Week 9 of the college football season may lack AP Top 10 matchups, but several games could significantly shape the College Football Playoff race, according to a CBS Sports analysis.
No. 22 Arizona at No. 13 Texas Tech
Four Big 12 teams remain in the CFP hunt, and one will likely be eliminated in Lubbock. Texas Tech enters off its first loss, a two-touchdown defeat to Cincinnati that revealed vulnerabilities. Arizona, at 6-1 with its only loss at BYU, has won its last three conference games by an average of 28.0 points per game. An upset would thrust the Wildcats into the postseason conversation.
No. 25 Wisconsin at Iowa
The Battle for the Heartland Trophy carries Big Ten title implications. Wisconsin has been a national surprise but fell short against UCLA. Iowa suffered its first major setback at Minnesota. A two-loss Big Ten team could still be well-positioned in the CFP rankings, making this a critical contest for both.
No. 17 Florida at No. 3 Georgia
Florida has rebounded after a rough start to October, with backup quarterback Tramell Jones leading an upset of No. 7 Texas. Georgia is already considered a CFP lock, but a second loss to an unranked opponent would hurt its seeding. Florida boasts wins over Ole Miss and Texas, and a victory over Georgia would strengthen its resume ahead of a road game at No. 9 Kentucky.
No. 1 Miami at North Carolina
Miami has cruised behind dual Heisman-caliber performers Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney. North Carolina's defense has been strong aside from a lapse against Syracuse, and the Tar Heels pushed Notre Dame in a 37-26 loss. The analysis questions whether Bill Belichick, described as the greatest defensive mind in football history, can devise a scheme to slow the Hurricanes.
No. 2 Ohio State at USC
Ohio State debuts a new starting quarterback after Julian Sayin's injury, with either Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair taking over. The offense has relied heavily on getting the ball to Jeremiah Smith. USC coach Lincoln Riley faces intense pressure after a disappointing season, and a home loss to the Buckeyes could accelerate his departure.
No. 6 Utah at Cincinnati
Cincinnati just stunned Texas Tech, and Utah arrives vulnerable after a narrow win over No. 14 Houston. The Utes face a trap game with No. 8 BYU and No. 22 Arizona looming. Cincinnati's stacked offensive line presents additional challenges for a Utah team that must avoid a letdown.
