot in the second round of rankings.

4. UCLA

Record: 8-0
Here’s the guess. The committee will give mad respect to the Bruins for being an unbeaten Big Ten team, and record-rank them into the top five. It’ll also give respect to the 17-7 win over a Wisconsin team that roasted USC, and the road win at Oregon.

3. Indiana

Record: 8-1
Nothing against the Hoosiers, but for now, let’s all hope the CFP types don’t do this. Indiana has been rough. Yes, this team is able to “find a way” time and again, but it had to work way, way, way too hard to beat blah Michigan and Nebraska squads, and the Minnesota thing was a minor miracle. The claim to fame is being a few inches away from beating Ohio State.

2. Georgia

Record: 7-1
Georgia won’t be No. 1 because of the 27-24 home loss to Auburn, but it beat Alabama, destroyed Oklahoma, and rolled against Florida. This looks like the best team in college football, but …

1. Miami

Record: 8-0
Yeah, the committee will fall for the shiny object. Does Miami have a really good win? Yeah, being the only team to beat Wake Forest and doing it 33-20 on the road is strong, but it took two overtimes to get by Florida State, and it took way too much work to beat North Carolina. But it’s 8-0, it’s Miami, and it’s an easy No. 1 call that can be settled one way or another after the date at Notre Dame.

2026 Coaches Poll Prediction: Week 10 Quick Hits

• How many voters will pick Georgia over Miami? UCLA received one first-place vote in the last poll. Will the Bruins get any more, and will Utah get a vote or two?
• The biggest winners will be: Georgia, South Carolina, and New Mexico
• The biggest losers will be: (other than Ohio State), SMU, Northwestern, and Cincinnati
  – AP Top 25 Prediction, Week 10

25. New Mexico

Last Week Ranking: NR 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: New Mexico 21, San Jose State 16

24. South Carolina

Last Week Ranking: NR 
Record: 5-3 
Last Week: South Carolina 42, Oklahoma 25

23. Arizona

Last Week Ranking: 21 
Record: 5-2 
Last Week: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26

22. Florida

Last Week Ranking: 20 
Record: 5-2 
Last Week: Georgia 27, Florida 8

21. Missouri

Last Week Ranking: 23 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Missouri 34, Arkansas 10

20. Boise State

Last Week Ranking: 22 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Boise State 46, Texas State 45

19. USC

Last Week Ranking: 25 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: USC 30, Ohio State 18

18. Iowa

Last Week Ranking: 24 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Iowa 30, Wisconsin 0

17. Houston

Last Week Ranking: 19 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

16. Tennessee

Last Week Ranking: 17 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

15. Wake Forest

Last Week Ranking: 15 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Wake Forest 51, Virginia 7

14. Texas Tech

Last Week Ranking: 14 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26

13. LSU

Last Week Ranking: 13 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

12. Ole Miss

Last Week Ranking: 12 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Ole Miss 45, Auburn 15

11. Ohio State

Last Week Ranking: 2 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: USC 30, Ohio State 18

10. Texas

Last Week Ranking: 11 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Texas 31, Mississippi State 3

9. Alabama

Last Week Ranking: 10 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

8. BYU

Last Week Ranking: 9 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: BYU 27, Arizona State 20

7. Kentucky

Last Week Ranking: 8 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

6. UCLA

Last Week Ranking: 7 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: UCLA 27, Nevada 0

5. Notre Dame

Last Week Ranking: 6 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Notre Dame 35, Navy 13

4. Utah

Last Week Ranking: 5 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: Utah 49, Cincinnati 25

3. Indiana

Last Week Ranking: 4 
Record: 8-1 
Last Week: Indiana 23, Minnesota 16 OT

2. Georgia

Last Week Ranking: 3 
Record:7-1 
Last Week: Georgia 27, Florida 8

1. Miami

Last Week Ranking: 1 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: Miami 38, North Carolina 35

2026 AP Top 25 Poll Prediction: Week 10 Quick Hits

• How far will Ohio State drop? USC looked so bad against Wisconsin last week, and the Buckeyes struggled so much without quarterback Julian Sayin, that the 30-18 USC win over Ohio State should be the biggest story in the rankings.
• The biggest winners will be: Georgia, USC, and South Carolina
• The biggest losers will be: Ohio State, Northwestern, and Florida

Projected Top Five Others Receiving Votes: Oregon, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Duke, SMU
– Coaches Poll Top 25 Prediction: Week 10

25. New Mexico

Last Week Ranking: NR 
Record: 7-1
Last Week: New Mexico 21, San Jose State 16

24. South Carolina

Last Week Ranking: NR 
Record: 5-3 
Last Week: South Carolina 42, Oklahoma 25

23. Arizona

Last Week Ranking: 21 
Record: 5-2 
Last Week: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26

22. Florida

Last Week Ranking: 20 
Record: 5-2 
Last Week: Georgia 27, Florida 8

21. Missouri

Last Week Ranking: 23 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Missouri 34, Arkansas 10

20. Boise State

Last Week Ranking: 22 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Boise State 46, Texas State 45

19. USC

Last Week Ranking: 25 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: USC 30, Ohio State 18

18. Iowa

Last Week Ranking: 24 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Iowa 30, Wisconsin 0

17. Houston

Last Week Ranking: 19 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

16. Ohio State

Last Week Ranking: 2 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: USC 30, Ohio State 18

15. Tennessee

Last Week Ranking: 17 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

14. Wake Forest

Last Week Ranking: 15 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Wake Forest 51, Virginia 7

13. Texas Tech

Last Week Ranking: 14 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Texas Tech 34, Arizona 26

12. LSU

Last Week Ranking: 13 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

11. Ole Miss

Last Week Ranking: 12 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Ole Miss 45, Auburn 15

10. Texas

Last Week Ranking: 11 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: Texas 31, Mississippi State 3

9. Alabama

Last Week Ranking: 10 
Record: 6-2 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

8. BYU

Last Week Ranking: 9 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: BYU 27, Arizona State 20

7. Kentucky

Last Week Ranking: 8 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: No Game Last Week

6. UCLA

Last Week Ranking: 7 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: UCLA 27, Nevada 0

5. Notre Dame

Last Week Ranking: 6 
Record: 7-1 
Last Week: Notre Dame 35, Navy 13

4. Utah

Last Week Ranking: 5 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: Utah 49, Cincinnati 25

3. Indiana

Last Week Ranking: 4 
Record: 8-1 
Last Week: Indiana 23, Minnesota 16 OT

2. Georgia

Last Week Ranking: 3 
Record:7-1 
Last Week: Georgia 27, Florida 8

1. Miami

Last Week Ranking: 1 
Record: 8-0 
Last Week: Miami 38, North Carolina 35

College Football Week 9 Predictions

Jump For Each Game
Cal at NC St | BC at Duke | UAB at UCF
BGSU at WMU | MU at ODU | KSt at Col
Coastal at Ga St | UConn at AF | Tem at ECU
La Tech at USA | Stan at UofL | KU at TCU
Co St at Utah St | UTEP at NDSU | FIU at Lib
USM at ULM | UNM at SJSU | App St at GSU
Ok St at ISU | Clem at FSU | Wazzu at SDSU
Ga Tech at Pitt | Mizzou at Ark | Wash at Neb
Army at Mem | TXST at Boise | NIU at UNLV
Oregon St at Fresno St | Big Game Previews

Cal at NC State

Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Consensus Line: NC State -6.5, o/u: 56.5
Can the coaching change make NC State better at football now? The Wolfpack weren’t bad before, but the loss to Stanford was enough to get rid of Dave Doeren and bring aboard Philip Riv… not yet.

Running backs coach Todd Goebbel will be the interim head man as the Wolfpack step up the ground attack at home against a Cal run defense that’s been ripped apart over the last few weeks.
Prediction: NC State 31, Cal 24

Boston College at Duke

Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: CW
Consensus Line: Duke -6.5, o/u: 48.5
Boston College is playing far better, on a two-game winning streak with a running game that ripped Georgia Tech to shreds and a passing attack that lit up Pitt. Now it has to deal with a Duke defense that’s been terrific.

The Blue Devil offense has hit a wall, but it doesn’t turn it over. Boston College forced 12 takeaways in its four wins and one in the three losses.
Prediction: Duke 27, Boston College 21

UAB at USF

Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Consensus Line: USF -7.5, o/u: 42.5
Both teams had two weeks off to get ready for this, with the winner taking a huge step in the American race. USF’s offense isn’t moving, but the defense has been able to get by. The Bull run defense will hold up, and the offense will be saved by two UAB turnovers shortening the field. UAB is 0-3 on the road and 4-0 at home, so …
Prediction: USF 26, UAB 17

Bowling Green at Western Michigan

Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: Western Michigan -13.5, o/u: 44.5
Western Michigan got whacked by Toledo last week, but it’s just fine in the MAC title chase as long as the defense gets back to form.

Bowling Green has been more interesting over the last few weeks with a sharper midrange passing game. The Broncos will control the game with the ground attack, overcoming a decent day from the Falcon attack.
Prediction: Western Michigan 30, Bowling Green 16

Marshall at Old Dominion

Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Marshall -2.5, o/u: 46.5
Old Dominion’s offense has totally collapsed. It’s last in the nation, averaging just 251 yards per game – 35 fewer than the second-worst offense, Kent State’s. Marshall’s defense will hold up just fine, but the offense will have to work. The Herd ground game will do just enough to survive in a low-scoring fight.
Prediction: Marshall 20, Old Dominion 17

Kansas State at Colorado

Game Time: 2:00 PM ET
TV: TNT
Consensus Line: Colorado -2.5, o/u: 46.5
Colorado is on a five-game losing streak, with the wheels coming off in a blowout loss to Oklahoma State last week. Kansas State’s offense has to run well to win, but it’ll stop midway through the second half. The Buffaloes will finally come up with the right late scoring drive to finally put an end to the losing streak.
Prediction: Colorado 26, Kansas State 23

Coastal Carolina at Georgia State

Game Time: 2:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Georgia State -6.5, o/u: 55.5
Can Georgia State stop turning the ball over? It has to against a Coastal Carolina team that only wins when it forces a ton of turnovers. The Chanticleers beat Marshall with six takeaways and Fordham with four, and those were the only two wins. The Panthers will run wild, even with two turnovers keeping this from getting out of hand.
Prediction: Georgia State 34, Coastal Carolina 24

UConn at Air Force

Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
TV: Mountain West
Consensus Line: Air Force -2.5, o/u: 51.5
Can UConn outrush Air Force? It’s 4-0 when running for more than 185 yards, but the Air Force run defense will hold up at home, and its own ground attack will do what it does. The two teams will combine for over 500 yards on the ground in a very fast, very entertaining game.
Prediction: Air Force 28, UConn 24
Cal at NC St | BC at Duke | UAB at UCF
BGSU at WMU | MU at ODU | KSt at Col
Coastal at Ga St | UConn at AF | Tem at ECU
La Tech at USA | Stan at UofL | KU at TCU
Co St at Utah St | UTEP at NDSU | FIU at Lib
USM at ULM | UNM at SJSU | App St at GSU
Ok St at ISU | Clem at FSU | Wazzu at SDSU
Ga Tech at Pitt | Mizzou at Ark | Wash at Neb
Army at Mem | TXST at Boise | NIU at UNLV
Oregon St at Fresno St | Big Game Previews

Temple at East Carolina

Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: East Carolina -5.5, o/u: 50.5
Wildly disappointing, Temple is too good to lose at home to Charlotte like it did last week 38-31. East Carolina lost its last two games in overtime on the road, and now it’ll take it out on the Owls as long as it can finally chill on the turnovers. Temple has forced three in the last six games.
Prediction: East Carolina 35, Temple 17

Louisiana Tech at South Alabama

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Location: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL
Consensus Line: Louisiana Tech -6.5, o/u: 58.5
On a four-game winning streak, Louisiana Tech has found its groove with a good passing game and a run defense that’s stuffing everything. It also helps that it just beat ULM and Old Dominion teams with no offense whatsoever. Coming off a loss to Marshall, South Alabama will kick the offense up a few notches in a high-scoring game decided by one late Jaguar turnover.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 37, South Alabama 31

