Bleacher Report's Expert College Football Predictions for Week 9

Halloween weekend is a scary time for the nation's top-ranked college football teams.

Seven of the Top 10 teams will head out on the road, including No. 3 Clemson to take on No. 12 Florida State in Tallahassee and No. 4 Washington's trip to Salt Lake City to take on 17th-ranked Utah.

Will they all survive, or will Week 9 shake up the college football world?

Bleacher Report experts Adam Kramer, Barrett Sallee, Chris Walsh, Greg Couch and Michael Felder break it all down in this week's edition of expert picks.

Which Clemson Will Show Up Against Florida State?

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Clemson QB Deshaun Watson

Adam Kramer

I think you'll see a familiar Clemson team—one that is explosive, deeply talented and still nowhere close to perfect. I also believe this will be good enough to win a close, thrilling game. Florida State seems to have stabilized following some rough patches. Dalvin Cook is still one of the nation's best talents. The defense has been better. Deondre Francois has been superb despite being hit a lot. But Clemson, through the close calls, still has the ability to bring everything together. And while it won't be a blistering performance, it will be enough to stay unbeaten and atop the ACC.

Barrett Sallee

I picked Florida State to win this game before the season, but the Seminoles defense has been dreadful at times due in large part to an astonishing lack of discipline. That'll get you beat against a team like Clemson, which forces discipline in every aspect of its offense. The win against Miami was nice, and the Seminoles looked like they could be getting back on track, but not enough to topple the Tigers. Give me Deshaun Watson and Co. close.

Chris Walsh

A year ago, the Tigers took a huge step toward the College Football Playoff with their 23-13 victory over the Seminoles, leading Dabo Swinney to say, "We won the Kentucky Derby tonight, but we want to win the Triple Crown." But Clemson doesn't seem to have the same energy this season, and this time, the game will be played in Tallahassee. I don't expect the Tigers to be suddenly recharged by the bye week, but this game still screams "photo finish" to me, with the difference being Deshaun Watson as Clemson pulls it out.

Greg Couch

It's so much harder to stay on top of the mountain than it is to ride the momentum getting there. Clemson is grinding. Yeah, the Tigers were great in the biggest moment, against Louisville, but they haven't been able to run in lesser moments. Tough call on this one, but I think Florida State will be at its best and Clemson will have all the pressure. Seminoles win.

Michael Felder

Um, the one that takes advantage of bad defenses? Florida State is playing an "end of Mickey Andrews era" type of defense right now. Bad run fits. No discipline. If the Seminoles fixed it over the week, we might have a ballgame on our hands, but if they come out and play like the team we saw against North Carolina or Louisville, then goodnight. Clemson will take it.

Can Nebraska Keep Its CFP Dreams Alive at Wisconsin?

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Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong Jr.

Kramer

I don't believe so. It's not that Nebraska isn't good. This is a wonderful start for a program that has been looking for an identity, regardless of the competition. It just feels like Wisconsin is better, and home-field advantage will be significant.

The best hope for Nebraska is to find offense early. Maybe rip off a few special teams plays and flip the field. Because Wisconsin is still somewhat offensively challenged, Nebraska can make the home team uncomfortable. But over the course of 60 minutes, Wisconsin will likely be able to squeeze out a win.

Sallee

Yep. Nebraska's defense has only allowed more than 400 yards in a game once (to Oregon), quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. is doing enough, and running back Terrell Newby is running well. Wisconsin will "ugly" up this game, but that plays into what the Cornhuskers do well. Nebraska not only covers the nine points (via Odds Shark) but wins outright and sets up a big road game next week at Ohio State.

Walsh

I really, really want to pick the upset. Not so much because I'm sold on the Cornhuskers (I'm not), but rather because I'm convinced the Badgers' schedule could catch up to them this week. Wisconsin's last four games have been at Michigan State, at Michigan, Ohio State and at Iowa. Even with the bye week thrown in, this has to be a tired team, which works to Nebraska's advantage. But I'm going with the home team to pull out a narrow victory at Camp Randall Stadium.

