College Football Week 9 Preview

A third week, a third No. 1 falls. Oklahoma was stunned on the road against Missouri as the Tigers landed possibly the biggest win in the program's history.

Looking at the top 5 games I highlighted, I went 3-2 and now am at 30-10 on the year after eight weeks. Arkansas quickly rebounded after being run over by Auburn. While Wisconsin's hard fought victory over Ohio State the week before certainly prepared them for Iowa's gritty play. However, Iowa fell just short and the Badgers might be on the road to the Big Ten title and much more.

In possibly a bigger shootout than expected, Nebraska rebounded by outscoring Oklahoma State, one of the country's highest scoring offenses. That type of performance shows the versatility of the Cornhuskers. That leads me to Missouri, who used crafty offense and key defensive plays to shock Oklahoma. The two Big 12 squads tested each other and Missouri's heart was too much for Oklahoma's talent.

Finally, in another SEC classic; Auburn found another way to win a tough close game as they outlasted LSU. It was as physical as expected and QB Cam Newton continues his rise.


Now on to Week 9 with a bunch of big games.

Games featuring top 25 teams/some that might be interesting:

Thursday, October 28
No. 16 Florida State at North Carolina State: Florida State is continuing to reestablish themselves as a national power. However, NC State is fully capable of shocking the Seminoles at home.

Friday, October 29
West Virginia at Connecticut: This one could ultimately decide the winner of the Big East.

Saturday, October 30
Texas Tech at Texas A&M: This one can either be a big scoring affair or a field goal battle.

No. 1 Auburn at Mississippi: Auburn is the new #1 and the bullseye is now on them. In the SEC, there are no off weeks.

Michigan at Penn State: Both are in the second tier of the Big Ten, but the play of both will be like the two are fighting for a conference title.


And of course, the top 5 games to watch this week.

Top 5:

5) Georgia at Florida: Both are playing below their usual standards. South Carolina seems to be the driver's seat, but the winner could find themselves ready to slide into the top spot in the SEC East if South Carolina falters. This rivalry is usually high paced. The Gators seem to have the slightly better squad this time around. PREDICTION: FLORIDA

4) No. 25 Baylor at Texas: This is a weird reversal of fortunes game. Texas enters as the underdog and are playing at home on top of that. However, they were not favored against a much better Nebraska and shocked and many observers. Baylor is a program on the rise and this could provide a statement for them in the conference. With all that said, Texas will fight, but Baylor does enough to claim a victory that can help build their program. PREDICTION: BAYLOR

3) No. 2 Oregon at No. 24 USC: USC would love to play spoiler for Oregon as they cannot challenge for a national title. The skill players will play fast and provide headaches for the Trojans' defense. The game will be close early, but Oregon's talent will separate the two. PREDICTION: OREGON

2) No. 5 Michigan State at No. 18 Iowa: Michigan State is having one of its best seasons, but a loss on the road to Iowa can trip up their big hopes and dreams this year. Essentially, the Spartans control their own fate in the Big Ten and the right conditions could land them in the national title game. It will be a grind it out type of game. Iowa goes up late before Michigan State sinks an even later dagger. PREDICTION: MICHIGAN STATE

1)No. 6 Missouri at No. 14 Nebraska: Missouri shocked Oklahoma last week. Now they must refocus to avoid being beaten by Nebraska and having a letdown. The Tigers will be tested just as much again this week by another tough defense. The Cornhuskers have also shown an ability to score a lot too. Missouri will certainly bring their best again, but they will need to build a big advantage to prevent a letdown. However, Nebraska keeps it close and does enough on both sides of the ball late to slide by Missouri. PREDICTION: NEBRASKA

Can Auburn break the trend of No. 1's losing? How will Missouri play this week after beating Oklahoma? The winding road nears November and the big picture will start to look a lot more clear.