Stanford at Louisville

Game Time: 3:15 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Consensus Line: Louisville -22.5, o/u: 60.5
Stanford is playing well under new head coach Tavita Pritchard, cranking up the passing game in fun shootouts with timely scoring and clutch late stops … at home. The Cardinal are brutally awful on the road, failing to score more than seven in any of the three losses. Louisville’s balanced attack will roll at will as it tries to hang around in the ACC title chase.
Prediction: Louisville 44, Stanford 16

Kansas at TCU

Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: FS1
Consensus Line: TCU -5.5, o/u: 45.5
Just when it seemed like all was lost, the Kansas offense stepped up in a 25-24 win over Baylor last week that got Bear head coach Dave Aranda fired. The problem is a Jayhawk defense that can’t stop anyone on the road, but TCU’s problem is that it can’t seem to score anywhere. The Horned Frog defense holds up as Kansas cranks up the yards, but not the points.
Prediction: TCU 24, Kansas 21

Colorado State at Utah State

Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: USA Network
Consensus Line: Utah State -6.5, o/u: 61.5
The Colorado State defense has been a flaming hot mess. It’s the worst in the nation by a mile, giving up over 50 more yards per game than the second-worst defense, West Virginia’s. Utah State’s offense has been sputtering and coughing, but it’s about to have a whole lot of fun, especially on the ground as the Aggie attack finally gets moving.
Prediction: Utah State 34, Colorado State 30

UTEP at North Dakota State

Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: Mountain West
Consensus Line: North Dakota State -24.5, o/u: 42.5
UTEP can’t get this dog to hunt. It’s supposed to have a fun offensive style, but it’s not working. The turnovers have stopped, but that won’t matter with North Dakota State getting back on track after a tough loss to New Mexico. It’ll be a methodical, balanced day from the Bison.
Prediction: North Dakota State 38, UTEP 13

FIU at Liberty

Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: Liberty -13.5, o/u: 45.5
Liberty appears to be steamrolling its way to the Conference USA title game, but it still has five games to go to get there. FIU’s defense is strong enough to keep this from getting ugly, and too many Liberty penalties will be a factor, but at home, the Flames will keep it all going with their suffocating D.
Prediction: Liberty 24, FIU 20

Southern Miss at ULM

Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Southern Miss -3.5, o/u: 55.5
ULM finally got a win, shocking Troy 21-14, but it’ll have a hard time keeping up against a Southern Miss team that’s having a hard time stopping decent offenses. The Golden Eagles lost to Troy 55-34. ULM pulls this off with three takeaways to overcome a blah day from the offense.
Prediction: ULM 27, Southern Miss 26
Cal at NC St | BC at Duke | UAB at UCF
BGSU at WMU | MU at ODU | KSt at Col
Coastal at Ga St | UConn at AF | Tem at ECU
La Tech at USA | Stan at UofL | KU at TCU
Co St at Utah St | UTEP at NDSU | FIU at Lib
USM at ULM | UNM at SJSU | App St at GSU
Ok St at ISU | Clem at FSU | Wazzu at SDSU
Ga Tech at Pitt | Mizzou at Ark | Wash at Neb
Army at Mem | TXST at Boise | NIU at UNLV
Oregon St at Fresno St | Big Game Previews

New Mexico at San Jose State

Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: Mountain West
Consensus Line: New Mexico -14.5, o/u: 42.5
New Mexico is playing like a team good enough to make a push for the Group of Six’s spot in the College Football Playoff, but it’s a grinding squad. The Lobo style travels well, but the Spartan defense will keep this close. Both teams know how to play low-scoring games, but New Mexico does it better.
Prediction: New Mexico 24, San Jose State 17

App State at Georgia Southern

Game Time: 6:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Georgia Southern -5.5, o/u: 57.5
App State found itself at the right time, ending James Madison’s perfect season in an overtime thriller after surviving Coastal Carolina in a firefight. Georgia Southern has a consistent attack, and the defense is grinding, but App State is fine as long as it doesn’t turn the ball over – that cost it in the loss to Old Dominion. The Mountaineers will be sharp.
Prediction: App State 30, Georgia Southern 27

Oklahoma State at Iowa State

Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Consensus Line: Oklahoma State -8.5, o/u: 57.5
The Oklahoma State offense has kicked it all in at just the right time. The Cowboy defense isn’t just along for the ride, but Iowa State’s offense won’t be able to keep up the pace, even on the road. The Cyclones are struggling against the top Big 12 teams, and Oklahoma State is now just that. Iowa State won’t come up with enough key late stops.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 34, Iowa State 24

Clemson at Florida State

Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Consensus Line: Florida State -6.5, o/u: 49.5
There was a time not all that long ago when this national title-level matchup would stop the world. Clemson is sputtering with little to no consistency on offense – turnovers are an issue – but the defense is keeping the team in games.

Florida State is playing relatively well, but it’s losing. After two weeks to rest after the double-overtime loss to Miami, the Seminoles win by completing passes. FSU is 3-0 when Ashton Daniels hits at least 63% of his passes. Clemson is 0-3 when allowing teams to hit 57% of their throws.
Prediction: Florida State 30, Clemson 24

Washington State at San Diego State

Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: San Diego State -2.5, o/u: 47.5
San Diego State is a crazy night-and-day different team at home. It’s 0-4 on the road, getting annihilated in all four games, giving up 56 points to Colorado State last week, and 66 to Oregon State in mid-October. At home, this bunch finds a way to win tight battles. Washington State doesn’t score enough to push through.
Prediction: San Diego State 24, Washington State 20
Jump For Each Game
Cal at NC St | BC at Duke | UAB at UCF
BGSU at WMU | MU at ODU | KSt at Col
Coastal at Ga St | UConn at AF | Tem at ECU
La Tech at USA | Stan at UofL | KU at TCU
Co St at Utah St | UTEP at NDSU | FIU at Lib
USM at ULM | UNM at SJSU | App St at GSU
Ok St at ISU | Clem at FSU | Wazzu at SDSU
Ga Tech at Pitt | Mizzou at Ark | Wash at Neb
Army at Mem | TXST at Boise | NIU at UNLV
Oregon St at Fresno St | Big Game Previews

Georgia Tech at Pitt

Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Consensus Line: Pitt -7.5, o/u: 54.5
Georgia Tech isn’t playing a lick of defense, but Pitt isn’t nearly the same offensively without quarterback Mason Heintschel – who’s out for the year hurt. The Panthers are 0-3 with their starting quarterback out, but at home they’ll get the ground game going against a Georgia Tech defense that gave up close to 400 rushing yards and five scores last week against Boston College.
Prediction: Pitt 31, Georgia Tech 24

Missouri at Arkansas

Game Time: 7:45 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Consensus Line: Missouri -9.5, o/u: 48.5
Emotions will be high as Missouri’s star running back Ahmad Hardy is expected to be back for a little bit of work after suffering a gunshot wound this offseason. Arkansas will be tough at home – the defense is holding up way better than it did last year – but Missouri’s offense will be back to form after sitting for two weeks on the 31-3 loss to Ole Miss.
Prediction: Missouri 27, Arkansas 21
Cal at NC St | BC at Duke | UAB at UCF
BGSU at WMU | MU at ODU | KSt at Col
Coastal at Ga St | UConn at AF | Tem at ECU
La Tech at USA | Stan at UofL | KU at TCU
Co St at Utah St | UTEP at NDSU | FIU at Lib
USM at ULM | UNM at SJSU | App St at GSU
Ok St at ISU | Clem at FSU | Wazzu at SDSU
Ga Tech at Pitt | Mizzou at Ark | Wash at Neb
Army at Mem | TXST at Boise | NIU at UNLV
Oregon St at Fresno St | Big Game Previews

Washington at Nebraska

Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: Big Ten Network
Consensus Line: Nebraska -7.5, o/u: 49.5
Nebraska has slipped with two straight tough losses, but it gets back on track at home against a Washington team that flew to Purdue, won by 12, flew back to Seattle, and two weeks later flew back out to Lincoln.

Nebraska will need a bit to get up to speed, but the ground game will get to 200 yards in a good win to set the tone for the finishing kick.
Prediction: Nebraska 26, Washington 23

Army at Memphis

Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Consensus Line: Memphis -6.5, o/u: 59.5
The Memphis run defense is terrific. It got hammered by Boise State back in early September, but no one else was able to get to 180 rushing yards. Memphis was beaten the one time turnovers were an issue – three in the 31-17 loss at Tulane, and two against everyone else. Army won’t force enough mistakes, but the ground game will work in a good, fun game.
Prediction: Memphis 37, Army 30

Texas State at Boise State

Game Time: 10:00 PM ET
TV: CW
Consensus Line: Boise State -11.5, o/u: 63.5
When will the Texas State offense consistently crank up the offense to win a game like this? It got past the bizarre 31-29 loss at San Diego State to win two straight fights, and now it’ll give Boise State a fight. The Broncos will win, but they’ll have to work to pull away.
Prediction: Texas State 38, Texas State 26

Northern Illinois at UNLV

Game Time: 10:30 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: UNLV -24.5, o/u: 53.5
Now that Sacramento State has its first win of the season – taking down Kent State on Friday night – Northern Illinois is the lone remaining winless team. It’s not going to change that against a UNLV team that spent two weeks relaxing after a 41-31 loss to Air Force. Northern Illinois won’t have the offense to keep up.
Prediction: UNLV 41, Northern Illinois 13

Oregon State at Fresno State

Game Time: 11:00 PM ET
TV: USA Network
Consensus Line: Oregon State -5.5, o/u: 58.5
Can Fresno State stop the nation’s best passing game? Oregon State star receiver Jesse Legree will go off against a Fresno State defense that’s 0-3 against teams that connected on at least 64% of their passes. Braden Atkinson is hitting 69% of his passes, and he’ll open it up on the Bulldog secondary.
Prediction: Oregon State 42, Fresno State 35

Biggest College Football Games of Week 9

Notre Dame at Navy
Arizona at Texas Tech
Wisconsin at Iowa
SMU at Syracuse
Illinois at Maryland
Michigan at Rutgers
Auburn at Ole Miss
Purdue at Penn State
Northwestern at Oregon
Arizona State at BYU
Florida vs Georgia
Minnesota at Indiana
Utah at Cincinnati
Virginia at Wake Forest
Nevada at UCLA
South Carolina at Oklahoma
Miami at North Carolina
Ohio State at USC
Mississippi State at Texas

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

South Carolina vs Oklahoma: Quick Hits

• Oklahoma goes to Florida next, but this starts a run of three of the next four games at home.
• South Carolina hosts Texas A&M next before going to Arkansas. It closes with Georgia and at Clemson.
• It’s only the third meeting between the two. Oklahoma won 26-7 last year, but South Carolina won 35-9 in 2024.

How To Watch South Carolina vs Oklahoma

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why South Carolina Will Win

South Carolina is playing like a team that’s having fun.

It’s not like it’s going out there with no more fudge (this is a family show) to give after losing three straight, but it’s been loose, relatively relaxed, and it’s balling out with strong wins over Florida and Tennessee.

The turnovers slowed to a crawl after giving it away twice in four straight games – there was just one interception against Tennessee in the last two – and the defense has done its part with three takeaways against Florida and one against the Vols.

Why Oklahoma Will Win

Oklahoma is still cranking up the defense, but it’s just about the scoring.

Sometimes the Sooners have to manufacture points from other areas – like they did against Texas – and that’s where the defense has to come up large. The D doesn’t have to score, but it needs to force South Carolina to start screwing up again.

Oklahoma has come up with takeaways four times, with two in each game. It’s 3-1 when it forces mistakes, because that leads to easy points for a team that’s struggling to get the offense consistently moving.

South Carolina vs Oklahoma Prediction, Betting Lines

Okay, which flaky way do you want to do this?

Oklahoma is 4-0 when scoring at least 14 points, and 0-3 when it scores fewer. South Carolina has only allowed fewer than 19 points twice, and that was against Kent State and Towson. However, the Gamecocks are 4-0 when allowing fewer than 35 points.

You want to get even sillier? Okay, let’s go. In a never-screw-with-a-streak sort of way, Oklahoma has alternated win-loss-win-loss from the start, and if the pattern holds, it’s due for a loss.

To rein this in, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is playing well at just the right time. He might not be going crazy, but he’s making plays, keeping things moving, and he’s playing like a quarterback who can win games.

The four-touchdown pass win at Florida showed what he could do on the road. In this, he’ll have to make one or two big plays late. As he showed against Tennessee, he can do that.

