Five top-25 college football teams enter Week 9 facing significant upset potential ahead of the first College Football Playoff rankings release. No. 2 Ohio State travels to USC as a 6.5-point favorite with a true freshman quarterback expected to make his first start. No. 3 Georgia hosts Florida in Atlanta as an 11.5-point favorite but must avoid the turnover issues that cost them against Auburn. No. 6 Utah visits Cincinnati as a 6.5-point favorite while preparing for a looming showdown with BYU. No. 13 Texas Tech hosts No. 22 Arizona as a 3.5-point favorite after a loss at Cincinnati exposed defensive vulnerabilities. No. 23 Missouri visits Arkansas as a 9.5-point favorite in a rivalry where the Razorbacks are 2-10 since Missouri joined the SEC.
Ohio State at USC
Coach Ryan Day has not officially named a starter but true freshman Luke Fahey is expected to replace Julian Sayin. Day emphasized extra focus for the road game against a talented Trojans squad. The Buckeyes share the Big Ten lead with UCLA.
Georgia vs. Florida
Both teams had a bye week to prepare for the rivalry at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Florida coach Jon Sumrall has not revealed whether Tramell Jones Jr. or Aaron Philo will start at quarterback. Georgia's turnover margin ranks fourth in the SEC, but three giveaways by Gunner Stockton led to the Auburn loss.
Utah at Cincinnati
The Utes, one of three remaining unbeaten Power Four teams, boast the Big 12's second-best scoring offense (37.4 ppg) and total offense (478.4 ypg). They must contain Cincinnati running back Cole Tabb, who rushed for 173 yards and averages 9.6 yards per carry. Utah hosts BYU on Nov. 7 with College Football Playoff implications.
Texas Tech vs. Arizona
The Red Raiders are 8-8 under Joey McGuire against top-25 opponents. Arizona has won five straight since a loss at BYU, led by quarterback Noah Fifita (2,064 passing yards, 18 touchdowns). Texas Tech's secondary allowed four touchdown passes at Cincinnati.
Missouri at Arkansas
Arkansas, under first-year coach Ryan Silverfield, hopes to snap a 2-10 series record since 2014. Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy returned to practice this week after recovering from a gunshot wound in May; his availability for Saturday is uncertain.
