NCAAF · 19 minutes ago

5 Bold Predictions for College Football Ahead of Week 9

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. Ohio State Runs All Over USC
The Ohio State Buckeyes will be without Julian Sayin as they travel to Los Angeles to take on the USC Trojans. USC is coming off a humbling loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, and pressure is mounting on Lincoln Riley. While the injury to Sayin is devastating and likely prevents the Buckeyes from winning a national title, its timing isn’t horrendous. Ryan Day has had two weeks to work with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on crafting an offense that remains effective. It seems almost certain they will lean on the rushing attack, and USC is a perfect opponent to test that out against. I expect a breakout performance for electric back Legend Bey and a steady effort from Bo Jackson as Ohio State runs for more than 200 yards. Jeremiah Smith will still make a few big plays, regardless of which OSU quarterback is throwing him the ball, and the visitors beat down USC. The headlines on Sunday morning will be about the impending end of the Riley era.
1. Arizona Wins at Texas Tech
The Arizona Wildcats are red-hot with recent dominant wins over Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Iowa State, and Noah Fifita is playing as well as any quarterback in the Big 12. Arizona’s offense is now averaging 6.78 yards per play, and Fifita is completing 74.2 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns. Few are talking about him, but he’s going to get some attention after this week. Texas Tech’s defense is still good, but it is not the same caliber unit the Red Raiders had a season ago, and Cincinnati exposed them a bit last week. In addition, Texas Tech doesn’t have an above-average quarterback, and the Wildcats can cause them some issues. Arizona announces itself as a Big 12 contender, and Texas Tech is all but eliminated from the picture as the Wildcats win in Lubbock.
2. Wisconsin Keeps Ascending
Last week showed people the strength of the Wisconsin defense, but I still don’t think many understand how good that unit is. Against FBS opponents, the Wisconsin Badgers lead the country in opponent yards per play. That’s right, Wisconsin is ahead of Indiana, Notre Dame, Michigan, and everyone else as the Badgers are allowing only 3.9 yards per play. This Saturday, Wisconsin travels to Iowa City to play the Hawkeyes. I trust Colton Joseph (not that he has played all that well) more than I do Hank Brown, and Wisconsin’s defense is the best unit in this game. The Badgers win another low-scoring close game and improve to 6-2.
3. Georgia Manhandles Florida in Atlanta
Florida and Georgia typically square off in Jacksonville, but with renovations to EverBank Stadium underway, the rivals will play in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. The Florida Gators have been a roller coaster team this season, and Georgia is coming off a stunning loss to Auburn. This game is kind of difficult to get a read on because of Florida’s inconsistency, but the Gators have allowed 28.3 points per game, and their passing defense has generally been a weakness. The Bulldogs have more depth and should be able to wear the Gators down over the course of four quarters, and I think Kirby Smart having two weeks to get after his team after they lost is going to result in an inspired performance in Atlanta from UGA. The Bulldogs win big over Florida.
4. Indiana Mauls Minnesota in Bloomington
Minnesota is a tough team to figure out. The Gophers are 3-1 in the Big Ten, but their three league wins total 12 points, while their one loss is a 28-point blowout to Purdue. PJ Fleck’s team has a good defense, but they have been gashed in two different games, and even Washington had some success. It’s fair to question Indiana’s offense, particularly with Josh Hoover battling an injury that is limiting him. Still, the Hoosiers ran the ball decently well against Michigan and have receivers capable of making some explosive plays. The big concern for Minnesota in this game is: how are they going to move the ball against this IU defense? The Hoosiers are peaking on that side of the ball, and I think they’ll strangle Minnesota’s offense on their way to a very comfortable victory.
5. Ohio State Runs All Over USC
The Ohio State Buckeyes will be without Julian Sayin as they travel to Los Angeles to take on the USC Trojans. USC is coming off a humbling loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, and pressure is mounting on Lincoln Riley. While the injury to Sayin is devastating and likely prevents the Buckeyes from winning a national title, its timing isn’t horrendous. Ryan Day has had two weeks to work with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on crafting an offense that remains effective. It seems almost certain they will lean on the rushing attack, and USC is a perfect opponent to test that out against. I expect a breakout performance for electric back Legend Bey and a steady effort from Bo Jackson as Ohio State runs for more than 200 yards. Jeremiah Smith will still make a few big plays, regardless of which OSU quarterback is throwing him the ball, and the visitors beat down USC. The headlines on Sunday morning will be about the impending end of the Riley era.
1. Arizona Wins at Texas Tech
The Arizona Wildcats are red-hot with recent dominant wins over Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Iowa State, and Noah Fifita is playing as well as any quarterback in the Big 12. Arizona’s offense is now averaging 6.78 yards per play, and Fifita is completing 74.2 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns. Few are talking about him, but he’s going to get some attention after this week. Texas Tech’s defense is still good, but it is not the same caliber unit the Red Raiders had a season ago, and Cincinnati exposed them a bit last week. In addition, Texas Tech doesn’t have an above-average quarterback, and the Wildcats can cause them some issues. Arizona announces itself as a Big 12 contender, and Texas Tech is all but eliminated from the picture as the Wildcats win in Lubbock.

5 Bold Predictions for College Football Ahead of Week 9

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