South Carolina 23, Oklahoma 21
Latest Consensus Line: Oklahoma -2.5, o/u: 44.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

UCLA vs Nevada: Quick Hits

• Nevada jumps back into Mountain West play with New Mexico up next before going to Northern Illinois.
• UCLA has to go to Minnesota next before hosting Illinois.
• It’s just the second meeting between the two. The Bruins won 58-20 to start the 2013 season.

How To Watch UCLA vs Nevada

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
TV: Big Ten Network
Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Nevada Will Win

The Wolf Pack will bring a little bit of defense. The pass rush will keep coming for a full 60 minutes, and the defense is fantastic on third downs. Air Force was able to run wild on this bunch, but that’s Air Force – run early, run often.

UCLA’s offense has been good enough with Ty Dieffenbach under center now that Nico Iamaleava is out for the year, but the running game has become a little bit inconsistent.

Why UCLA Will Win

Yeah, the UCLA running game struggles against Wisconsin and Oregon – that’s Wisconsin and Oregon. The Bruins hammered away 48 times against Michigan State and won without any drama.

What’s the real problem for the UCLA offense? It’s turning the ball over way too much, giving it away nine times in the last four games. There’s no reason to worry.

Nevada forced two fumbles in the opener against Western Kentucky, one interception against Air Force, and … uhhhhhh … that’s it. The Wolf Pack don’t force turnovers.

UCLA vs Nevada Prediction, Betting Lines

UCLA wants to get in, hammer away, and get out so it can get everything packed for the trip to Minnesota. And along the way, it’ll potentially take a stop in the top five of the first College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday night.

UCLA 34, Nevada 10
Latest Consensus Line: UCLA -22.5, o/u: 43.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

BYU vs Arizona State: Quick Hits

• BYU goes to Utah next week and then hosts Baylor.
• Arizona State only leaves Arizona once the rest of the way after this, hosting Colorado next, and then it goes to UCF.
• The Sun Devils won the last meeting 28-23 in 2024. BYU won the first matchup 13-0 to end the 1935 season.

How To Watch BYU vs Arizona State

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Arizona State Will Win

There’s no way around it. Arizona State can’t pull this off without cranking up the offense and making it a shootout. That starts with getting the running game going to take the pressure off a struggling quarterback situation.

Cutter Boley has been okay, well-traveled veteran Mikey Keene has been the main man lately – and he’s been … okay, too. But when everything is working on the ground, ASU starts winning, going 4-0 when running for more than 115 yards, and 0-3 when it doesn’t.

There’s a problem with that.

Why BYU Will Win

BYU has allowed more than 115 rushing yards only once. That came in the double-overtime loss to UCF last week, but other than that, no one has averaged more than four yards per carry, and no one has been able to blast through the Cougar defensive front.

Arizona State’s offensive line hasn’t been able to generate a consistent push for the ground game, only getting things going in the wins, and it’s having a nightmare of a time keeping teams out of the backfield. As long as BYU owns the lines, it should be okay.

BYU vs Arizona State Prediction, Betting Lines

It’s a bit hyperbolic to call Arizona State a hot mess, considering its four wins, but it’s certainly not the tightest team going.

The lines are struggling, the punting game is terrible, and there’s a problem taking the ball away to make up for the issues on offense. However, this group keeps on pushing, and BYU can’t take any part of this for granted in any way.

Arizona State will get its licks in, but BYU will right the ship and look back to normal. And then it’ll be all Utes, all the time for the next week.

BYU 37, Arizona State 20
Latest Consensus Line: BYU -16.5, o/u: 48.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Northwestern vs Oregon: Quick Hits

• Northwestern hosts Iowa after this before going to Ohio State and Minnesota – this starts a run of three road games in the next four weeks.
• Oregon has to go to Ohio State next before hosting Michigan.
• It’s just the third meeting between the two. Oregon won 34-14 last year, but Northwestern won 14-10 in 1974.

How To Watch Northwestern vs Oregon

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: Peacock
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Northwestern Will Win

Welcome back, Chip Kelly.

The former Oregon head coach who took the team to the BCS Championship at the end of the 2010 season returns as coordinator of a Northwestern attack that’s not turning the ball over, is second in the nation at scoring in the red zone, and averages 205 yards per game on the ground.

It’s an ultra-efficient attack that ran for two or more touchdowns in every game but the loss to Indiana, and that opens it up for the big plays down the field.

Oregon’s defense isn’t stopping much of anything. It’s last in the Big Ten in third down defense, but …

Why Oregon Will Win

Northwestern has only gone on the road twice so far. It lost to Indiana and needed a blocked field goal in the Pat Fitzgerald revenge game at Michigan State.

Oregon might have a slew of issues, but it held up well against UCLA at home, and followed it up by stuffing Nebraska’s ground game a week later.

The offense might have struggled in last week’s loss to Illinois, but it was still able to move the ball. The points weren’t there, but there’s balance to the attack. Quarterback Dylan Raiola has been okay, and now the team needs a little bit of good momentum.

Northwestern vs Oregon Prediction, Betting Lines

Can Northwestern handle the big moment and the spotlight of a game it’s actually good enough to win over a team like Oregon?

The Ducks still have the talent, and even with Dante Moore out for the year, there’s still a lot to play for. If they can win out, yeah, there’s a shot to still be in the mix for the Big Ten Championship if they get a lot of luck.

The run defense will hold up well enough to pull this off, but it’ll be a fight that comes down to the final moments. Being at home will matter.

Oregon 26, Northwestern 23
Latest Consensus Line: Oregon -3.5, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Purdue vs Penn State: Quick Hits

• Penn State goes to Washington after this before hosting Minnesota.
• Purdue gets Maryland next and then goes to Iowa.
• Penn State won the last meeting 49-10 in 2024, winning 11 straight going back to 2004.

How To Watch Purdue vs Penn State

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Purdue Will Win

Penn State can’t stop turning the ball over.

Penn State didn’t turn the ball over in the first three games – 3-0. Penn State turned the ball over at least once, seven in all, over the last four games – 4-0. This Nittany Lion team is okay, but it’s not good enough to overcome these mistakes.

Purdue lost to Washington, but it forced five turnovers after coming up with two in the win over Minnesota. That, and if you stop the Penn State running game that has gone nowhere over the last three games, you win.

Why Penn State Will Win

Penn State has to get physical. Granted, running on Michigan and Wisconsin isn’t like running on Buffalo and Temple, but the offense has to settle things down by grinding away.

The Purdue defense has been decent at times against the run, but UCLA ran wild in the second half of its 52-38 win, and Washington was able to overcome a slew of mistakes by averaging 5.5 yards per pop in its 38-26 win.

Purdue is 3-0 when allowing fewer than 4.5 yards per carry, and 0-4 when giving up that many or more.

Purdue vs Penn State Prediction, Betting Lines

Penn State has been easy – play a Power Four team, battle well, lose. Purdue, on the other hand, has played seven very separate and distinct games, with none of them going exactly to plan.

As long as the Nittany Lions can keep the mistakes to a minimum and get some good early momentum at home, they should be fine. Purdue will be plucky, and they’ll keep battling, but Penn State will finally be on the right side of a good battle because, finally, it’ll score.

The Nittany Lions are 0-4 when scoring fewer than 27 points. Purdue is 0-4 when allowing more than 19.

Penn State 34, Purdue 24
Latest Consensus Line: Penn State -10.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Virginia vs Wake Forest: Quick Hits

• Virginia gets home games against Cal and North Carolina next before closing at Virginia Tech.
• Wake Forest has a tune-up against Merrimack next before a showdown at SMU.
• Wake Forest won the last meeting 16-9 last year and won six of the last seven.

How To Watch Virginia vs Wake Forest

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 3:45 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Virginia Will Win

Wake Forest doesn’t take the ball away – only four forced turnovers on the year – and it doesn’t turn the ball over, but it’s a penalty machine with ten or more in four of the seven games and 63 on the year.

Virginia won’t give the Demon Deacons anything easy. It gave the ball away twice in the loss to Duke, but turnovers aren’t an issue, and the team is second in the ACC in fewest penalties.

The Cavaliers have to win this by owning third downs. They’re fantastic at keeping teams from moving the chains, and Wake Forest lives on keeping things moving with third down conversions. But …

Why Wake Forest Will Win

Virginia can’t convert a third down – it’s among the worst in the ACC at it, hitting just 32% of its chances. That gives the Wake Forest defense that can’t stop teams on third downs a break.

For the Cavaliers to pull this off, though, they have to stop the run. They’re 4-0 when allowing fewer than 3.7 yards per carry, and 0-4 when they give up more.

Wake Forest averages 4.5 yards per carry, and only NC State (a 38-14 Demon Deacon win) and Miami (a 33-20 loss) were able to keep the ground game under that.

Virginia vs Wake Forest Prediction, Betting Lines

Virginia has the exact right blend of things to pull this off, but they just don’t play well on the road. They’re 0-3 outside of Charlottesville, and they lost all three by double-digits.

Wake Forest won’t ever be able to breathe easily, but it’ll get the offense working well enough in the second half to offset a good early burst from Virginia. It’ll be entertaining, and the Demon Deacons will get a solid win just before the first round of College Football Playoff rankings.

Wake Forest 31, Virginia 20
Latest Consensus Line: Wake Forest -12.5, o/u: 48.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Utah vs Cincinnati: Quick Hits

• Cincinnati closes with three road games in the next four, going to Houston and Iowa State, hosting Colorado, and finishing at BYU.
• Utah gets the showdown against BYU next, and then goes to Arizona.
• The two programs have only won once. Utah won 45-14 last year.

How To Watch Utah vs Cincinnati

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 3:45 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Utah Will Win

Start with this – what did Texas Tech do wrong last week against the Bearcats?

They struggled to keep the offense moving, and most importantly, weren’t even close to slowing down the Cincinnati running game. The Bearcats move fast, and they rolled at will, running for 255 yards and over six yards per pop.

Utah’s run defense hasn’t always been perfect – Colorado was able to move the ball a bit a few weeks ago in Boulder – but it only allowed more than 100 yards three times this season and no one has been able to get to 140, much less 200.

Why Cincinnati Will Win

Break Utah out of its shell. The ability is there for the Ute offense to explode, but it works best when it’s in control, owning third downs, and when it doesn’t have to make plays under stress. It’s a bit too simplistic to call this a front-running team, but … yeah, it sort of is.

Cincinnati needed a quarter to get rolling, but it took it to Texas Tech with a 21-point second quarter to take over. The Bearcats can’t play it safe. Yeah, they turned it over a few times last week, and they were hardly perfect, but they looked confident throughout.

Utah vs Cincinnati Prediction, Betting Lines

Can Cincinnati make Utah feel uncomfortable?

The Utes will throw for well over 200 yards – everyone does against Cincinnati – but they’ll also turn the ball over. They’ve given it away twice in each of the last three games, and they got away with it. That won’t work this time around.

Cincinnati won’t look and play like it did against Texas Tech, but it’ll keep the chains moving just enough to pull off a second straight massive win. This time, it’ll have to hold on late to do it.

Cincinnati 26, Utah 24
Latest Consensus Line: Utah -7.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Texas vs Mississippi State: Quick Hits

• Texas goes on the road for three of its last four games, going to Missouri and LSU next and Texas A&M to close. Arkansas is the lone home date.
• Mississippi State doesn’t leave Mississippi the rest of the way, getting Vanderbilt and Auburn next.
• Texas won 45-38 last year and is 4-2 all-time in the series. Mississippi State won the first meeting 54-7 in 1921.

How To Watch Texas vs Mississippi State

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Mississippi State Will Win

The Bulldogs are running relatively well.

This isn’t the same team without star quarterback Kamario Taylor, who’s out for the season, but the offense has been able to lean on the ground game a bit, averaging close to 4.5 yards per carry over the last few games.

But to win, the Mississippi State defensive front has to crank up the production. The Texas offensive line gives up way too many plays in the backfield, and the Bulldogs have to know what flavor gum Arch Manning is chewing from the first snap.

Why Texas Will Win

No, Mississippi State just isn’t the same team without Kamario Taylor, who’s dealing with a bad turf toe problem. The Bulldog passing game doesn’t have nearly the same pop, and the defense isn’t strong enough to overcome the lack of push on offense.

