The 2025 college football season has been a whirlwind of upsets and unexpected surges. As November approaches, Week 9 often serves as a pivotal “decluttering” phase. Historically, this mid-season point crushes Cinderella stories. Think of recent years: unranked teams regularly toppling top contenders. This trend suggests big shake-ups are coming. Will this weekend finally bring clarity to a chaotic landscape? Or will the madness simply intensify? Let’s dive into the key matchups.
SEC Showdowns: The Path to Atlanta Heats Up
The Southeastern Conference consistently delivers high-stakes drama. Week 9 presents another thrilling tripleheader. These games could reshape the SEC title race and the College Football Playoff picture. While an Alabama-Georgia rematch is always possible, don’t rule out a major plot twist.
Aggies Clash with Desperate Tigers in Baton Rouge
No. 3 Texas A&M visits No. 20 LSU in a hostile night environment (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC). Tiger Stadium is famously loud. The home team boasts an eight-game winning streak in this series. LSU, reeling from recent losses, needs a win badly. Coach Mike Elko’s unbeaten Aggies must stay focused amid the early emotional storm.
Scoring points will be A&M’s next challenge. The Aggies have excelled offensively this season. Yet, LSU’s defense ranks sixth nationally in SP+. They’ve allowed fewer than 10 points at home all year. LSU excels against the pass, a potential issue for A&M. Even without injured Le’Veon Moss, A&M averaged 6.2 yards per carry last week. But on third-and-long, their 23.5% conversion rate ranks 129th. The noise in Tiger Stadium could exploit this weakness.
LSU’s offense shows improvement. They averaged 6.7 yards per play against recent opponents. Tight end Trey’Dez Green is a matchup nightmare. The Tigers even ran the ball well against Vanderbilt. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, however, struggles with deep passes. He is a shocking 1-for-16 on throws over 25 yards this season. This impacts red zone efficiency. The stakes are higher for LSU. Coach Brian Kelly faces rising pressure. If A&M survives this test, they prove themselves as legitimate title contenders.
Commodores Host Tigers in Historic Showdown
No. 15 Missouri travels to No. 10 Vanderbilt (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Vanderbilt, ranked 10th for the first time in 78 years, hosts “College GameDay.” This game features two 7-1 teams with national aspirations. The winner secures a prime spot in the SEC and CFP hunt.
Missouri’s strength lies in its defense. They rank seventh in success rate. Ends Zion Young and Damon Wilson II lead a stout unit. Vanderbilt’s run defense, however, ranks 62nd in yards allowed per carry. This could offer relief for Missouri’s run game. Quarterback Beau Pribula needs efficient play.
Vandy’s offense is incredibly efficient. They lead the nation in points per drive. Their success rate is third overall. The offensive line is top-tier. Running backs Sedrick Alexander and Makhilyn Young average 7.3 yards per carry. Quarterback Diego Pavia is college football’s best improviser. Vanderbilt is difficult to knock off schedule. This game could be a classic battle of strengths.
Rebels Take on Sooners in High-Stakes Duel
No. 8 Ole Miss visits No. 13 Oklahoma (noon ET, ABC). This is a fascinating clash of styles. The winner gains significant ground in the SEC. Both teams are eyeing a College Football Playoff berth. Strengths meet strengths, and weaknesses clash with weaknesses.
Ole Miss’s offense ranks 12th in points per drive. Oklahoma’s defense is second in points per drive. On the flip side, OU’s offense is 65th, while Ole Miss’s defense is 70th. Oklahoma’s defense is college football’s most aggressive. They’ve generated negative plays on 44% of snaps. But Ole Miss’s offense is the best they’ve seen. Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels just scored 35 points against Georgia.
Ole Miss’s defense allowed 43 points to Georgia. They struggle against the run. However, Oklahoma hasn’t established a strong ground game. OU relies on the pass. Yet, Ole Miss defends the pass well, despite a weak pass rush. Sooners QB John Mateer averaged just 4.5 yards per dropback since a hand injury. This game could easily be a blowout in either direction.
The Unbeaten Six: Who Survives Week 9?
Only six teams remain undefeated: Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, BYU, and Navy. Ohio State is on bye. A&M’s challenge is above. Let’s explore the other perfect records.
