The Week 9 college football schedule features several high-profile conference clashes, headlined by the first-ever Big Ten meeting between No. 2 Ohio State and USC. The Buckeyes open as 6.5-point favorites over the Trojans, with Ohio State turning to a new starting quarterback after Julian Sayin was sidelined. In the SEC, Georgia enters as an 11.5-point favorite against Florida in their annual rivalry game in Atlanta, with the Bulldogs having won the last five meetings. Other notable spreads include Miami (-14) at North Carolina, Utah (-7) at Cincinnati, and UCLA (-22.5) against Nevada in a non-conference matchup.
Model Predictions and Betting Trends
SportsLine's proven computer model, which entered Week 9 on a 68-59 run on top-rated picks returning nearly $400 per $100 wagered, has released its latest projections. The model strongly backs Mississippi State (+20.5) to cover at No. 11 Texas, citing the Longhorns' 3-9-1 against-the-spread record following a win since Arch Manning became starter and the Bulldogs' 9-4 ATS mark in their last 13 road games. The model gives Mississippi State a cover probability exceeding 70% in simulations. Another highlighted pick is Oregon (-3.5) at home against No. 20 Northwestern, with the Ducks covering more than 60% of the time. Northwestern has lost by double digits on its last three West Coast trips, and Oregon's backfield duo of Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill is projected for over 160 scrimmage yards against a defense that allowed 244 rushing yards last week. The model also identifies three game totals that deviate by at least 10 points from the posted over/under lines.
Week 9 Notable Game Odds
Key matchups and opening lines (subject to change) include: 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), and Ohio State at USC (+6.5, 51.5). The model provides picks for every FBS game, with full details available through SportsLine.