Texas just has to avoid screwing up. The three takeaways against Ole Miss were a must to offset the three Longhorn giveaways. The eight turnovers in the last four games were bad, the penalty problem against the Rebels and against Tennessee a few weeks ago almost proved costly, and that can’t happen here.

Play a clean game, get up early, and all will be fine.

Texas vs Mississippi State Prediction, Betting Lines

The Mississippi State offense is giving it the old college try, but freshman quarterback Billy Puckett – real first name Parker – is having a hard time moving the offense.

It won’t be anything breathtaking from Texas, but steady production will get it done with a good offensive balance in a relatively comfortable win.

Texas 34, Mississippi State 13
Latest Consensus Line: Texas -20.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Results So Far: 55-40
– Week 9 Schedule & Predictions
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

10. New Mexico at San Jose State

Line: New Mexico -14.5
ATS Pick: San Jose State

If I’m committing to the bit, and as I’ve discovered over the years, when I hate one of these DDHDs, (like this one), it usually hits hard. And the ones I love, don’t – although I couldn’t have hugged and smooched last week’s Cincinnati over Texas Tech outright call more.

New Mexico is fantastic. It’s one of the best-coached teams in the nation, with head coach Jason Eck and his staff getting every ounce out of the talent on board to work with. The Lobos are great at maintaining total control, but in mostly low-scoring games.

San Jose State isn’t bad against the run, and that’s everything against the Lobos. The Spartans don’t have enough offensive pop to win, and the fear is a repeat of the 26-10 home loss to Fresno State earlier this season, but this is just their second home game in six weeks. They’ll lose, but they’ll be tough.

9. Michigan at Rutgers

Line: Michigan -15.5
ATS Pick: Rutgers
– Game Preview and Prediction

I’m having a hard time buying into this one – Rutgers might not score. Seriously, UMass beat Rutgers by 16. However …

How many times this year has Michigan beaten someone by more than 16? Once – 52-17 over UTEP. Okay, now, how many other times has Michigan beaten a team by more than, say, ten?

Zero.

Other than UTEP, how many times has Michigan beaten a team by more than seven? Zero.

8. Missouri at Arkansas

Line: Missouri -10
ATS Pick: Arkansas

I’m shoehorning this one in because Arkansas has been low-key better lately, and the line at some places is Mizzou -9.5. As of the moment I’m doing this, the line is 10.

The Hogs were roasted by Utah, Georgia, and Texas A&M, but they held up well against Tennessee, didn’t have a problem in a ten-point win at Vanderbilt, and they’ve had two weeks off to rest up for this. Missouri’s last two home games: 31-24 loss to Mississippi State, 31-3 loss at Ole Miss.

7. SMU at Syracuse

Line: SMU -10.5
ATS Pick: Syracuse
– Game Preview and Prediction

Syracuse has been forgotten about, but for a 3-4 team it’s playing great considering all the injuries at quarterback. It just finished a brutal run of four road games in five dates, but it played Louisville tough at home in a 34-26 loss, and was solid in last week’s 31-30 win at North Carolina.

Now the Orange are finally back at home. The only double-digit loss this season was at Pitt 27-13, and that was when Pitt was still breathing. This is SMU’s third road game of the year, needing to ball out to get by Florida State 27-24 in the opener, and it lost to Louisville 41-31.

And now, the last Double-Digit Home Dog is …

6. Miami at North Carolina

Line: Miami -14.5
ATS Pick: North Carolina
– Game Preview and Prediction

As I mentioned before, over the last 20 years, when I actually love a double-digit home underdog like this, it often blows up spectacularly in my face, so beware.

Beyond just the Xs and Os – like, North Carolina might throw for well over 250 yards against a leaky Miami secondary …

1) I’m having an impossible time fully buying that Miami is anything No. 1-amazing, considering its win over Wake Forest is the only interesting thing on the resume.

2) I put way too much faith in Bill Belichick coming up with some quirky defensive wrinkle in games like this, even though his Tar Heels couldn’t stop Clemson when it mattered and gave up 31 to Syracuse.

3) I can NOT shake that we’re now in A Mario Cristobal’s Uber-Talented Team Will Lose a Game it Shouldn’t season. (That double-overtime game against a blah Florida State team spooked me.)

5. Kent State at Sacramento State

Line: Kent State -7.5
ATS Pick: Kent State
– Game Preview and Prediction

(UPDATE: Yes, this really didn’t work on Friday night – Sacramento State won 31- 10. FWIW, this opened at Kent State -10.5. Yeah, the Hornets were DDHDs for at least a little while.)

You owe me nothing, Sacramento State. Picking against the Hornets has been a comfy blanket. Doing a cut-and-paste of what I wrote last week …

What did I say (two weeks ago) when Ohio over Sacramento State was my No. 1 pick of the week? Never, Ever, EVER Screw With a Streak.

The Bobcats were a 15-point favorite over the Hornets. Ohio won 48-7.

Bowling Green beat Sac State 38-10, UMass won 35-6, North Dakota State won by 21, and Fresno State won by 46.

Ball State isn’t very good. It finally beat an FBS team (two weeks ago) with a 32-31 win over Bowling Green, but until this train stops, keep on riding. (Ball State was a 14.5-point favorite and won 34-17).

Kent State has failed to score more than ten points in five of the eight games, and Friday night games go screwy, but … I can’t quit you, Sac State.

4. Wisconsin at Iowa

Line: Point Total 36.5
ATS Pick: Under
– Game Preview and Prediction

I have been royally burned all year assuming Iowa is a natural under call. But this isn’t about the Hawkeyes.

How many Wisconsin games have hit 37 combined points? Uh, each of the first four games went past 37. But since then, things have tightened up.

Wisconsin’s defense has allowed ten points or fewer four times, and the UCLA game was a 17-7 loss. The Badgers appear to have figured it out defensively.

From 2020 to 2023, none of the four Wisconsin-Iowa games were close to getting to 37 points. Wisconsin rolled 42-10 in 2024, and last year, Iowa won 37-0. (I’m also sort of taking a chance that the line closes closer to 38ish.)

3. Utah at Cincinnati

Line: Utah -7.5
ATS Pick: Cincinnati
– Game Preview and Prediction

No, I won’t take my shirt off and go full McAfee, but I’m not buying into the 7-0 start after the Utes needed to work way too hard to beat a blah Colorado squad 27-24, and had to hang on to get by a solid Houston team last week. I do like this Utah team to win the Big 12, but …

Cincinnati is a different team at home than it is on the road – the defense plays far better. I don’t love this unbeaten knockoff aspect like I did last week when Texas Tech rolled into Nippert, but sure, I dig the way the Bearcats are playing when they get a little momentum.

Okay, you’re tired, and I appreciate you lasting this long in an ultra-gimmicky version of the 10 Best Picks Against the Spread. Your reward? Blow off the real analysis for these last two, and let’s go straight trend-candy, and you’ll see why in a moment.

2. Stanford at Louisville

Line: Louisville -22.5
ATS Pick: Louisville
– Game Preview and Prediction

Stanford has been shockingly fantastic with an efficient offense and clutch play … AT HOME. What happens when the Cardinal have to get on a plane?

Duke 35, Stanford 7
Wake Forest 57, Stanford 3
Notre Dame 58, Stanford 7

Going back to last year, Stanford has lost by 23 or more in eight of its last nine road games. That, and Louisville has had two weeks off.

1. Navy vs Notre Dame

Line: Notre Dame -30.5
ATS Pick: Notre Dame
– Game Preview and Prediction

Start with this: Notre Dame has had to sit and eat it for two weeks after the BYU loss, and Navy isn’t very good, but that’s not why you called. (Deep breath … let’s go.)

Notre Dame vs Navy over the last six meetings.

– 2025 Notre Dame 49, Navy 10
– 2024 Notre Dame 41, Navy 14
– 2023 Notre Dame 42, Navy 3
– The 2022 game was a strange 35-32 Notre Dame win, with the Irish going up 35-13 at halftime, and then the offense went back to the hotel. To continue …
– 2021 Notre Dame 34, Navy 6
– 2019 Notre Dame 52, Navy 20

By the way, this is Navy’s first game against a Power Four team this season.

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Minnesota vs Indiana: Quick Hits

• Minnesota hosts UCLA next, and closes with at Penn State, Northwestern, and at Wisconsin.
• Indiana starts a finishing kick with three of the four games at home, hosting USC after this before going to Washington, and then finishing up against Purdue.
• Minnesota won the first meeting 8-6 in 1906, and took down the Hoosiers 35-14 in the last meeting in 2021.

How To Watch Minnesota vs Indiana

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Minnesota Will Win

Just be able to run a little bit.

Quarterback Drake Lindsey might be a great NFL draft prospect, but things don’t work as well when he’s throwing it all of the time.

Indiana is having a hard time controlling the clock. Minnesota keeps the ball for over 32 minutes per game, and it has to do that with the ground attack.

Minnesota isn’t a running team – it tries, but it’s not great at it. However, just a little bit of success is everything, going 5-0 when the offense runs for more than 70 yards. To break it down even more, the Gophers ran for fewer than 30 yards in the losses to Purdue and Mississippi State.

Why Indiana Will Win

It’s not a given that Indiana’s run defense gives up 30 yards, much less 70.

It stuffed Northwestern, didn’t let Michigan’s ground game go anywhere, and only North Texas and Nebraska averaged more than 2.1 yards per carry.

No, this isn’t the Indiana team of last year. But this one finds ways to succeed with timely big plays, situational success, and few mistakes. It’s Indiana. It has only been flagged 30 times so far, with just four turnovers.

Minnesota vs Indiana Prediction, Betting Lines

Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover is battling through bumps and bruises – he’ll play with a dinged arm – but Turbo Richard and the Hoosier ground attack will take over and carry the day.

It’ll be more of a methodical win than a sensational one, but it’s Indiana. Just win, Cignetti.

Indiana 30, Minnesota 10
Latest Consensus Line: Indiana -20.5, o/u: 40.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Michigan at Rutgers: Quick Hits

• Michigan gets the rivalry game against Michigan State next before closing with at Oregon, UCLA, and at Ohio State.
• Rutgers goes to Wisconsin next before hosting Nebraska.
• Michigan is 9-1 against Rutgers, last winning 31-7 in 2023. The Scarlet Knight win came in 2014.

How To Watch Michigan at Rutgers

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 12:30 PM ET
TV: Big Ten Network
Location: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Michigan Will Win

The defense is the truth.

It’s been lost in the season’s narrative, but the Michigan defense has yet to allow more than 20 points, it’s third overall in total defense, and it’s been able to keep the season alive with no help whatsoever from the other side.

No one has thrown more interceptions than Rutgers (12), and it’s been having a nightmare of a time finding any sort of consistency. It managed just 100 passing yards in the 42-14 loss to Northwestern, and 59 yards rushing in the 47-14 loss to Indiana. However …

Why Rutgers Will Win

The Michigan offense is sad.

To be fair, part of the plan is to do just enough to get by and let the defense win games by holding up, but the Indiana game could’ve been played for 294 quarters, and the Wolverine offense still wouldn’t have come up with a touchdown in the 13-6 loss.

The passing game is 127th in the nation, the offense as a whole is 130th, and the 52-17 win over UTEP was the only time it pushed past 21 points.

As long as the Rutgers defense can hold up just a little bit and keep the game close, the offense has a puncher’s chance of finding something that can work. The Scarlet Knight punting game is fantastic – it needs to keep the field flipped.

Michigan at Rutgers Prediction, Betting Lines

The Michigan defense will do what it does, but the Michigan offense will also do what it doesn’t do, at least for a little while. It won’t be perfect, but the Wolverines will take full control as the offense finally busts out a little bit with a running game that rumbles for well over 200 yards.

Michigan 30, Rutgers 15
Latest Consensus Line: Michigan -15.5, o/u: 44.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Auburn vs Ole Miss: Quick Hits

• Ole Miss doesn’t get any chance to rest with Georgia up next and a trip to Oklahoma to follow.
• Auburn gets a bit of a break with Arkansas coming to The Plains next, followed by a date against the Kamario Taylor-less Mississippi State team. And then it’s Samford to tune up for the showdown against Alabama.
• Ole Miss won the last two in the surprisingly short series – the two have only played 48 times. Auburn leads 35-13.

How To Watch Auburn vs Ole Miss

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 12:45 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Auburn Will Win

The Tigers have to run well

The Auburn offense hasn’t quite kicked it all in like it was expected to, but it’s effective enough – it should be able to move the ball against the okay Rebel defense.