Hoosiers Face Another Bruin Challenge
UCLA travels to No. 2 Indiana (noon ET, Fox). UCLA has wrecked multiple seasons recently. They took down Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland. Now they target Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers.
UCLA’s turnaround stems from defensive turnovers and efficient running. Jalen Berger, Anthony Frias II, and Jaivian Thomas lead the ground attack. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava makes plays with his legs. Indiana, however, largely avoids negative plays and turnovers. They aggressively defend the run. Their sack rate ranks third nationally. Indiana is expected to handle this test easily.
Where might Indiana be vulnerable? Statistically, two areas stand out. First, their fourth-down conversion rate is just 3-for-11. This is less critical given their 54.9% third-down conversion rate (fourth nationally). Second, they can be overly aggressive upfront. They lead the nation in run stops at or behind the line. But when they miss, it often results in a big play. Big plays create upsets, even against a defense ranked third in points allowed per drive.
Cougars Brave the Cyclones in Ames
No. 11 BYU visits Iowa State (3:30 p.m. ET, Fox). Iowa State started 5-0. They beat Kansas State and Iowa. Injuries to cornerbacks Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams, plus a nonexistent pass rush, led to road losses.
Iowa State, coming off a bye, is surprisingly favored. They aim to ruin BYU’s perfect season. BYU has already survived several close Big 12 contests. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier offers a high-explosiveness, lower-efficiency passing attack. He contributes significantly to the run game. Can Iowa State make enough stops? Can Rocco Becht and the Cyclones’ offense keep pace?
Yellow Jackets Host Struggling Orange
Syracuse plays at No. 7 Georgia Tech (noon ET, ESPN). Syracuse is 0-3 since losing quarterback Steve Angeli. Rickie Collins has thrown six interceptions in two games. They’ve lost badly to Duke, SMU, and Pitt. Georgia Tech’s defense should contain Syracuse’s struggling offense.
Georgia Tech’s offense is the best Syracuse has faced since Week 1. They need to handle this game easily. Keeping quarterback Haynes King safe is paramount. This allows him to avoid excessive hits and runs.
Midshipmen Seek Perfect Record Against Owls
Florida Atlantic visits Navy (3:30 p.m. ET, CBSSN). FAU is aggressive. Zach Kittley’s Owls go for it on fourth down over half the time. They play at the nation’s second-fastest tempo. They hunt big plays. Unfortunately, they rank 120th in success rate and 124th in turnovers. Their aggressiveness often fails. They’ve lost four games by an average of 27 points. Blake Horvath and Navy are projected underdogs in their next four games. But they should move to 8-0 here.
Trophy Games & Old Big Ten Rivalries
The Big Ten loves its trophies. Eight conference teams sit at 5-2. Any of these teams winning out could enter the CFP conversation. Week 9 features two iconic trophy games involving three 5-2 clubs.
Floyd of Rosedale: Gophers vs. Hawkeyes
Minnesota visits Iowa (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS). The 98-pound bronze pig, Floyd of Rosedale, is on the line. Iowa has held it for nine of the past 10 years. Iowa is the projected favorite. They have a home-field advantage. Their ability to run the ball and defend the run is strong. They rank 17th in rushing success rate. Quarterback Mark Gronowski rushed for 130 yards last week. Iowa allows just 3.4 yards per carry.
Minnesota puts a lot on redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey. He performs well despite an inefficient ground game (103rd in rushing success rate). The Gophers were brilliant last week. They sacked Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola nine times. Lindsey went 16-for-20. Darius Taylor rushed for 148 yards.
Paul Bunyan Trophy: Wolverines vs. Spartans
No. 25 Michigan plays at Michigan State (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC). This series has seen momentum shifts. Michigan State won eight of ten games between 2008 and 2017. Michigan has won five of the last seven. Both teams desperately need this win. Michigan’s victory over Washington sets up a 9-2 scenario before Ohio State visits.
MSU needs a positive outcome. They’ve lost four straight by double digits. Quarterback Aidan Chiles showed flashes earlier. But the offense has faltered. Coach Jonathan Smith is facing early heat. This likely marks State’s fourth consecutive losing season.