Couch

Nebraska is the little ex-dynasty that could. The Huskers are worked up over a lack of respect, which is ridiculous. They are ranked No. 7 in the nation for beating Fresno State, Wyoming, Illinois, Purdue, etc. This team is for real in that it's good, but it's not CFP good. And the Badgers have put up a fight against top teams. The Huskers, with Ohio State next week, start a two-game losing streak.

Felder

No and yes. No, Nebraska is not going to beat Wisconsin. But the Cornhuskers' playoff dream can stay alive because even with a loss to Wisconsin, they're going to have a shot in the Big Ten title game to go to the playoff. ‎That is, of course, if they can get past Ohio State later. But regarding this game, it isn't a make-or-break by itself.

Is West Virginia Walking into a Trap vs. Oklahoma State?

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West Virginia QB Skyler Howard

Kramer

This is a dangerous spot for a team that has been more and more impressive each week.

Oklahoma State, at home, certainly has the offense to make the Mountaineers uncomfortable. But what I love about Dana Holgorsen's latest creation is the balance it has—offensively, defensively and otherwise.

I think the game will be close and that West Virginia will be pushed. But as it enters a telling, difficult stretch, I think it stays unbeaten for at least one week longer.

Sallee

Nope. In fact, this will be West Virginia's finest moment. Coordinator Tony Gibson's defense is playing lights-out after giving up 17 points to Texas Tech (which scored 59 in a loss to Oklahoma last week) and 10 to TCU. The Mountaineers are giving up just 17.8 points per game in the Big 12. The Big 12. Give me Dana Holgorsen's crew...big.

Walsh

I've gone back and forth on this game at least three times and probably will again three more times before kickoff, but yes, I think it is. West Virginia is coming off a pair of nice wins, 48-17 at Texas Tech and 34-10 against TCU, yet still ranks 57th in total defense compared to 15th in scoring defense. That means bend but not break to me, and sooner or later, it'll catch up to the Mountaineers. It'll be this week.

Couch

Yes, it is. Much like Nebraska, West Virginia is real but not CFP real. West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard is someone to root for and is on the verge of being the working man's hero. He'll have a chance against a mediocre OSU defense, but home-field advantage makes the difference here for the Cowboys.

Felder

No. When you play actual defense, there is no such thing as a trap. Your offense might let you down. Your quarterback might stink up the joint. Your coach might call in sick mentally. But when you play defense for real, you always have a shot. This game will help us see how real the Mountaineers defense can be.

Will Michigan State Spoil Michigan's Season?

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Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio (left) and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh (right)

Kramer

No. I won't write something like "no chance" or "never" or "LOL" because I saw how last year's game ended, and this rivalry can flip all expectations on their side. But Michigan State is a broken team in almost every facet. It lost a number of great players and has been unable to replace them. Michigan, at the moment, is collecting skulls. And after last year's debacle defeat, it would undoubtedly love to add another.

Barring something unforeseen—and this would be one of the year's biggest upsets—nothing will change that.

Sallee

Nope, not a chance. Michigan State was due for a retooling year, and this is it. The defense has been a disaster, the offense lacks explosiveness, and Sparty is running up against one of the best defenses in the country. Fourteen points will win it for the Wolverines, but they'll eclipse that mark in the first quarter. This game will get ugly.

Walsh

It's a big-time rivalry, so you want to think Michigan is going to get Michigan State's best shot, that the Spartans are going to view this as their biggest game of the season and that anything could happen. All of those things may be true, and Michigan will still win. Not only is it the better team, but having lost three straight in this series will provide all the motivation the Wolverines will need. They'll win big.

Couch

They say you can throw out the records in a rivalry game like this. That's a good way to keep people watching the game, I guess. If Michigan State is still in this thing at halftime, it would be a shock. The Spartans can't score, and Michigan can't seem to stop scoring. Michigan by three touchdowns.

