Five top-25 college football teams face significant upset threats in Week 9, according to CBS Sports analysis ahead of the first College Football Playoff rankings release. The list includes No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Georgia, No. 6 Utah, No. 13 Texas Tech, and No. 23 Missouri.
Ohio State travels to USC as a 6.5-point favorite but faces uncertainty at quarterback. Coach Ryan Day has not named a starter, though true freshman Luke Fahey is expected to start after relieving Julian Sayin against Indiana. Day emphasized the need for extra focus with a new quarterback.
Georgia hosts Florida in the rivalry game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as an 11.5-point favorite. Florida coach Jon Sumrall has kept his quarterback plan unclear after Tramell Jones Jr. starred in place of injured Aaron Philo. Georgia must avoid turnovers after Gunner Stockton's three giveaways led to an upset loss to Auburn earlier this month.
Utah, one of three remaining unbeaten Power Four teams, visits Cincinnati as a 6.5-point favorite. The Bearcats are coming off an emotional win over Texas Tech. Utah must contain Cincinnati running back Cole Tabb, who rushed for 173 yards and averages 9.6 yards per carry. The Utes also face a lookahead spot with a crucial game against BYU on Nov. 7.
Texas Tech, a 3.5-point home favorite against No. 22 Arizona, tries to rebound after giving up four touchdown passes in its loss at Cincinnati. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita has thrown for 2,064 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire is 8-8 against top-25 opponents.
Missouri travels to Arkansas as a 9.5-point favorite in a series where the Razorbacks are 2-10 since Missouri joined the SEC in 2014. Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield acknowledged the rivalry intensity. Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy returned to practice this week after recovering from a gunshot wound suffered in May; his availability for Saturday is to be determined.
