College Football Predictions Week 9: Bold Picks for Every Game

This is a big week for many teams who want to keep their hopes for a conference championship alive.

Michigan State travels to Nebraska and Illinois goes to Penn State.

Andrew Luck and Stanford get another serious challenge this weekend as the Cardinal travel to Los Angeles to play USC in a key Pac-12 game.

Arguably the best game of the weekend, though, is Clemson traveling to Georgia Tech in what could be a preview of the ACC Championship game in December.

Keep reading for a first look at the winners and losers of Week 9.

Troy at Florida International

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. ET

Troy is coming off back-to-back losses to the Louisianas—Lafayette and Monroe. FIU was smoked by Arkansas State last Tuesday.

So someone will get back on the winning track.

Neither team is playing up to preseason predictions, so the home team gets the edge.

Prediction: FIU 27, Troy 24

Connecticut at Pittsburgh

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 8 p.m. ET

Remember when it was actually exciting to watch a midweek Big East game?

OK, I don't either.

At least with Pittsburgh, you might get an unreal performance from Ray Graham.

If not, then we're in for a boring Wednesday night.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 20, UConn 12

Rice at No. 17 Houston

Thursday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m. ET

Case Keenum's sixth season at Houston has been one of his best.

As boring as Wednesday action will likely be, this game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair.

Rice's defense will need the performance of a lifetime in this one for the Owls to have a chance to survive.

Prediction: Houston 48, Rice 17

Virginia at Miami

Thursday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m. ET

The dysfunctional Miami Hurricanes are so unpredictable this season, but if you've paid attention to ACC football the past five years, you know it's not a good idea to bet on league games.

Miami has some nice young talent, and with the leadership of Jacory Harris, the Hurricanes might make it to a bowl game this season.

Virginia is also looking more impressive in Mike London's second season.

This has the makings of a fun Thursday night game on ESPN.

Prediction: Miami 24, Virginia 17

Brigham Young at TCU

Friday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m. ET

TCU is not going to repeat last year's 13-0 season that culminated in a Rose Bowl victory.

But the Horned Frogs are in position to win the the Mountain West again after a 69-0 whipping of New Mexico Saturday.

This week's game with BYU isn't a conference game, but it's a good barometer for both programs.

Both teams are 5-2, and the Cougars are fresh off a 56-3 crushing of Idaho State.

Prediction: TCU 38, BYU 24

Missouri at No. 16 Texas A&M

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. ET

Hey look, a future SEC game.

Maybe Missouri has mentally checked out of the Big 12. At least that's what it looks like if you've watched Gary Pinkel's team play lately.

Texas A&M has rebounded the past few weeks and a win against the Tigers would get the Aggies to 6-2.

A&M has to avoid looking past Missouri for a huge showdown the following week with Oklahoma.

Prediction: Texas A&M 34, Missouri 24

Purdue at No. 18 Michigan

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. ET

After suffering its first loss of the season, Michigan was given a well-deserved bye week.

Brady Hoke probably used the week wisely to get his team ready for the second half of the season.

Purdue is riding high after taking down previously-ranked Illinois 21-14.

Caleb TerBush threw two touchdown passes in the game and could cause Michigan's defense some trouble in The Big House.

Prediction: Michigan 33, Purdue 21

North Carolina State at Florida State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. ET

Florida State's season is a disappointment no matter what happens from here on out.

But Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles are doing their best to make 2011 a jumping off place for 2012.

FSU is back to 4-3 and playing more like we thought it would when the season began.

North Carolina State has been abysmal, and Wolfpack fans are wondering why Tom O'Brien wanted to get rid of Russell Wilson.

Prediction: FSU 27, N.C. State 10

Northwestern at Indiana

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. ET

Northwestern's Dan Persa is working his way back to 100 percent, but he's still one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the Big Ten.

The Wildcats have been struggling this season, but they get a shot at arguably the worst FBS program in the country.

First-year Indiana coach Kevin Wilson is having a nightmare start with the Hoosiers.

Indiana has already lost so many games it can't make a bowl game this season.

That's nothing new for Indiana.