The style that doesn’t control the clock won’t matter too much against an Ole Miss attack that keeps the ball for around 27 minutes a game. However, when the Auburn style of mass plays works – like, getting off 65 or more and running at least 35 times, good things happen.

Auburn is 4-1 when running for 130 yards or more, but, and Ole Miss is 0-2 when giving up more than 175. Auburn ran for 186 yards against Tennessee and 192 against Georgia.

Why Ole Miss Will Win

To beat Ole Miss, the running game has to really work, and Auburn isn’t there yet.

It’s an effective and balanced Tiger attack, but it only hit the 200-yard rushing mark once, and that was against Southern Miss. The Auburn offensive line isn’t bad, but the scheme and style end up allowing way too many plays behind the line. The Ole Miss pass rush is just okay, but the line is great at getting into the backfield.

And then there’s the offensive side. Different teams, different styles of the same fast-paced attack, but Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels do it a little better.

Auburn vs Ole Miss Prediction, Betting Lines

Auburn is playing everyone tough. Ole Miss will win, but it’ll be a four-quarter fight, with both teams controlling the tempo and narrative for stretches. The defenses will take over early, and then the offenses will start hitting the big shots in the second half.

Two fourth quarter Lucas Carneiro field goals will put it away for the Rebels.

Ole Miss 35, Auburn 23
Latest Consensus Line: Ole Miss -12.5, o/u: 57.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Miami vs North Carolina: Quick Hits

• North Carolina goes to UConn after this before hosting Louisville.
• Miami has that date at Notre Dame next, and then it closes out with three straight home games against Duke, Virginia Tech, and Boston College.
• The Tar Heels won the last matchup 41-31 in 2023 as part of a run of five straight wins going back to a 2018 47-10 loss.

How To Watch Miami vs North Carolina

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Miami Will Win

North Carolina’s pass defense isn’t working. It’s okay at keeping quarterbacks from getting consistently hot, but it has allowed 215 yards or more in each of the last five games. There’s an occasional pass rush, but not enough of one to keep opposing passers from getting comfortable.

Miami’s Darian Mensah is standing out in a season when so many top quarterbacks are stepping back. He’s been brilliant, hitting 81% of his passes with 22 touchdown passes and just one interception. If the Tar Heels can’t dial up the pass rush, they’ll get picked apart.

Why North Carolina Will Win

The Miami secondary is getting lit up like a Christmas tree.

It’s partly because the other side has to throw to keep up, but it’s also because there are a few issues, giving up over 300 yards in three of the last four games, allowing 295 to Clemson, and even Central Michigan’s trio of quarterbacks connected on 80% of their passes – but, not to be misleading, those Chippewa throws went nowhere in a 52-3 loss.

It’s the run defense that has to hold up, though. North Carolina has been fine, for the most part, when hit by big plays through the air. It’s when it’s getting gouged on the ground that there’s a problem, going 0-3 when allowing more than 150 yards – and most of Clemson’s rushing yards in its win came on a few late drives.

Miami vs North Carolina Prediction, Betting Lines

Miami will pull this off, but it’ll be pushed.

The Bill Belichick defense will get to Mensah and into the backfield better than anyone else has so far. Again, this isn’t a Miami team that’s had to deal with a slew of killers, but the battle-tested win over Florida State was a big plus. It won’t buckle when this gets close late.

And then, to paraphrase the man on the other side, “we on to South Bend.”

Miami 30, North Carolina 23
Latest Consensus Line: Miami -14.5, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Illinois vs Maryland: Quick Hits

• Maryland goes on the road for two of its next three games before closing with Penn State – it goes to Purdue next.
• Illinois hosts Nebraska next, before making the trip to UCLA.
• Illinois won the last meeting 31-24 in 2024 and has won four of the last five.

How To Watch Illinois vs Maryland

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Location: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Illinois Will Win

Maryland needs all the help it can get, and that includes getting a slew of Illinois mistakes. The Illini have only been hit for 30 penalties and have turned it over just five times in the first seven games.

How did Illinois beat Oregon? Enough was apparently enough for an inconsistent running game that underwhelmed a bit too often.

The Illini pounded away for a season-high 225 yards, and the offensive line should have similar success against a Terp front that got hammered for over 200 yards in three of the last four games.

Why Maryland Will Win

Let it rip.

The Maryland offense isn’t turning it over lately, but against the Illini, the Terp offense has to start hitting more big plays, and at the same time, quarterback Malik Washington needs to be far more accurate.

He’s struggling to hit half of his passes in Big Ten play, but after the coaching change, he and the offense have to figure out which way to go. Take more deep shots and open it up, or start hitting the midrange throws.

Illinois has allowed over 200 passing yards in every game and is getting feasted on by Big Ten quarterbacks.

Illinois vs Maryland Prediction, Betting Lines

Maryland will come out with renewed energy, but there won’t be new defensive players.

The win over Oregon might be a mirage for Illinois, and nothing has come easy, but the offense will perk up in the fourth quarter to spoil Abdul-Rahim’s debut.

Illinois 30, Maryland 26
Latest Consensus Line: Illinois -2.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

SMU vs Syracuse: Quick Hits

• Syracuse is in the midst of three home games in four weeks, closing it out against Clemson next.
• SMU deals with Virginia Tech and Wake Forest at home next before going to Notre Dame.
• SMU beat Syracuse 31-18 last year and 16-6 in 1932. Those were the only two times the two schools played.

How To Watch SMU vs Syracuse

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why SMU Will Win

The Mustang offense has kicked it into high gear. The yards were there early on, but they were offset by a boatload of turnovers. With nine turnovers in four games – including three in the loss to Louisville – there was a problem.

The offense toned it down a wee bit, played it a little safer with the passing game, and voila – no turnovers in three games, and three double-digit wins.

Meanwhile, Syracuse concentrated ten turnovers into four games. Three of them were losses, and the other was an overtime win over a UConn team the Orange should’ve whacked by 20. The pressure from the SMU defense should force a few errors.

Why Syracuse Will Win

Syracuse has its guy back.

Starting quarterback Steve Angeli returned from a devastating injury that cost him most of last year, and he struggled to start the season. After missing three games hurt, he returned against North Carolina and rolled for 256 yards and two scores with no picks. He might not be accurate enough, but he makes plays.

The Orange are great at controlling games and keeping the tempo at their pace. The penalties that were a problem have slowed down, and they should be able to throw the Mustangs off their rhythm.

SMU vs Syracuse Prediction, Betting Lines

Can Syracuse convert their third down plays to own the time of possession battle? It’s 3-0 when converting at least 42% of their chances, and 0-4 when they don’t.

SMU is fourth in the nation in third down defense, keeping teams to around a 27% conversion rate. The Orange will keep this close, but the Mustang defense will keep getting off the field when it absolutely has to.

SMU 31, Syracuse 26
Latest Consensus Line: SMU -10.5, o/u: 57.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 4
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Kent State vs Sacramento State: Quick Hits

• Sacramento State has one more home game left, hosting Toledo after this before going to Central Michigan and Hawaii.
• Kent State is starting with three road games in the final four dates, going to Bowling Green next week.
• No, this isn’t the furthest west Kent State has gone for a game. It went to Hawaii twice, losing 49-17 in 1993 and won 27-6 in 1976.

How To Watch Kent State vs Sacramento State

Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Game Time: 10:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Hornet Stadium, Sacramento, CA
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Kent State Will Win

Sacramento State doesn’t score. It can’t run the ball, the passing game doesn’t work, and it’s not able to put up points when it gets in range, scoring 17 points or fewer in all seven FBS games, and ten or fewer in five of them.

Kent State’s defense held Ball State to 210 yards in the 26-13 Golden Flash win in late September. That’s the same Ball State team that cranked up 417 yards and 34 points in the 17-point win over Sacramento State six days ago.

Why Sacramento State Will Win

There’s not scoring, and there’s the Kent State offense when it doesn’t work.

The Golden Flashes might be 3-5, but they have a rough time on the road. Four games, 12 points. No, not 12 points per game, 12 points total in the four road dates.

And no, Sacramento State isn’t Ohio State, South Carolina, Western Michigan, and USF – Kent State’s four road games – but this might be the one team the Hornets can hang with in a low-scoring fight.

Old Dominion is dead last in the nation in total offense. Kent State is the second-worst, averaging 286 yards per game.

Kent State vs Sacramento State Prediction, Betting Lines

Bowling Green has the fourth-worst offense in America, and it beat Sacramento State 38-10 in Hornet Stadium.

Ball State is 111th in the nation in offense, and it easily beat the Hornets 34-17. Kent State won’t roll at will, but it’ll come up with a few points when it gets a chance – field position will matter.

Kent State 30, Sacramento State 16
Latest Consensus Line: Kent State -8.5, o/u: 46.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 4
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

5. Auburn at Ole Miss

12:45 p.m. ET
SEC Network
Line: Ole Miss -13.5
Not only does Ole Miss have to play this without stud running back Kewan Lacy, but it also gets Auburn at the worst possible time. Ole Miss is coming off a heartbreaking loss at Texas and welcomes Georgia to town next week. In the middle it gets an Auburn team that has essentially nothing to lose and that has already knocked off Georgia this month.

4. Ohio State at USC

7:30 p.m. ET
NBC
Line: Ohio State -6.5
After last week’s showing at Wisconsin, there is no way USC can compete with mighty Ohio State, right? Well, if USC is ever going to win a big game under Lincoln Riley, doesn’t this have to be it?

Ohio State is (likely) trotting out freshman Luke Fahey as a replacement for the injured Julian Sayin, and that brings issues. Can Bo Jackson take over the run game for Ohio State to keep the offense moving?

3. SMU at Syracuse

12 p.m. ET
ESPN2
Line: SMU -10
Did Syracuse figure a few things out last week in its upset win at North Carolina? One thing is for certain: good Steve Angeli is hard to beat – the former Notre Dame quarterback has five touchdowns and zero interceptions in two wins as a starter. He’s thrown just one touchdown and five picks in two losses, though.

SMU hasn’t looked good in either of its two road games this season, and the most recent one was over a month ago when it lost at Louisville.

2. Arizona at Texas Tech

12:00 p.m. ET
ESPN
Line: Texas Tech -3.5
Texas Tech should be refocused coming off a tough loss at Cincinnati, but can overly vocal mega-boosters add pressure to a team already feeling it?

Arizona brings one of the nation’s best teams at converting third downs (54.7%, 3rd nationally) while Texas Tech ranks 65th in stopping third downs. Factor in a Texas Tech offense that has struggled mightily in the red zone while Arizona’s defense inside the 20 has been elite, and the Red Raiders have reason for concern.

1. Utah at Cincinnati

3:45 p.m. ET
ESPN
Line: Utah -6.5
How often do we see a Western team get a huge win and then have to go on the road next week, and proceed to lay an egg?

We just saw it with BYU when the Cougars beat Notre Dame but got upset at UCF. Utah has to travel to take on a better Cincinnati team than the UCF squad BYU faced. How does it handle success against a team that just worked over previously unbeaten Texas Tech?

Be afraid, Utah. Be very, very afraid.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER

Baylor vs UCF: Quick Hits

• Baylor has the home date against Iowa State next, and then there’s a problem – at BYU, Texas Tech, at Houston.
• UCF goes to Kansas after this, and then plays Arizona State, Iowa State, and goes to Colorado. None of those four are likely to go to a bowl game.
• It’s the fourth meeting between the two. Baylor won 30-3 last year and won 36-35 in 2023, but UCF won a wild 52-42 Fiesta Bowl to end the 2013 season.

How To Watch Baylor vs UCF

Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Acrisure Bounce House, Orlando, FL
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Baylor Will Win

The defense is taking the ball away in bunches. The run defense has been fantastic – Kansas ripped it up last week, but that was an anomaly – but the takeaways have been the biggest help, with 13 overall and at least two in four games.

UCF doesn’t have to get the running game going to win, but it’s a huge help going 4-1 when running for more than 100 yards. Baylor has held four teams to under 100, but …

Why UCF Will Win

UCF isn’t having a problem with turnovers. It has only given it up seven times, didn’t turn it over against BYU, and it’s +5 overall in turnover margin.