Felder

Apologies to my family. But as a football observer, the issues with Sparty are insurmountable. I'm not sure how anyone can construct a path to victory for this team against the Wolverines.

Will Georgia Get Back on Track vs. Florida?

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Georgia RB Nick Chubb

Kramer

Nah. I don't think this will be a blowout. The game will likely be close into the second half. 

But Florida, while still a work in progress, is simply better. The Gators are more experienced and have the better defense, which will clearly play a role. It's somewhat surprising how little we have talked about Jim McElwain's latest creation, although that could change after this week.

Nothing dramatic or wild. Just a win for Florida and another tough one for the Dawgs.

Sallee

Lost in the embarrassment of losing to Vanderbilt two weeks ago was the fact Georgia's defense played well and quarterback Jacob Eason had a strong day with little help from the running game and star Nick Chubb. Conversely, I'm not sure what to make of Florida. Quarterback Luke Del Rio was decent for two-and-a-half games before getting hurt and was sluggish in his return two weeks ago against a Missouri defense that's a total mess. Give me the Bulldogs close and ugly.

Walsh

Nope. I can see Georgia making it close but not winning. Except at running, Florida is the better team all the way around and much better defensively. Both teams are coming off byes, the second for Florida after the LSU game was postponed and rescheduled. Luke Del Rio looked rusty against Missouri but should be more in sync with his receivers this week.

Couch

They're trying to drop the "Cocktail Party" nickname for this game just as Georgia fans could really use a drink. Florida has the defense, but its offense can't get away with throwing interceptions again. I think Georgia will move the ball. This will be close, with Florida barely winning.

Felder

Florida is going to win, but will anyone care? Neither of these teams are good. They're maybe the, what, sixth- and seventh-best teams in SEC? They're not good. This is a game for bragging rights that no one wants to brag about.

Does Utah Crumble Washington's Dream Season?

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Utah RB Joe Williams

Kramer

This stadium can get ya. It's happened on more than a handful of occasions over the last few seasons, and it's been close in many others. But Washington finds a way to win.

I am fascinated to watch the line of scrimmage here, which is something the Huskies have dominated. Utah's defensive front is excellent, and the key to an upset bid will start there.

Offensively, however, is where Washington has the advantage. That's the part, I believe, that separates two strong teams. If Utah rips off a few big plays early, perhaps that changes. Washington is better in too many places, though.

Sallee

Utah has been awesome this year, especially once running back Joe Williams returned from "retirement." That said, Washington's defense is a much tougher test for the Utes than UCLA's was last week. This one will go down to the wire, and Huskies quarterback Jake Browning will have a Heisman Trophy moment in a big road win.

Walsh

This game is being billed as a possible preview of the Pac-12 Championship Game, although Colorado and Washington State still might have something to say about that. Utah's defense led the way last year to a 34-23 victory, so the Utes have the necessary confidence to pull off the upset. And last week, Joe Williams had a school-record 332 rushing yards with four touchdowns against UCLA. This time, I think the Huskies defense will be the difference as Washington stays undefeated.

Couch

I've gone from not believing enough in Washington to probably believing too much. At this point, it seems as though Washington is too powerful for Utah. It's hard to see the Utes scoring much. Washington is headed for the CFP. Big win in Utah.

Felder

No. I love Joe Williams, but no. The Huskies are the best team in the nation at putting 11 hats into the frame. I'll wait while people try to figure out what that means and then make up other teams who do it as well. The Huskies aren't a perfect club, but they're damn good, and I expect them to find a W in their toughest test this year.

How Big of a Test Will Texas Be for Baylor?

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Baylor QB Seth Russell

Kramer

Ya know what? Texas will win this game. It doesn't mean Charlie Strong will save his job. But the Longhorns, at home, take down a Baylor team I still have questions about.

The offense will get rolling, the defense will probably get rolled, and the scoreboard will be busy. But Texas will make things mighty interesting, if only for one week, and pull off the upset.