Prediction: Northwestern 48, Indiana 14

Syracuse at Louisville

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. ET

Syracuse is riding high after manhandling West Virginia last week. Now the Orange go on the road to flex their new Big East muscle.

Louisville is also coming off a nice win over Rutgers.

The winner of this game will be in decent shape to take control of the Big East chase.

This game also features two of the lesser-known quarterbacks in the nation—Syracuse's Ryan Nassib and Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater.

Prediction: Syracuse 20, Louisville 14

No. 11 Michigan State at No. 14 Nebraska

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. ET

The Legends Division may be decided in Lincoln, Neb., as a surging Michigan State rolls into town.

The Spartans have defeated Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin in their last three games. Now, Mark Dantonio's team gets Nebraska.

The Cornhuskers have rebounded from their nightmare in Madison, Wisconsin, and now have a chance to finish where almost everyone thought they would...on top of the Legends Division.

Taylor Martinez and Bo Pelini get another shot on the big stage. How will they fare?

Prediction: Nebraska 26, Michigan State 20

UAB at Marshall

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. ET

Marshall's second-year coach Doc Holliday is building a future Conference USA champion in Huntington.

It starts with freshman quarterback Rakeem Cato and extends to the other skill positions for Marshall. Right now, those talented players are young.

The Thundering Herd are coming off a loss at Houston, but when they play at home, they are tough.

UAB is underachieving and is 1-6 following a 26-24 victory over another disappointing program, UCF.

Prediction: Marshall 21, UAB 17

Central Michigan at Akron

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. ET

Akron is once again a bottom feeder in the Mid-American Conference, and the Zips are 1-6 following a loss to Ohio.

Central Michigan isn't much better at 2-6 after getting spanked by Ball State.

The Chippewas do have a win over Northern Illinois, so let's give them the edge in this one.

Prediction: Central Michigan 30, Akron 19

No. 10 Arkansas at Vanderbilt

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:21 p.m. ET

Wow, Arkansas got a scare from Ole Miss last week.

Bobby Petrino won't let the Razorbacks lose their focus against a Vanderbilt team that has played inspired football this year.

Vanderbilt's defense has played well this year, but the offense isn't strong enough to put up enough points in the tough SEC.

Prediction: Arkansas 35, Vanderbilt 10

No. 12 Virginia Tech at Duke

Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:30 p.m. ET

Virginia Tech may be 7-1 and leading the ACC Coastal, but the Hokies have a habit of allowing weaker teams to stick around.

They better not allow Duke to stick too close at home, or the Blue Devils will make them pay.

The Hokies have issues on defense this season, but the offense is led by quarterback Logan Thomas and running back David Wilson.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 34, Duke 10

Bowling Green at Kent State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 1:00 p.m. ET

Bowling Green is fresh off its biggest win of the season—a 13-10 victory over Temple.

The Falcons are now 4-4 and looking like a potential contender for the MAC's East Division.

Kent State is coming of a bye week, but not much else has gone right for the Golden Flashes (1-6).

This will likely be another tough loss at home for Kent.

Prediction: Bowling Green 24, Kent State 14

Air Force at New Mexico

Saturday, Oct. 29, 2:00 p.m. ET

Air Force hung with Boise State on the blue turf last week, but Troy Calhoun's team didn't have enough magic.

Now, the Falcons get an unscheduled bye week against New Mexico.

The Lobos may have parted ways with Mike Locksley, but New Mexico still can't win any games.

Take Air Force in a rout.

Prediction: Air Force 56, New Mexico 14

Ball State at Western Michigan

Saturday, Oct. 29, 2:00 p.m. ET

Ball State is fresh off a 31-27 victory over Central Michigan, so now the Cardinals will try to add another Michigan team in the win column.

Western Michigan dropped a tough 14-10 game to an improving Eastern Michigan.

So the Broncos will try to get back on track with a home game.

Western's Alex Carder is a solid quarterback, who could be the difference this week.

Prediction: Western Michigan 28, Ball State 17

Washington State at No. 7 Oregon

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:00 p.m. ET

Paul Wulff's team really is better this season, but Washington State hasn't improved enough to hang with Oregon.