So really, how did UCF beat BYU? The running game was effective enough – even if it wasn’t dominant – and the passing game was fearless, and that’s how the Knights have to play. They don’t have to bomb away, but they should take the midrange plays against a Baylor pass defense that can get to the quarterback but is susceptible to quick hits.

Baylor vs UCF Prediction, Betting Lines

UCF needs to capitalize on the momentum, and it will.

The Knights are 4-0 in the Bounce House, and 0-3 away from it. Baylor hung 55 at Arizona State and suffered two one-point losses away from Waco, but now it has to deal with the coaching drama and all the changes. The team will play hard and well for Klanderman, but the UCF offense will be just a bit more effective.

UCF 24, Baylor 20
Latest Consensus Line: Baylor -1.5, o/u: 48.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Tulane vs Charlotte: Quick Hits

• Tulane gets a home date against Tulsa next week before going to Rice.
• Charlotte travels to UAB next week and then hosts East Carolina.
• Tulane is 2-0 against the 49ers, winning 27-0 in 2025 and 34-3 in 2024.

How To Watch Tulane vs Charlotte

Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte, NC
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Tulane Will Win

Tulane has issues on third downs, but Charlotte really has problems on third and fourth downs on both sides of the ball.

The Green Wave will be fine in a war of attrition, with defense and field position getting the job done. There’s no worry about long, sustained 49er drives unless the midrange passing game gets going. The Tulane defense has tightened up considerably over the last few weeks, and as long as it keeps Charlotte from hitting 70% of its throws.

Why Charlotte Will Win

Quarterback Conner Harrell is coming off a whale of a game. The senior ran for two scores in the win over Temple, and he hit 74% of his passes for 281 yards and two scores. There’s one key part to that – Charlotte converted 60% of its third down tries after not getting to 24% in any of the other five games against FBS teams.

Tulane doesn’t care about the time of possession battle – it’s 135th in the nation with its quick-paced style – so Charlotte has to limit its turnovers, keep its defense on the sideline, and …

Tulane vs Charlotte Prediction, Betting Lines

Charlotte finally put it all together against Temple, and there really is hope that this will start to get better over the last month of the season to set the tone for 2027, but Tulane will take over right away with the ground game.

The Green Wave are 3-0 when running for more than 130 yards per game. Charlotte allowed 127 or more in every game, and it’ll get hit for at least 150 in this.

Tulane 31, Charlotte 16
Latest Consensus Line: Tulane -9.5, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Troy vs James Madison: Quick Hits

• Troy gets two of its last three games at home, hosting Louisiana Tech next before going to South Alabama.
• James Madison goes to Southern Miss and then has a non-conference road game at UConn before closing with Coastal Carolina.
• James Madison is 2-0 against Troy, winning 16-14 in 2023 to go along with last year’s Sun Belt Championship.

How To Watch Troy vs James Madison

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, VA
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Troy Will Win

For all of the really good things James Madison does, it struggles a bit too much on third downs, and it hurts itself with too many penalties. The ten against App State were a season high, but it’s more like a steady flow of flags that disrupt the team than any sort of massive glut of penalties.

Troy has to get its running game going. App State got stuffed by the Duke defense, but Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and Marshall all combined for over close to five yards per carry against this defense. Troy is 3-0 when running for 170 yards or more, but …

Why James Madison Will Win

The James Madison run defense doesn’t give up bulk yards. San Diego State ran for close to 200 yards, and Georgia State ran for 188, but there wasn’t any drama in either Duke wins.

Troy doesn’t have an efficient enough passing game to overcome the lack of a ground attack. As long as James Madison can steadily keep things moving, and avoid allowing Troy to dominate the clock, it should be fine.

Troy vs James Madison Prediction, Betting Lines

James Madison will be methodical.

Troy will be competitive, but it lost all three road games so far by double-digits even though it played relatively well defensively. Don’t expect anything flashy out of the Dukes. They’ll march on efficient scoring drives, and Troy won’t be able to keep up.

James Madison 37, Troy 13
Latest Consensus Line: James Madison -20.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Ohio State vs USC: Quick Hits

• It doesn’t get any easier for USC with a trip to Indiana next after a week off, and then Maryland, and it all closes at UCLA.
• Ohio State finishes with three of its last four games in Columbus, hosting Oregon next week. The road game is at Nebraska.
• This is the first time these two have met since a 24-7 Ohio State win in the 2017 Cotton Bowl. USC has won seven or the last eight in the series goning back to the 1974 Rose Bowl.

How To Watch Ohio State vs USC

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: NBC
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Ohio State Will Win

USC just isn’t that great.

It has a wonderful 6-2 record, quarterback Jayden Maiava is terrific, and there’s still pop and explosion to worry about, but there are flaws. It beat Washington and Penn State, but lost at home to a struggling Oregon, and couldn’t get anything going against the Badgers.

Ohio State isn’t the Ohio State of previous seasons, but it’s still good enough to beat anyone else this year. To win, the Buckeyes have to screw up, but USC doesn’t take the ball away with just six turnovers forced on the season, and there’s little running game to worry about. USC ran well on Rutgers and Louisiana, and that’s about it.

Slow down the midrange USC passing game, slow down USC.

Why USC Will Win

If Ohio State didn’t exactly go turn-it-loose full-throttle with Julian Sayin under center, what will it do with Luke Fahey and/or Tavien St. Clair?

Both are talented prospects, and no matter who is under center, there’s still Jeremiah Smith and a loaded receiving corps to throw to, but this is where the offense has to rely on the running game, and it might not be able to do it.

The Buckeyes are averaging a pedestrian four yards per carry, and were stuffed by Indiana two weeks ago, gaining just 37 yards. Fahey missed both of his throws against Indiana, and St. Clair has only seen the lightest of mop-up work so far.

Ohio State vs USC Prediction, Betting Lines

Which team has another gear?

Can USC’s run defense ball out, and can Jayden Maiava play like the best quarterback on the field? Or will the Ohio State defense step up and keep the big pass plays to a minimum?

Yes, Indiana came within a few inches from beating Ohio State, but Josh Hoover only hit 50% of his passes, and only Arch Manning has been able to complete more than 56% against the Buckeyes. Maiava will have a nice day, but the Trojans will stall a bit too often.

It won’t be pretty, but the Buckeyes will take advantage of a few good field position chances to survive and advance in a relatively low-scoring game.

Ohio State 23, USC 16
Latest Consensus Line: Ohio State -6.5, o/u: 51.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Florida vs Georgia: Quick Hits

• Florida hosts Oklahoma, goes to Kentucky, and ends with Vanderbilt to close its SEC slate after this.
• Georgia follows this up with another nasty date on the road at Ole Miss. The conference season finishes up with Missouri and a trip to South Carolina.
• It will forever be a dispute. If you’re Florida, the all-time series record is 44-57-2. If you’re Georgia, it’s 58-44-2 – the Gators don’t believe in the 52-0 loss in 1904.

How To Watch Florida vs Georgia

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Florida Will Win

Florida under new head coach Jon Sumrall has to go full Florida under new head coach Jon Sumrall. That means the offense has to dominate the time of possession, control things with the running game, and more than anything else, it has to find a way to own the turnover margin.

As good as the Georgia defense is, Alabama was able to rumble for 5.6 yards per carry against it. Two weeks ago, Auburn used its fast tempo to get up to 46 carries for 192 yards; combined it with three takeaways, and it won.

Star running back Jadan Baugh has to get going early and get the ground game to at least 150 yards, and no matter what for the offense, it can’t turn the ball over, much less three times, like it did against South Carolina.

Why Georgia Will Win

There are two sides to the turnover margin. No, Florida doesn’t have a turnover problem, but it’s not taking the ball away a lick lately, with just one takeaway over the last three games. The two times it didn’t force a turnover were the two losses.

Georgia’s lines are better, the run defense is nasty, and the pass rush should get to the Florida quarterbacks. And, again, the turnovers.

The Auburn game was the only time, other than the opener against Tennessee State, when the defense didn’t force a takeaway. Just don’t force anything and give Florida breaks, and all should be okay.

Basically, Georgia can block and tackle better.

Florida vs Georgia Prediction, Betting Lines

It’s okay to still be a tad shell-shocked over the way Florida was totally shut down in a 45-17 loss to Missouri, and no, the win over Texas, while nice, was more about the defense being tougher against a Longhorn team that couldn’t be tighter.

And then there’s the real kicker – the Florida quarterbacks. Aaron Philo is still trying to get past a shoulder injury that kept him out of the Texas game, and while Tramell Jones Jr. was great two weeks ago, the Dawgs should get to him.

It’s still Florida vs Georgia, no matter where it’s played. This will be a fight for three quarters, and then the Bulldog defense will take over late for the program’s sixth straight win in the series.

Georgia 34, Florida 23
Latest Consensus Line: Georgia -11.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Florida Atlantic vs North Texas: Quick Hits

• North Texas blew through Tulsa, Charlotte, and Navy, and from here on, the November 21 trip to Tulane is the only time the Mean Green leave Texas the rest of the way.
• Florida Atlantic gets two home games in three weeks, starting with a showdown with American leader UTSA.
• North Texas won the last meeting 41-37 in 2024 and has won the last three, going back to the Conference USA Championship loss to Lane Kiffin’s Owls in 2017.

How To Watch Florida Atlantic vs North Texas

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: DATCU Stadium, Denton, TX
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Florida Atlantic Will Win

Florida Atlantic doesn’t care a whole lot about running the ball, but that’s because it’s so busy winging it all around the yards.

The Owls are eighth in the nation in passing, averaging 312 yards per game, only failing to hit 300 yards twice. Once was in a loss to Florida, throwing for 276 yards, and the other came in a bizarre 16-10 win over FIU when the offense threw for 204 yards.

North Texas is 0-2 when allowing more than 218 passing yards. Caden Veltkamp will throw for more than 218 yards.

Why North Texas Will Win

Defense, schmefense. Only Oregon State is throwing for more yards per game than North Texas – the Mean Green are averaging 341 yards per game – but it’s more than that.

This bunch can run, play with tempo, and even crank it down a bit when it absolutely has to. North Texas is fourth in the nation in total offense, second behind Miami in scoring.

The Mean Green are about to go full throttle on a Florida Atlantic defense that just got hit with 608 yards and 49 points in a win over Rice, and hasn’t been close all year against the run.

Florida Atlantic vs North Texas Prediction, Betting Lines

Florida Atlantic will throw, North Texas will run, and each one will throw everything at the wall to try stopping the other.

North Texas has scored 44 points or more in all five of its wins, Florida Atlantic scored 45 or more in three of its last four, and …

Just watch and enjoy the eye-candy – and respect the North Texas pass rush that will do just enough to get off the field a few times in the fourth quarter.

North Texas 48, Florida Atlantic 38
Latest Consensus Line: North Texas -13.5, o/u: 77.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Wisconsin vs Iowa: Quick Hits

• Wisconsin is starting a run of three road games in the next four, hosting Rutgers next week before going to Maryland and Purdue.
• Iowa goes on the road in two of the last three weeks, with trips to Northwestern and Illinois wrapped around Purdue.
• It’s the 100th meeting between the two programs. Wisconsin is up 49-48-2, but Iowa has won the last four, including the last two in 2024 and 2025 by a combined score of 79-10.

How To Watch Wisconsin vs Iowa

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Wisconsin Will Win

USC is incredibly overrated this season and doesn’t have nearly the pop or production to go along with the brand name, but still, the Running Back U of college football programs – the school of Bush, and Charles White, and LenDale White, and Garrett, and OJ, and Allen, and Davis, was stuffed for -18 yards on 25 carries last week in Madison.

The Wisconsin defense was all over the USC ground game a week after holding UCLA to a Bruin season-low 120 yards in a 17-7 Badger loss. The defense had one really rough second half against Notre Dame in the season opener, and that’s it.

The Badgers held Penn State’s offense to 13 points – the Nittany Lions got a pick six – meaning they’ve allowed 13 points or fewer in five of the last six games, to go along with the 17 against UCLA.

Why Iowa Will Win

Wisconsin has become, well … Iowa.

Defense, field position, the return game, sound offense – sound familiar? And no one comes into Kinnick and out-Iowas, Iowa.

Yes, the Badgers stuffed the USC running game, but Jayden Maiava and the Trojans were able to throw a little bit, hitting 62% of their passes to dink and dunk down the field. Michigan State and Penn State weren’t able to throw on Wisconsin, but USC and everyone else hit at least 60% of their passes.