So to answer the original question, it will be a very big test.

Sallee

Not much of one at all. Texas' defense lacks fundamentals, and that'll bite it in a big way against a Baylor team that's well-rested after two bye weeks in October and is known for a high-octane speed that stresses defensive discipline. This game will be so lopsided, it'll be hard for Texas to keep Charlie Strong around for next week, much less next season.

Walsh

I think the game will be close and probably come down to a field goal. Remember, the Longhorns pulled off the upset last year 23-17, denying Baylor a chance to play in the Sugar Bowl. Instead, it faced North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl—which, no offense to Orlando, Florida, isn't quite the same. Plus, the game will be played at Texas, so it'll be a good test, but look for Baylor to pull it out at the end.

Couch

Texas and Michigan State were both duped into thinking they were going to be good because they beat Notre Dame. Turns out, the Irish stink. The Longhorns are talented enough to be a test against Baylor, but at some point, they are going to realize they aren't playing for their coach anymore and they aren't playing for a big year. Under the relentlessness of Baylor, Texas will fold.

Felder

Based upon what we've seen so far, not much of one. I'm only typing more because I'm supposed to explain stuff, but I think my first sentence was pretty clear on what I think of the Longhorns. They don't tackle. They don't cover. They don't take good angles. They don't get lined up right. They don't do any of the things a team coached by a defensive guru should do.

Can Ole Miss Rebound, or Will Auburn's Hot Streak Continue?

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Auburn DT Montravius Adams (top) and end Marlon Davidson (right)

Kramer

If you think Ole Miss doesn't stand a chance here, you are mistaken. Even after Auburn buried Arkansas in points—I think there was just another touchdown scored in that game—Ole Miss will be a much more difficult matchup at home.

I worry some about the mindset. What does Ole Miss have left in the midst of a lost season? But the offensive and defensive talent is there. This is still a really difficult place to play. The overreaction to Auburn—which is playing so, so much better—might be a bit extreme this week.

I'll stay with the upset theme. Give me Ole Miss to win outright at home, helping push along another wild Saturday in the SEC.

Sallee

Ole Miss just let Leonard Fournette run for five miles (OK, 284 yards). The week prior, Arkansas' Rawleigh Williams III ran for 180 yards. Auburn ran for 543 last week against the Hogs.

Uh oh.

Auburn leads the SEC in rushing and passing efficiency, its offensive line is playing lights-out, and it's catching the Rebels at the best possible time and will control the game from the outset.

Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly will have to go score for score with Auburn to give his team a chance, but "Bad Chad" has popped up way too much this year. With Auburn's power up front and the uncertain statuses of injured Rebels left tackle Rod Taylor and guard Jordan Sims, "Bad Chad" will show up again. Auburn will win by double digits.

Walsh

Before the season started, I thought Ole Miss was a prime candidate to fade as the season progressed. But should it lose this game, we're talking about a tailspin. Back-to-back losses to Arkansas and LSU have taken their toll, and the frustration is mounting in Oxford. Fortunately for the Rebels, that's where this game will be played. Both teams pretty much run the same offense, and Auburn is playing better of late, but I think the Rebels and Chad Kelly are going to play with a sense of desperation and surprise the Tigers.

Couch

People were way too down on Auburn way too soon. I realize the offense had become shockingly predictable under former offensive guru Gus Malzahn. But predicting what Ole Miss will do is impossible. They are one of the best teams in the country and one of the worst, based on what 15-minute span we're talking about. I'll flip a coin....Heads, Auburn wins.

Felder

Stick a fork in Ole Miss. It's done. Cooked like a bird on Thanksgiving. I love the Rebels' talent and energy, but I'm pretty sure Fournette broke their soul with a couple of those runs. They had the talent to make it happen, but there were too many mistakes, too much "Chad being Chad." Auburn is hitting its stride, and the Tigers will send the Rebs back to the drawing board with another L.