College Football Week 9 Previews: Miami, USC & Georgia

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From LatiNation Sports

Miami Faces a Potential Trap Game as USC and Florida Prepare for Major Tests

Three major college football games highlight the weekend, beginning with the top-ranked Miami Hurricanes against North Carolina. Miami enters the matchup after scoring more than 50 points against Pittsburgh.

The Hurricanes feature two Heisman candidates. Quarterback Darian Mensa is completing 80% of his passes, while wide receiver Malachi Tony is expected to challenge his own single-season record for receiving yards at Miami. Tony has also signed with Red Bull.

North Carolina is coached by Bill Belichick, whose team is performing better this year. The game could still be a trap for Miami because the Hurricanes travel to face Notre Dame the following week. Miami must remain focused and avoid overlooking North Carolina before one of its biggest games of the year.

Another major matchup features USC against Ohio State. Ohio State is ranked near the top despite having one loss, largely because of its difficult schedule. USC could threaten to bring Ohio State down, but there is also significant pressure on the Trojans to perform. Head coach Lincoln Riley could face questions about his future if USC does not reach the playoffs.

Georgia, ranked third, will also face the No. 17 Florida Gators in a major rivalry game. While Miami remains the preferred Florida team, there is still support for the Gators when they are not playing the Hurricanes.

Colorado and head coach Deion Sanders are also under scrutiny after a difficult start. The starting quarterback could be replaced, with Sanders making it clear that players must perform and show the required effort to keep their positions.

Colorado does not spend as much on NIL as several leading programs, leaving Sanders to sell recruits on himself and the program. He is competing with teams such as Miami, Ohio State, Texas, Georgia and USC, which can offer players more money.

Despite the current challenges, Colorado could improve over the long term if the program remains committed to Sanders. He has also dealt with health issues, including diabetes, the loss of toes and a significant flare-up during the offseason. Once his health improves, he could return to recruiting as he did during his first season, when he brought in his son, Travis Hunter, and other influential players who have found opportunities in the NFL.