Iowa is 4-0 when connecting on 60% or more of its throws, and 1-3 when it doesn’t.

Wisconsin vs Iowa Prediction, Betting Lines

Iowa has been held to under 100 rushing yards four times. The losses to Ohio State and Minnesota, the 16-13 win over Iowa State, and the minor-miracle 20-19 win at Michigan.

The Iowa running game has been feast-or-famine – totally dominating in the wins over everyone but Michigan. It’s not going to dominate against this Badger defense, but …

Wisconsin isn’t completing passes. This will be about field position, mistakes, and one big play in a tough dogfight. Like the loss at UCLA, the Badgers will play well, and it won’t be enough on the road.

Iowa 16, Wisconsin 13
Latest Consensus Line: Iowa -3.5, o/u: 36.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4.5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Jacksonville State vs New Mexico State: Quick Hits

• Jacksonville State gets a relative layup against Sam Houston next, with a trip to Western Kentucky to follow.
• New Mexico State is starting a run of three home games in the next four, with the showdown with Liberty next, followed by a trip to Missouri State.
• This is just the third game between the two, with Jacksonville State winning 54-13 in 2024 and New Mexico State winning 23-20 in 2023.

How To Watch Jacksonville State vs New Mexico State

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, NM
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Jacksonville State Will Win

This isn’t the running team of past years, but the offense pivoted to more of a short-range, accurate passing game. Caden Creel has been brilliant for an offense hitting 70% or more of its passes in five of the last six games.

The New Mexico State pass defense is struggling, and the fast-paced Gamecock attack should keep things moving.

Why New Mexico State Will Win

You want pace? Here comes the New Mexico State offense that keeps defenses on their heels. The idea is to get its own passing game going, but the offense is at its best when the running attack is finding wide-open holes to run through.

The style, when it’s working, gets backs in space for carry after carry, and there has to be a lot of them. New Mexico State is 3-0 when running for more than 140 yards, and Jacksonville State is 0-2 when allowing teams to run more than 40 times.

Jacksonville State vs New Mexico State Prediction, Betting Lines

Both offenses will trade possessions with their respective fast-paced styles. For whatever reason, Jacksonville State is far sharper at home with the passing game.

New Mexico State’s run defense will hold up to overcome a few problems in the secondary. It’ll match a late field goal from Jacksonville State’s Garrison Rippa with a walk-off in the final moments of a fantastic game.

New Mexico State 26, Jacksonville State 24
Latest Consensus Line: Jacksonville State -3.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Arizona vs Texas Tech: Quick Hits

• Texas Tech still has to go to Oklahoma State, but it doesn’t have to face BYU or Utah, and the other three games against West Virginia, at Baylor, and TCU aren’t bad.
• Arizona gets three of its final four games at home, getting TCU and Utah next before going to Kansas State and finishing up against Arizona State.
• Texas Tech won the most recent matchup 28-22 in 2024 and is 5-2-1 in the series going back to 1975.

How To Watch Arizona vs Texas Tech

Arizona at Texas Tech 
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Galaxy Stadium, Lubbock, TX
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Arizona Will Win

For the second time all year, Texas Tech played someone who could run well, and Cincinnati went off in the 13-point win.

Houston can run. It ran 37 times for 175 yards against the Red Raiders, and lost when it couldn’t hit a late two-point conversion. Cincinnati wasn’t exactly more physical, but it found space on the way to a 255-yard day with big run after big run.

Arizona’s running game isn’t a killer, but it’s more than effective enough, working hand-in-hand with super-accurate quarterback Noah Fifita and an offense that’s great at keeping the chains moving.

Why Texas Tech Will Win

Arizona doesn’t take the ball away enough, and that matters in a huge way here.

The Wildcats forced two takeaways in the win over Washington State, and two more in the win over West Virginia. That’s about it, coming up with six on the year.

Texas Tech has a huge problem with turnovers, with three against Cincinnati, two against Houston, and ten in the last five games. Don’t turn it over, or at least stay even in the mistake battle, and the Red Raiders should be fine.

Texas Tech has a great balance to its attack, and it needs to mix it up. BYU and West Virginia – in very different ways – both showed it’s possible to move the ball efficiently against the Wildcat defense.

Arizona vs Texas Tech Prediction, Betting Lines

Is Arizona ready to show that it’s really and truly a player, or will Texas Tech wipe away the Cincinnati loss like it was just a blip?

It’ll be a little of both, as Arizona controls the clock and tempo for the first half, but Texas Tech gets the pass rush working early in the second half. It’ll be rough for the Red Raiders without pressuring Fifita, and they won’t do enough of it over the final ten minutes.

Arizona 31, Texas Tech 30
Latest Consensus Line: Texas Tech -3.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4.5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Notre Dame vs Navy: Quick Hits

• Navy gets home games against Temple and Memphis next, and then goes to Charlotte to close out the American season before getting Army in a “non-conference” game in December.
• Notre Dame has the potential Game of the Season next against Miami as part of a three-game home run.
• Notre Dame beat Navy 49-10 last year and has won eight in a row since a 28-27 loss in 2016.

How To Watch Notre Dame vs Navy

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Navy Will Win

The Navy running game still works. It’s third in the nation behind Army and Air Force, averaging 308 yards per game, ripping off 363 yards and four scores in the 49-39 loss to North Texas last week.

BYU hardly ran wild on the Irish defense, but the 121 yards and four yards per carry were the best rushing performance by far against this bunch. If Navy can control the clock for long stretches of time, it has a chance.

Why Notre Dame Will Win

Forgetting for a moment that Notre Dame has the third-best run defense in America and has the corners to keep Navy from hitting the monster deep shots it needs, the most important thing here might be just this simple: The Irish don’t screw up.

Navy can’t take the same plane as Notre Dame talent-wise, so the only real hope is to capitalize on a slew of Irish mistakes.

Notre Dame is No. 1 in the nation in fewest penalties and penalty yards, and it has only turned the ball over twice.

Notre Dame vs Navy Prediction, Betting Lines

The worst thing to happen to Navy was Notre Dame’s BYU loss two weeks ago – this will be a focused team coming into Foxborough, and there shouldn’t be any thoughts about Miami next week.

Notre Dame has destroyed the Midshipmen by a combined score of 142-27 over the last three seasons. This time around won’t be pretty, either.

Notre Dame 52, Navy 6
Latest Consensus Line: Notre Dame -30.5, o/u: 57.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 4
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Kennesaw State vs Middle Tennessee: Quick Hits

• Kennesaw State has the easier part of the CUSA schedule after this with Delaware and a trip to Western Kentucky up next.
• Middle Tennessee gets Western Kentucky at home next week, with two road games to follow.
• Kennesaw State won 24-16 last year, and Middle Tennessee won 14-5 in 2024.

How To Watch Kennesaw State vs Middle Tennessee

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Location: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, TN
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Kennesaw State Will Win

What’s the problem? The downfield passing game isn’t there. The offense can dink and dunk, but the Owls don’t open up the offense enough. That might be okay as long as the yards are there, and the Middle Tennessee defense is allowing over 220 yards per game over the last five.

The Blue Raiders might be scoring, but overall this year they’re having an impossible time moving the chains – they have the nation’s second-worst offense in third-down conversions. If the Owls come up with third-down stops, they’ll stay alive.

Why Middle Tennessee Will Win

It’s an amazing thing when you don’t make a slew of massive mistakes.

Middle Tennessee has turned the ball over just four times on the year, and when it gave it away twice against Delaware, the team was only a -1 in turnover margin in the 33-30 win.

After getting flagged 34 times in the first four games, there have been just 17 in the last three games – seven fewer over those three dates than its opponents. Kennesaw State has been flagged a whopping 30 times over its last three games.

Kennesaw State vs Middle Tennessee Prediction, Betting Lines

Kennesaw State has been brutally close. It lost to Missouri State by three, Jacksonville State by one, and Arkansas State by three before getting rocked by a strong Liberty team.

Middle Tennessee will have to fight at home, but two takeaways will be the difference.

Middle Tennessee 26, Kennesaw State 23
Latest Consensus Line: Middle Tennessee -2.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Sam Houston vs Missouri State: Quick Hits

• Sam Houston goes to Jacksonville State next, and then comes a possible break with a home date against a struggling Kennesaw State.
• At FIU, New Mexico State, at Jacksonville State, Liberty – Missouri State will have to work to get another win after this week.
• This is the first time the two programs have met at the FBS level.

How To Watch Sam Houston vs Missouri State

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Robert W. Plaster Stadium, Springfield, MO
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Sam Houston Will Win

So what’s going right with the Bearkats? The offense is supposed to be the star under Longo, but it’s the defense that’s holding up despite all of the other issues. It’s third in the nation in pass defense, great on third downs, and now it gets a Bear team that’s struggling to move the chains.

Why Missouri State Will Win

Yeah, the Sam Houston pass defense is good, but that’s partly because the run defense gets destroyed for over 200 yards per game and five yards per carry.

Missouri State has a decent passing game, but it has to hand the ball off, and then do it again and again until the dam starts to break. Sam Houston doesn’t do anything on the defensive front to generate negative plays, and it’ll have problems late if Missouri State can run the ball over 30 times.

Sam Houston vs Missouri State Prediction, Betting Lines

Sam Houston has been close in a brutally frustrating season. Three of the losses came by six points or fewer, and it’ll keep this one close, too. Missouri State is 0-5 when giving up 30 points or more, and Sam Houston hasn’t scored more than 24 against an FBS team.

Missouri State 27, Sam Houston 21
Latest Consensus Line: Missouri State -5.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Delaware vs Western Kentucky: Quick Hits

• Western Kentucky starts a rough run of at Middle Tennessee, Jacksonville State, and at Liberty before finishing with Kennesaw State. It has to win this.
• Delaware starts a run of three road games in the next four, with Kennesaw State up next.
• The Hilltoppers beat Delaware 27-24 last year.

How To Watch Delaware vs Western Kentucky

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Location: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
– Week 9 Schedule, Game Previews
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– Predicting the First CFP Top 25
– CFN Week 9 Expert Picks

Why Delaware Will Win

Nick Minicucci is back and rolling again. The star quarterback was injured in the Virginia game, missed the first two key battles of the Conference USA season, and then ripped up Missouri State for 225 yards and five scores last week.

It’s a different Delaware team with him under center – he can run, too. The ground attack rumbled for 232 yards against the Bears, and now it gets a Western Kentucky defense that’s having a hard time against the run and can’t generate any consistent pressure.

Why Western Kentucky Will Win

It hasn’t always been pretty, and the offense isn’t nearly consistent enough. Now it’s time to turn the passing game loose.

Rodney Tisdale still leads the Hilltoppers in passing, but former Florida State quarterback Brock Glenn – most famous for being the one who stepped in late in the 2023 Seminoles season when star Jordan Travis went down and won the ACC title – has been good enough. He hasn’t been accurate, but he’s not making mistakes, and he should be able to rip up a Delaware secondary that got hit for 628 yards and five touchdowns over the last two weeks.

Delaware vs Western Kentucky Prediction, Betting Lines

It’s just the third home game of the season for Western Kentucky, and it’ll take advantage of it with the offense busting out of its shell, at least a little bit. It won’t be by choice – the Delaware offense will make the Hilltopper attack work.

WKU will hold up on third downs against a Blue Hen offense that, even with Minicucci, struggles to consistently keep the chains moving against good defenses.

