College football Week 9 brings a slate of intriguing matchups, and SportsLine expert Mike Tierney has constructed two three-team money-line parlays — one featuring favorites, the other underdogs — for bettors to consider. Tierney, a veteran sportswriter with work in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, holds a 121-103 record over the past two college football seasons.
Favorites Parlay
Louisiana Tech vs. South Alabama: Louisiana Tech has pitched consecutive shutouts, winning by a combined 50-0. South Alabama quarterback Jared Hollins struggled recently, going 12-for-33 passing. The Bulldogs have won four straight.
Illinois vs. Maryland: Maryland's defense has allowed 54, 48, 45, and 37 points in Big Ten play. Illinois has righted the ship with wins over Michigan State and Oregon, and freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II impressed in his first start.
Utah vs. Cincinnati: Utah remains unbeaten and eyes a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff berth. Quarterback Devon Dampier has 20 total touchdowns. Cincinnati's defense gave up 76 points and 986 yards in its two games before last week's win over Texas Tech. Utah beat Cincinnati 45-14 last year.
Underdogs Parlay
Wisconsin vs. Iowa: Wisconsin has allowed just nine points per game in its last three contests, holding USC without a single 20-plus-yard gain. Iowa's leading rusher Kamari Moulton is out for the season. The Badgers get a generous money line in a low-scoring affair.
Arizona vs. Texas Tech: Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, the No. 13 passer in FBS, has led the Wildcats to five straight wins, the last three by an average of 28 points. Texas Tech's replacement quarterback Will Hammond has thrown seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.
UConn vs. Air Force: UConn has scored 69 points in its last two games. Air Force is down to a third-string quarterback after Liam Szarka's season-ending injury and Evan Medders' doubtful status. UConn held Air Force to 16 points in a 10-point win in 2025.
Lines are taken from the most favorable odds among half a dozen sportsbooks recognized by SportsLine and may have shifted slightly by game time.
