As the 2026 college football season reaches Week 9, a string of upsets has shaken the rankings, yet the Utah Utes remain unbeaten at 7-0 and sit at No. 6 in the AP poll. Veteran sportswriter Mike Tierney, who has covered the NFL for decades and reported from seven Super Bowls, has constructed two three-team money-line parlays for the weekend slate — one built entirely on favorites, the other on underdogs.
Favorites Parlay
Louisiana Tech vs. South Alabama: The Bulldogs have posted back-to-back shutouts, winning by a combined 50-0, while South Alabama quarterback Jared Hollins completed just 12 of 33 passes in his last outing. Louisiana Tech's straight-up winning streak stands at four games.
Illinois vs. Maryland: Maryland fired coach Mike Locksley after allowing 54, 48, 45 and 37 points in four Big Ten games. Illinois has rebounded with wins over Michigan State and Oregon, with freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II stepping in for the injured Katin Houser.
Utah vs. Cincinnati: Utah quarterback Devon Dampier has 20 total touchdowns, and the Utes routed Cincinnati 45-14 a year ago. Despite a looming showdown with BYU next week, Utah's unbeaten record keeps the focus on the present.
Underdogs Parlay
Wisconsin vs. Iowa: The Badgers have allowed only nine points per game over their last three contests, holding USC without a single gain of 20-plus yards. Iowa's leading rusher Kamari Moulton is out for the season, making Wisconsin's generous money line appealing in a low-scoring affair.
Arizona vs. Texas Tech: Quarterback Noah Fifita, the nation's No. 13 passer, has guided Arizona to five straight wins, the last three by an average of 28 points. Texas Tech's replacement quarterback Will Hammond has thrown seven touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.
UConn vs. Air Force: UConn has scored 69 points in its last two games and held Air Force to 16 points in a 10-point win in 2025. The Falcons are likely starting a third-string quarterback after injuries to Liam Szarka and Evan Medders.