Marshall Lobbestael has delivered some big performances at quarterback this season. To beat Oregon, he'll need the performance of a lifetime.

The Ducks put a serious whipping on Colorado last weekend, 45-2, and Oregon did that without its starting quarterback or tailback.

It probably won't be as ugly this week, but it won't be pretty either.

Prediction: Oregon 52, Washington State 10

Boston College at Maryland

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:00 p.m. ET

Fans like to make fun of Big East football, but ACC, watch this game and you'll see why ACC football isn't much better.

The Terrapins have been hit by the Curse of Friedgen and are struggling to find their rhythm under first-year coach Randy Edsall.

Let's see what we can say nice about Boston College. The Eagles have defensive stud Luke Kuechley.

I got nothing else.

Prediction: Maryland 27, Boston College 17

No. 9 Oklahoma at No. 8 Kansas State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

This looked like it would pit two 7-0 teams against each other, but then Oklahoma went and got upset by Texas Tech at home.

But Bill Snyder is working his magic again at Kansas State, but smoke and mirrors won't be enough against the Sooners.

Oklahoma looked like it was on track to play for a BCS Championship, but that hope was dashed last weekend (more than likely).

Kansas State might keep it respectable for a half, but the Sooners have too much talent to slip up here.

Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Kansas State 17

Baylor at No. 3 Oklahoma State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

While Baylor's Robert Griffin III was getting a lot of Heisman hype early in the season, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden was piling up some pretty impressive numbers.

Weeden just led the Cowboys to an impressive 45-24 victory over an underachieving Missouri. That win lifted Oklahoma State to 7-0 and on a path for a titanic showdown with Oklahoma at the end of the season.

Baylor is coming off a bye week, so the Bears hopefully improved its defense during the break.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 48, Baylor 40

No. 25 West Virginia at Rutgers

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

Going into last week's games, West Virginia and Rutgers looked like two of the best teams in the Big East.

After losses on the road, both programs need this win to remain in the race.

WVU's loss was the most embarrassing as Syracuse crushed the Mountaineers 49-23 in the Carrier Dome.

Rutgers has a tough defense, and the Mountaineers defense has been a major disappointment this season.

Prediction: West Virginia 38, Rutgers 17

No. 22 Georgia vs. Florida

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

Florida has won five of the past six meetings, and Will Muschamp would love nothing more than a win over the Gators big rival.

But Georgia is tired of losing to Florida in Jacksonville.

After opening the season 0-2, Mark Richt's team has really turned things around with five consecutive wins.

Aaron Murray is a year older and playing better at quarterback for Georgia.

Florida has been hurt by injuries, but I still expect each team's best so this should be a close game.

Prediction: Georgia 24, Florida 20

Navy at Notre Dame

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

In recent years, Navy has owned Notre Dame. The Midshipmen have won three of the last four meetings.

This year's Navy team hasn't enjoyed much success, though.

After opening 2-0, Navy has dropped five straight.

The Irish have had an up-and-down season, but Brian Kelly's team should be able to take care of Navy in 2011.

Prediction: Notre Dame 33, Navy 14

Iowa at Minnesota

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

No matter what former coach Tim Brewster says, Minnesota does not have much talent.

Jerry Kill has learned this unsettling fact all too well in his first year with the Gophers.

Iowa has quietly reached 5-2 behind the running of Marcus Coker and throwing of James Vandenberg.

Don't underestimate the Hawkeyes.

Prediction: Iowa 42, Minnesota 7

Tulane at East Carolina

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

East Carolina may be 3-4, but the Pirates share first place in the East Division of Conference USA.

Dominique Davis is a beast at quarterback, and he would create all kinds of problems for Tulane.

Tulane is horrible and never got much better under Bob Toledo, who was jettisoned a couple weeks ago.

Prediction: East Carolina 28, Tulane 3

Wake Forest at North Carolina

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

Jim Grobe has built another solid team at Wake Forest (5-2). The wins are never easy, Case in point was last week's 24-23 win over Duke.

