2021 Week 9 Preview

Despite the lack of ranked vs ranked matchups last week, five ranked teams got upset and we also had the longest college football game ever. Illinois upset seventh-ranked Penn State in NINE overtimes. But since they are Big 10 teams, the final score was only 20-18. Week 9 features three ranked vs ranked matchups as well as the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (Georgia vs Florida). Also, Arkansas gets a bye this week so I get to spend all day watching football without having to be stressed out. There’s lots to get into, so let’s just do it!

My Record: 2-4 last week, 30-18 overall

Notable Games
1Georgia vs Florida (Jacksonville)
This is a rivalry game, but I think Georgia is pretty obviously the best team in the country. Both of these teams are coming off a bye week. Before that, Florida went to LSU and lost a shooutout. Florida did play really well against Alabama earlier this year, but Georgia is a different animal. I think this game will be decently close, but then I expect Georgia to pull away and win comfortably.
I am picking Georgia

20Penn State at 5Ohio State
Penn State started this season very strong before losing to Iowa a couple weeks ago. QB Sean Clifford went down in that game and the Nittany Lions have been bad on offense since. Clifford is expected to be back at 100% for this game, but I don’t think that will be much help. Ohio State seems to be one of the best teams in the country. Their offense is outstanding but the best team they played (Oregon) beat them at home. I expect the Buckeyes to win this game very comfortably. The back end of their schedule is loaded, but I think they will do well. I hate that they are good.
I am picking Ohio State

6Michigan at 8Michigan State
This is a very interesting game. I don’t really know how I feel about either of these teams, but I know they are, at the very least, decent. I do know that Michigan State has been fighting hard all season and I think they are going to be more motivated for this game. I think this one will be very close and probably come down to a weird play. I would also not be surprised if Michigan wins by a TD or more. A close game favors Sparty.
I am picking Michigan State

10Ole Miss at 18Auburn
As much as I hate to say it, Auburn has looked pretty good this year and so has QB Bo Nix. Ole Miss has been very good on offense and fun to watch with Heisman contender QB Matt Corrall at the helm. I really think Ole Miss is the better team, but also I’m not sure I trust any referee in a game which Auburn is playing. I think this one will be close.
I am picking Ole Miss

Texas at 16Baylor
This is a very important in the Big 12. As much as I hate to write it, Texas is pretty good. That said, they are especially good at blowing leads. Baylor has very quietly had a great season with their only loss coming to Oklahoma State. I am looking forward to this game. If Baylor plays to their potential, I think they win this game. I’m not sure where Texas is mentally. Having seen them play, they are good enough to beat most teams in the Big 12, but they cannot finish games. I wonder if this will be the game they can get over the hump.
I am picking Baylor

UCLA at Utah
I have not been good at picking west coast games this season. So why not try again? UCLA has been up and down this season. They played a tight game against Oregon last week. Their QB went down late but it seems like he’ll be ready to play in this game. Utah has overcome an awful tragedy this season and has really come together. They lost to a very good Oregon State team last week and I think they will bounce back. This will be a “Pac12 After Dark” game, so anything could happen.
I am picking Utah

Top 25
1Georgia vs Florida (Jacksonville)
2Cincinnati at Tulane
3Alabama BYE
Texas Tech at 4Oklahoma
20Penn State at 5Ohio State
6Michigan at 8Michigan State
Colorado at 7Oregon
9Iowa at Wisconsin
10Ole Miss at 18Auburn
North Carolina at 11Notre Dame
12Kentucky at Mississippi State
Duke at 13Wake Forest
14Texas A&M BYE
Kansas at 15Oklahoma State
Texas at 16Baylor
Miami at 17Pittsburgh
19SMU at Houston
Fresno State at 21San Diego State
22Iowa State at West Virginia
23UTSA BYE
23Coastal Carolina 35 Troy 28 (Thursday)
Virginia at 25BYU

Other Games
UNLV at Nevada (Friday)
Washington State at Arizona State
Florida State at Clemson
Washington at Stanford