The Week 9 college football schedule features several high-profile matchups, including the first-ever Big Ten meeting between No. 2 Ohio State and USC, the SEC rivalry between Florida and Georgia, and a clash between top-ranked Miami and North Carolina.
Ohio State vs. USC
The Buckeyes and Trojans meet for the 25th time, with Ohio State installed as a 6.5-point favorite. The Buckeyes will start a new quarterback after Julian Sayin was sidelined.
Florida vs. Georgia
The SEC rivals have met over 100 times, with Georgia winning the last five encounters. The Bulldogs are favored by 11.5 points for the game in Atlanta, with both teams coming off a bye week.
Miami vs. North Carolina
Top-ranked Miami faces North Carolina as a 14-point favorite, marking Bill Belichick's first matchup against a No. 1 team. Miami remains undefeated alongside No. 6 Utah and No. 7 UCLA.
Other Undefeated Teams in Action
Utah is a 7-point favorite at Cincinnati, which knocked off Texas Tech last week. UCLA is favored by 22.5 points in a non-conference game against Nevada.
Proven Computer Model Predictions
A proven computer model that simulates every FBS game 10,000 times entered Week 9 on a 68-59 run on top-rated picks, returning nearly $400 for every $100 wagered. The model has locked in picks for every FBS matchup.
Top Model Picks
The model recommends Mississippi State (+20.5) to cover at No. 11 Texas. Texas has covered just once in its last six games, and quarterback Arch Manning has nine turnovers this season. Texas is 3-9-1 against the spread since Manning became starter, while Mississippi State is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 road games. The Bulldogs pushed Texas to overtime last year, and the model projects them to stay within the spread in over 70% of simulations.
Another pick: Oregon (-3.5) to cover at home against No. 20 Northwestern. Northwestern has lost by double digits on each of its last three West Coast trips, including a 20-point home loss to Oregon last season. Northwestern's FBS wins have come against teams with a combined 12-25 record, with no victories over winning squads. The Wildcats allowed 244 rushing yards last week, and Oregon's backfield duo of Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill is forecasted for over 160 scrimmage yards. Oregon's defense ranks in the top 10 nationally in interceptions, and the model projects a Ducks victory by a touchdown, with the over hitting 60% of the time.
Additional Model Insights
The model also projects three point totals that are at least 10 points off the listed over/under lines.
Notable Week 9 Games and Odds (Saturday, Oct. 31)
Arizona at Texas Tech (-3.5, 54.5); Notre Dame at Navy (+30.5, 56.5); Auburn at Ole Miss (-12.5, 57.5); Florida at Georgia (-12.5, 55.5); Utah at Cincinnati (+6.5, 56.5); Northwestern at Oregon (-3.5, 47.5); South Carolina at Oklahoma (-4.5, 44.5); Clemson at Florida State (-6, 49.5); Miami at North Carolina (+14, 52.5); Mississippi State at Texas (-20.5, 50.5); Ohio State at USC (+6.5, 51.5).