Group of 5 Playoff Bid: American Athletic Conference Shakes Up
Memphis’s shocking loss to UAB last week opened up the AAC title race. It also created uncertainty for the Group of 5’s guaranteed playoff bid. USF seems best positioned to capitalize. This weekend features a direct clash: Memphis vs. USF. It’s the obvious G5 game of the week.
Bulls Battle Tigers for Conference Supremacy
No. 18 South Florida visits Memphis (noon ET, ESPN2). USF leaves no doubt. They’ve won five games by an average of 52-19. Their lone loss was to Miami. Alex Golesh’s offense is explosive. Quarterback Byrum Brown’s legs make them excellent on third downs. Their defensive SP+ ranking improved significantly.
Memphis can still right the ship. They start and finish drives beautifully. They rank eighth in three-and-out rate. They are third in red zone touchdown rate. They control the line of scrimmage against the run. They force third-and-longs. This is their chance to reclaim conference leadership.
Aztecs Take on Bulldogs in Mountain West
San Diego State travels to Fresno State (3:30 p.m. ET, FS1). Look for San Diego State as a playoff dark horse. Sean Lewis’s Aztecs have won four straight. They’ve overachieved against SP+ projections. They are inconsistent, though. Their defense, led by Chris Johnson and Trey White, features G5 playmakers. If they score enough, an 11-1 record is possible.
Dakota Marker: FCS Heavyweights Collide
North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State
FCS: No. 1 North Dakota State at No. 2 South Dakota State (8 p.m. ET, ESPNU). The transfer portal impacts FCS too. SDSU lost coach Jimmy Rogers and over 20 transfers. NDSU lost stars as well. Yet, both teams are a combined 14-0.
SDSU’s stats have dipped slightly. Quarterback Chase Mason has 1,419 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and one interception. Their pass defense is fierce. NDSU, the defending FCS champs, shows dominance. They outscore opponents by 44-10 on average. Quarterback Cole Payton mirrors Mason’s stats. Their receiver trio averages 20.1 yards per catch. The Bison’s SP+ rating puts them in the FBS top 40. This is the third 1-versus-2 Dakota Marker since 2022. The No. 2 team won both previous games. A home upset wouldn’t shock. But the Bison are playing at a different level.
Week 9 Chaos Superfecta
We always hope for chaos. This week, we target four Big 12 games with big point spreads. SP+ gives a 54% chance that Cincinnati, Utah, TCU, and Texas Tech all win. But will they? Upsets happen.
More Games to Watch: Information and Entertainment
Friday Evening Face-off
California at Virginia Tech (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Cal’s 5-2 record is a good story. But their wins are against weaker teams. Virginia Tech is favored despite a 2-5 record.
Early Saturday Battles
Auburn at Arkansas (12:45 p.m. ET, SECN): A stylistic clash. Auburn games average 32.8 total points. Arkansas games average 76.0. Both teams are struggling in the SEC.
Northwestern at Nebraska (noon ET, FS1): Northwestern has won four straight. They’ve overachieved against SP+ projections. Nebraska was poor last week. Northwestern’s defense is stout.
Kansas State at Kansas (noon ET, TNT): Kansas State is playing its best. They haven’t lost the Sunflower Showdown since 2008. Kansas had a bye. Which direction will the Jayhawks’ season go?
No. 16 Virginia at North Carolina (noon ET, ACCN): UVA barely beat Washington State. UNC played its best game last week. Could Bill Belichick’s Heels pull a surprise? UVA’s offense is clean and efficient.
SMU at Wake Forest (noon ET, The CW): Both teams are hot. Wake plays great defense. SMU’s defense is back in form. SMU needs this for ACC contention.
Saturday Afternoon Action
No. 23 Illinois at Washington (3:30 p.m. ET, BTN): Washington averages fewer points against top defenses. Illinois’s defense is middle-tier. Expect a fun, higher-scoring game.
No. 4 Alabama at South Carolina (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC): South Carolina nearly beat Bama last year after a poor start. Can they find a turnaround again? Alabama might face a letdown after four straight ranked wins.
Baylor at No. 21 Cincinnati (4 p.m. ET, ESPN2): Baylor offers entertainment with high-scoring games. Cincinnati’s bend-don’t-break defense improved. Cincy’s Big 12 title hopes are on the line.