Western Kentucky 30, Delaware 27
Latest Consensus Line: Western Kentucky -1.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Northwestern at Oregon

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Oregon -3.5
Big Game Ben: Oregon*
Andre Cherry: Northwestern
Riley Donald: Oregon
E: Oregon
Pete Fiutak: Oregon
John Kennedy: Northwestern
Jackson Langendorf: Oregon
Andrew Margolick: Oregon
Jake Margolick: Northwestern
Doug Millen: Oregon*
Connor O’Gara: Northwestern
Johnny Rosenstein: Oregon*
Nick Shepkowski: Northwestern
Clucko the Chicken: Oregon
Consensus Pick: Oregon*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Notre Dame at Navy

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Notre Dame -30.5
Big Game Ben: Notre Dame
Andre Cherry: Notre Dame*
Riley Donald: Notre Dame
E: Notre Dame
Pete Fiutak: Notre Dame
John Kennedy: Notre Dame
Jackson Langendorf: Notre Dame
Andrew Margolick: Notre Dame*
Jake Margolick: Notre Dame
Doug Millen: Notre Dame*
Connor O’Gara: Notre Dame*
Johnny Rosenstein: Notre Dame
Nick Shepkowski: Notre Dame
Clucko the Chicken: Navy
Consensus Pick: Notre Dame
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Arizona at Texas Tech

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Texas Tech -3.5
Big Game Ben: Arizona
Andre Cherry: Arizona
Riley Donald: Texas Tech
E: Texas Tech
Pete Fiutak: Arizona
John Kennedy: Texas Tech
Jackson Langendorf: Texas Tech
Andrew Margolick: Texas Tech
Jake Margolick: Texas Tech
Doug Millen: Texas Tech*
Connor O’Gara: Arizona
Johnny Rosenstein: Texas Tech*
Nick Shepkowski: Texas Tech
Clucko the Chicken: Texas Tech
Consensus Pick: Texas Tech
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Wisconsin at Iowa

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Iowa -3.5
Big Game Ben: Wisconsin
Andre Cherry: Wisconsin
Riley Donald: Iowa
E: Iowa
Pete Fiutak: Iowa*
John Kennedy: Iowa
Jackson Langendorf: Iowa
Andrew Margolick: Wisconsin
Jake Margolick: Iowa
Doug Millen: Wisconsin
Connor O’Gara: Iowa
Johnny Rosenstein: Iowa
Nick Shepkowski: Wisconsin
Clucko the Chicken: Iowa
Consensus Pick: Iowa
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Auburn at Ole Miss

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Ole Miss -12.5
Big Game Ben: Ole Miss*
Andre Cherry: Ole Miss*
Riley Donald: Ole Miss
E: Ole Miss*
Pete Fiutak: Ole Miss*
John Kennedy: Ole Miss*
Jackson Langendorf: Ole Miss
Andrew Margolick: Ole Miss*
Jake Margolick: Ole Miss*
Doug Millen: Ole Miss*
Connor O’Gara: Ole Miss
Johnny Rosenstein: Ole Miss*
Nick Shepkowski: Ole Miss
Clucko the Chicken: Auburn
Consensus Pick: Ole Miss*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Arizona State at BYU

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: BYU -16.5
Big Game Ben: BYU
Andre Cherry: BYU*
Riley Donald: BYU
E: BYU
Pete Fiutak: BYU
John Kennedy: BYU*
Jackson Langendorf: BYU*
Andrew Margolick: BYU
Jake Margolick: BYU
Doug Millen: BYU*
Connor O’Gara: BYU
Johnny Rosenstein: BYU*
Nick Shepkowski: BYU
Clucko the Chicken: BYU
Consensus Pick: BYU
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Florida vs Georgia

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Georgia -10.5
Big Game Ben: Georgia
Andre Cherry: Georgia
Riley Donald: Georgia*
E: Georgia*
Pete Fiutak: Georgia*
John Kennedy: Georgia*
Jackson Langendorf: Georgia
Andrew Margolick: Georgia*
Jake Margolick: Georgia*
Doug Millen: Georgia*
Connor O’Gara: Georgia*
Johnny Rosenstein: Georgia*
Nick Shepkowski: Georgia*
Clucko the Chicken: Florida
Consensus Pick: Georgia*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Minnesota at Indiana

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Indiana -20.5
Big Game Ben: Indiana*
Andre Cherry: Indiana*
Riley Donald: Indiana
E: Indiana*
Pete Fiutak: Indiana*
John Kennedy: Indiana
Jackson Langendorf: Indiana*
Andrew Margolick: Indiana*
Jake Margolick: Indiana*
Doug Millen: Indiana*
Connor O’Gara: Indiana*
Johnny Rosenstein: Indiana*
Nick Shepkowski: Indiana*
Clucko the Chicken: Minnesota
Consensus Pick: Indiana*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Utah at Cincinnati

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Utah -6.5
Big Game Ben: Utah
Andre Cherry: Utah
Riley Donald: Utah
E: Utah
Pete Fiutak: Cincinnati
John Kennedy: Utah
Jackson Langendorf: Utah
Andrew Margolick: Utah
Jake Margolick: Utah
Doug Millen: Utah
Connor O’Gara: Cincinnati
Johnny Rosenstein: Utah*
Nick Shepkowski: Cincinnati
Clucko the Chicken: Utah
Consensus Pick: Utah
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Nevada at UCLA

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: UCLA -22.5
Big Game Ben: UCLA
Andre Cherry: UCLA
Riley Donald: UCLA
E:
Pete Fiutak: UCLA
John Kennedy: UCLA
Jackson Langendorf: UCLA*
Andrew Margolick: UCLA*
Jake Margolick: UCLA
Doug Millen: UCLA
Connor O’Gara: UCLA
Johnny Rosenstein: UCLA*
Nick Shepkowski: UCLA
Clucko the Chicken: UCLA
Consensus Pick: UCLA
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

South Carolina at Oklahoma

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Oklahoma -2.5
Big Game Ben: Oklahoma*
Andre Cherry: Oklahoma*
Riley Donald: Oklahoma
E: Oklahoma*
Pete Fiutak: South Carolina
John Kennedy: Oklahoma
Jackson Langendorf: Oklahoma
Andrew Margolick: Oklahoma
Jake Margolick: Oklahoma
Doug Millen: Oklahoma*
Connor O’Gara: South Carolina
Johnny Rosenstein: Oklahoma*
Nick Shepkowski: Oklahoma*
Clucko the Chicken: South Carolina
Consensus Pick: Oklahoma*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Clemson at Florida State

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Florida State -6.5
Big Game Ben: Florida State*
Andre Cherry: Clemson
Riley Donald: Floirda State*
E: Floirda State*
Pete Fiutak: Florida State*
John Kennedy: Florida State
Jackson Langendorf: Florida State*
Andrew Margolick: Florida State
Jake Margolick: Florida State
Doug Millen: Florida State*
Connor O’Gara: Florida State
Johnny Rosenstein: Florida State*
Nick Shepkowski: Clemson
Clucko the Chicken: Clemson
Consensus Pick: Florida State*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Miami at North Carolina

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Miami -14.5
Big Game Ben: Miami
Andre Cherry: Miami
Riley Donald: Miami
E: Miami*
Pete Fiutak: Miami*
John Kennedy: Miami
Jackson Langendorf: Miami
Andrew Margolick: Miami*
Jake Margolick: Miami*
Doug Millen: Miami*
Connor O’Gara: Miami*
Johnny Rosenstein: Miami*
Nick Shepkowski: Miami
Clucko the Chicken: North Carolina
Consensus Pick: Miami*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Ohio State at USC

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Ohio State -6.5
Big Game Ben: Ohio State
Andre Cherry: Ohio State
Riley Donald: Ohio State*
E: Ohio State*
Pete Fiutak: Ohio State
John Kennedy: Ohio State
Jackson Langendorf: Ohio State
Andrew Margolick: Ohio State*
Jake Margolick: USC
Doug Millen: Ohio State*
Connor O’Gara: Ohio State
Johnny Rosenstein: Ohio State*
Nick Shepkowski: Ohio State*
Clucko the Chicken: USC
Consensus Pick: Ohio State*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Mississippi State at Texas

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Texas -20.5
Big Game Ben: Texas*
Andre Cherry: Texas*
Riley Donald: Texas*
E: Texas*
Pete Fiutak: Texas
John Kennedy: Texas*
Jackson Langendorf: Texas*
Andrew Margolick: Texas
Jake Margolick: Texas*
Doug Millen: Texas*
Connor O’Gara: Texas
Johnny Rosenstein: Texas*
Nick Shepkowski: Texas
Clucko the Chicken: Mississippi State
Consensus Pick: Texas*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Missouri at Arkansas

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Missouri -9.5
Big Game Ben: Missouri
Andre Cherry: Arkansas
Riley Donald: Missouri
E: Missouri
Pete Fiutak: Missouri*
John Kennedy: Missouri
Jackson Langendorf: Missouri*
Andrew Margolick: Missouri
Jake Margolick: Missouri
Doug Millen: Missouri
Connor O’Gara: Missouri
Johnny Rosenstein: Missouri*
Nick Shepkowski: Missouri
Clucko the Chicken: Arkansas
Consensus Pick: Missouri
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Washington at Nebraska

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Nebraska -8.5
Big Game Ben: Nebraska*
Andre Cherry: Nebraska*
Riley Donald: Nebraska*
E: Nebraska*
Pete Fiutak: Nebraska*
John Kennedy: Nebraska
Jackson Langendorf: Nebraska*
Andrew Margolick: Nebraska
Jake Margolick: Nebraska*
Doug Millen: Nebraska*
Connor O’Gara: Nebraska*
Johnny Rosenstein: Nebraska*
Nick Shepkowski: Nebraska
Clucko the Chicken: Nebraska
Consensus Pick: Nebraska*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Delaware at Western Kentucky

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Delaware -1.5
Big Game Ben: Western Kentucky
Andre Cherry: Delaware
Riley Donald: Delaware
E: Western Kentucky
Pete Fiutak: Western Kentucky
John Kennedy: Western Kentucky
Jackson Langendorf: Western Kentucky
Andrew Margolick: Western Kentucky
Jake Margolick: Western Kentucky
Doug Millen: Western Kentucky
Connor O’Gara: Delaware
Johnny Rosenstein: Western Kentucky
Nick Shepkowski: Western Kentucky
Clucko the Chicken: Delaware
Consensus Pick: Western Kentucky
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Jacksonville State at New Mexico State

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Jacksonville State -3.5
Big Game Ben: Jacksonville State
Andre Cherry: Jacksonville State
Riley Donald: New Mexico State
E: Jacksonville State
Pete Fiutak: New Mexico State
John Kennedy: Jacksonville State
Jackson Langendorf: New Mexico State
Andrew Margolick: Jacksonville State*
Jake Margolick: Jacksonville State
Doug Millen: Jacksonville State
Connor O’Gara: New Mexico State
Johnny Rosenstein: Jacksonville State
Nick Shepkowski: New Mexico State
Clucko the Chicken: New Mexico State
Consensus Pick: Jacksonville State
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Florida Atlantic at North Texas

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: North Texas -13.5
Big Game Ben: North Texas
Andre Cherry: North Texas*
Riley Donald: North Texas
E: North Texas*
Pete Fiutak: North Texas*
John Kennedy: North Texas*
Jackson Langendorf: North Texas
Andrew Margolick: North Texas
Jake Margolick: North Texas*
Doug Millen: North Texas*
Connor O’Gara: North Texas*
Johnny Rosenstein: North Texas*
Nick Shepkowski: North Texas*
Clucko the Chicken: Florida Atlantic
Consensus Pick: North Texas*
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Troy at James Madison

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: James Madison -20.5
Big Game Ben: James Madison*
Andre Cherry: James Madison*
Riley Donald: James Madison
E: James Madison
Pete Fiutak: James Madison
John Kennedy: James Madison
Jackson Langendorf: James Madison
Andrew Margolick: James Madison*
Jake Margolick: James Madison
Doug Millen: James Madison
Connor O’Gara: James Madison
Johnny Rosenstein: James Madison*
Nick Shepkowski: James Madison
Clucko the Chicken: Troy
Consensus Pick: James Madison
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb

Tulane at Charlotte

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Tulane -8.5
Big Game Ben: Tulane
Andre Cherry: Tulane
Riley Donald: Tulane
E: Tulane
Pete Fiutak: Tulane
John Kennedy: Tulane
Jackson Langendorf: Tulane*
Andrew Margolick: Tulane*
Jake Margolick: Tulane
Doug Millen: Tulane
Connor O’Gara: Tulane
Johnny Rosenstein: Tulane
Nick Shepkowski: Charlotte
Clucko the Chicken: Charlotte
Consensus Pick: Tulane
Del at WKU | Jax St at NMSU | FAU at UNT
Troy at JMU | Tul at Char | Baylor at UCF
Kent St at Sac St | NW at UO | ND at Navy
Arizona at TT | Wis at Iowa | Aub at Ole Miss
ASU at BYU | Fla at UGa | Minn at Indiana
Utah at Cin | Nev at UCLA | SoCar at OU
Clem at FSU | Miami at NC | Ohio St at USC
Miss St at Texas | Miz at Ark | Wash at Neb