The Week 9 college football schedule features several high-profile conference clashes, including the first-ever Big Ten meeting between No. 2 Ohio State and USC, with the Buckeyes favored by 6.5 points. In the SEC, Georgia enters as an 11.5-point favorite over Florida after winning the last five meetings, while top-ranked Miami visits North Carolina as a 14-point favorite in Bill Belichick's first game against a No. 1 team.
SportsLine's proven computer model, which entered the week on a 68-59 run on top-rated picks, simulates every FBS game 10,000 times. The model identifies Mississippi State (+20.5) as a strong cover against No. 11 Texas, projecting the Bulldogs to stay within the spread in over 70% of simulations. Texas quarterback Arch Manning has nine turnovers this season, and the Longhorns are just 3-9-1 against the spread following a win since Manning became starter.
Another top prediction has Oregon (-3.5) covering at home against No. 20 Northwestern in more than 60% of simulations. The Wildcats have lost by double digits on their last three West Coast trips, and Oregon's backfield duo of Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill is forecasted for over 160 scrimmage yards. The model also flags three game totals that differ by at least 10 points from the posted over/under.
Notable Week 9 Games and Odds
Key matchups include Tulane at Charlotte (+8.5), Baylor at UCF (-1), Notre Dame at Navy (+30.5), Auburn at Ole Miss (-12.5), Utah at Cincinnati (+6.5), South Carolina at Oklahoma (-4.5), Clemson at Florida State (-6), and Ohio State at USC (+6.5). All odds are subject to change.