No. 22 Texas at Mississippi State (SECN): Mississippi State had close losses. Texas won a frustrating overtime game. Texas’s elite defense should secure a win.
Western Michigan at Miami (Ohio) (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+): Both teams started 0-3 then surged. The winner becomes a MAC title favorite.
Oklahoma State at No. 14 Texas Tech (4 p.m. ET, ESPNU): Texas Tech, despite injuries, should dominate a struggling OSU team.
Saturday Evening Thrillers
Houston at No. 24 Arizona State (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2): ASU has a strong Big 12 record. They could reach the conference title game. They face a strong Houston defense.
No. 17 Tennessee at Kentucky (SECN): Kentucky showed life against Texas. Was it a spark or a last gasp? Tennessee has underachieved.
Stanford at No. 9 Miami (7 p.m. ET, ESPN): A temperature check for Miami after their first loss. Miami should roll over Stanford easily. A bounce-back game for Carson Beck is expected.
Wisconsin at No. 6 Oregon (7 p.m. ET, FS1): Oregon dominates weaker teams. Wisconsin has back-to-back shutout losses. This game will likely be one-sided.
Late Saturday Nightcap
- Colorado at Utah (10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): Utah needs to win out for conference title hopes. Quarterback Devon Dampier is questionable. Colorado shows defensive competence. Kaidon Salter and the Buffaloes have big-play potential. This might not be a gimme for Utah.
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Smaller-School Showcase: Beyond the FBS
Beyond the major conferences, the lower levels of college football offer incredible stories.
FCS: Presbyterian at Dayton
Presbyterian (7-0) has achieved an incredible turnaround. They were 1-10 in 2022. Now, they are 16th in FCS. They outscore opponents by 41-14. Quarterback Collin Hurst leads an efficient offense. Their secondary has 10 interceptions. Dayton, 31st in SP+, allows only 16.1 points per game. This will be a tricky test.
Division II: Grand Valley State at Ferris State
The Anchor-Bone Classic: No. 18 Grand Valley State at No. 1 Ferris State (1 p.m. ET, FloCollege). Ferris State is strong despite losing key offensive stars. Quarterback Wyatt Bower posts impressive numbers. GVSU needs this win. Their playoff résumé cannot afford another loss.
Division III: Wisconsin-Platteville at Wisconsin-Whitewater
No. 8 Wisconsin-Platteville at No. 9 Wisconsin-Whitewater (2 p.m. ET, local streaming). D-III’s Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference features a six-team logjam. Two top-five defenses will clash in one of the sport’s most physical games.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a “fun upstart story” in college football, and how does Week 9 typically impact them?
A “fun upstart story” in college football refers to an unranked or lower-ranked team that unexpectedly climbs into the top 10 or 15. These teams often defy preseason expectations. Week 9 often acts as a critical “decluttering” phase for these narratives. Historically, this mid-season point sees many upstart teams suffer their first major setback. For example, in previous seasons, unranked teams like Wisconsin and Louisville have upset top-10 opponents, or rising contenders like Iowa and Kentucky have been severely wounded, effectively ending their Cinderella runs before November.
Which SEC matchups are crucial in Week 9 for College Football Playoff contention?
Week 9 features a pivotal SEC tripleheader that could significantly impact the College Football Playoff race. The most crucial matchups include No. 3 Texas A&M at No. 20 LSU, No. 15 Missouri at No. 10 Vanderbilt, and No. 8 Ole Miss at No. 13 Oklahoma. Each of these games pits ranked teams against each other. The winners will solidify their positions in the SEC standings and gain valuable momentum for a potential playoff berth. Losses, especially for teams like LSU with dwindling margin for error, could severely damage their national title hopes.
How does the “decluttering” effect of Week 9 influence betting lines or championship predictions?
The “decluttering” effect of Week 9 creates significant volatility in betting lines and championship predictions. As upstart teams face tougher competition and potentially suffer their first losses, their odds for conference titles or playoff spots will drop sharply. Favorites in these high-stakes games, if victorious, will see their championship odds shorten. The results clarify the field, making future predictions more confident. For bettors, this means carefully analyzing matchups where desperate teams or proven contenders could defy projections, often leading to shifts in point spreads as the week progresses, such as the line movement seen in the OU-Ole Miss game.
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