The first Big Ten meeting between No. 2 Ohio State and USC highlights the Week 9 college football schedule, with the Buckeyes listed as 6.5-point favorites despite starting a new quarterback after Julian Sayin's injury.
In the SEC, Georgia enters as an 11.5-point favorite over Florida in Atlanta, having won the last five matchups in a rivalry spanning over 100 games.
Top-ranked Miami faces North Carolina as a 14-point favorite, marking Bill Belichick's first game against a No. 1 team. Other undefeated teams include No. 6 Utah (-7 at Cincinnati) and No. 7 UCLA (-22.5 vs. Nevada).
SportsLine's computer model, which entered Week 9 on a 68-59 run on top-rated picks returning nearly $400 per $100 wagered, projects Mississippi State (+20.5) to cover at No. 11 Texas in over 70% of simulations. The Longhorns have covered just once in their last six games, and quarterback Arch Manning has nine turnovers this season.
The model also favors Oregon (-3.5) to cover at home against No. 20 Northwestern in more than 60% of simulations, citing the Ducks' strong rushing attack and a defense ranking in the top 10 nationally in interceptions.
Additional Week 9 lines include Auburn at Ole Miss (-12.5), Clemson at Florida State (-6), South Carolina at Oklahoma (-4.5), and Notre Dame at Navy (+30.5). The model identifies three point totals at least 10 points off the listed over/under.
