2019 Week 9 Preview

Week 8 gave us another huge upset: Illinois over previously undefeated Wisconsin. Boise State and Missouri also got beat by unranked teams last week. Texas came extremely close to losing to Kansas, but sadly, Dicker the Kicker was able to win it for the ‘Horns. Week 9 features 3 ranked matchups and some potential for upsets. We are getting into the meat of the season and each game is a little more important.

Note: How is Wake Forest ranked? My question to AP voters is this: Would you favor Wake Forest on a neutral field over Washington, Memphis, Virginia or Texas A&M (just to name a few)? Wake Forest lost to a bad Louisville team and last week very nearly lost to Florida State. The ACC isn’t good this season and there are better teams than Wake Forest that aren’t ranked.

My Record: 5-1 last week, 35-13 overall

Notable Games
9Auburn at 2LSU
Even though it is painful for me to say, I think that LSU is the best team in the country. They have played the best competition and are still undefeated. While their defense has given up some points to their ranked opponents (and Vandy), their offense continually scores even more, averaging 50.1 points per game. That is just an absurd number, especially for LSU. Auburn has been a strong team and has played very well with true freshman QB Bo Nix, but I think he will struggle against this team. I don’t expect the final score of this one to be very close.
I am picking LSU

13Wisconsin at 3Ohio State
Clearly Wisconsin was looking ahead to this game instead of getting ready to play Illinois last week. The Fighting Illini kicked a last second FG to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season and left Wisconsin needing a bit of a miracle to get to the playoff. Ohio State is very good. They haven’t played the schedule that LSU has, but I think they are one of the top four teams in the country for sure, and even with their loss, Wisconsin is one of the better teams as well. This game has the potential to be very close, but I think Ohio State will win. If Wisconsin won, I wouldn’t be surprised.
I am picking Ohio State

8Notre Dame at 19Michigan
This is an interesting game. I greatly dislike both of these teams because Arkansas was supposed to play at Michigan and I was really looking forward to going to the Big House. Next year I will go see the Hogs play at Notre Dame, but it’s not the Big House. As far as this game goes, I expect a very close one. It is hard to pick because I’m not sure which Michigan team will show up. The Wolverines played better than expected last week against Penn State and Notre Dame is coming off a bye. I think ND is the better team, but I expect Michigan to be prepared for this one.
I am picking Notre Dame

Washington State at 11Oregon
Oregon was able to pull off the comeback last week on the road at Washington. The Ducks are a good team, but I doubt they would be able to compete with the top tier teams in college football. Washington State got a good win over Colorado last week to end their three-game losing streak. The Cougs have struggled on the road this season, especially on defense. I don’t see Wazzu pulling the upset in Eugene.
I am picking Oregon

Oklahoma State at 23Iowa State
The Big 12 has been a difficult conference to pick this season. Iowa State is one of the better teams in the conference, and they are even better when they are at home. Oklahoma State has been average so far this season and their defense is a Big 12 defense. I think the combination of that and this being a home game for the Cyclones will lead to an ISU win.
I am picking Iowa State

UCF at Temple
It is so strange to see UCF without a number next to their name. The Knights have two losses this season and they just aren’t the same without Mackenzie Milton at QB. Brandon Wimbush isn’t bad, but he isn’t the answer. Temple has been one of the better home teams this season, scoring 130 points at home to just 70 points on the road. I think this will be a very close and exciting game, and I think Temple being at home will be the difference in the game.
I am picking Temple

Arkansas at 1Alabama
This will be an awful game even with Tua hurt and not playing. How this is the primetime ESPN game blows my mind. Hogs need to show some grit in this game, and I doubt that will happen.

Top 25
Arkansas at 1Alabama
9Auburn at 2LSU
13Wisconsin at 3Ohio State
Boston College at 4Clemson
5Oklahoma at Kansas State
6Penn State at Michigan State
7Florida BYE
8Notre Dame at 19Michigan
10Georgia BYE
Washington State at 11Oregon
California at 12Utah
14Baylor BYE
15Texas at TCU
16SMU 34 Houston 31 (Thursday)
Maryland at 17Minnesota
18Cinicinnati BYE
20Iowa at Northwestern
21Appalachian State at South Alabama
22Boise State BYE
Oklahoma State at 23Iowa State
24Arizona State at UCLA
25Wake Forest BYE

Other Games
Mississippi State at Texas A&M
Duke at North Carolina
South Carolina at Tennessee
Utah State at Air Force