Leading the way is quarterback Tanner Price, who has thrown 12 touchdown passes.

North Carolina is 5-3 but has struggled in ACC action.

The Tar Heels are too inconsistent to get a real feel for how they'll play against the Demon Deacons.

Prediction: Wake Forest 27, North Carolina 21

Buffalo at Miami (Ohio)

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

Buffalo may be 2-6, but the Bulls have played much better than their record.

Miami is 2-5 and fresh off a loss to Toledo. The RedHawks also have one of the worst offenses in the nation.

But the game is at Miami so it gets a slight edge.

Prediction: Miami 20, Buffalo 18

Southern Methodist at Tulsa

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

June Jones is simply an amazing coach. Everywhere he goes, he wins.

J.J. McDermott is his new stud at quarterback as SMU averages about 330 yards through the air.

Tulsa has the players to take down SMU's potent offense, and it gets the Mustangs at home.

This is going to be a back-and-forth battle.

Prediction: SMU 30, Tulsa 28

Fordham at Army

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

Once again, Army has the nation's leading rushing attack. Of course, it has the nation's worst passing game.

The Black Knights are 2-5, and the odds of getting back to a bowl game are not looking good.

But a breather against 1-6 Fordham of the Football Championship Subdivision is just what Army needed.

Prediction: Army 27, Fordham 20

Western Kentucky at Louisiana-Monroe

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

Western Kentucky notched one if its biggest wins since it joined FBS as the Hilltoppers knocked off Louisiana-Lafayette 42-23 to improve to 3-4.

Now WKU has to travel to Louisiana-Monroe, which fell to North Texas last week.

The Hilltoppers are turning things around and won't slip up on the road.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 24, Louisiana-Monroe 20

Illinois at No. 19 Penn State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET

Don't look now, but Penn State is the lone undefeated team in the Big Ten Leaders Division at 4-0.

So the Nittany Lions control their destiny and could be playing in the conference's first championship game.

After opening the season 6-0, Illinois has fallen apart with losses to Ohio State and Purdue.

It would be just like Ron Zook to figure out a way to beat Penn State.

Prediction: Penn State 20, Illinois 9

Memphis at UCF

Saturday, Oct. 29, 4:00 p.m. ET

Memphis is on a roll, following its first Conference USA win last week over Tulane.

But no one expects the Tigers to get two straight.

UCF has woefully underachieved this season as well. Last week's 26-24 loss to formerly winless UAB really hurt.

The Golden Knights should pull to .500 with a win over Memphis.

Prediction: UCF 42, Memphis 17

San Jose State at Louisiana Tech

Saturday, Oct. 29, 4:00 p.m. ET

The average fan wouldn't realize this, but this is a solid WAC game. It might be better as a Friday night game.

Both teams are 3-4 and in the hunt for a conference title.

The Spartans defense has given up a lot of points, but the difference in this game will be the play of San Jose quarterback Matt Faulkner.

Prediction: San Jose State 37, Louisiana Tech 28

Hawaii at Idaho

Saturday, Oct. 29, 5:00 p.m. ET

Hawaii is never the same team on the road, but if quarterback Bryant Moniz can avoid a slow start, the Warriors should be fine at Idaho.

Idaho is having another rough season, and it won't get much better this week.

Prediction: Hawaii 26, Idaho 17

Colorado State at UNLV

Saturday, Oct. 29, 6:00 p.m. ET

Colorado State has finally showed some signs of improvement under coach Steve Fairchild.

Sophomore quarterback Pete Thomas is an accurate thrower and is still growing into the role as the team leader.

UNLV is still bad, but second-year coach Bobby Hauck didn't expect miracles.

Prediction: Colorado State 41, UNLV 24

Colorado at No. 21 Arizona State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m. ET

Just when you thought Colorado couldn't get any worse, the Buffaloes get beat by Oregon 45-2 and are officially eliminated for making a bowl game.

Now the first-year Pac-12 team gets to travel to Arizona State.

Brock Osweiler and Cameron Marshall will likely put up career highs in this game.

Prediction: Arizona State 48, Colorado 20

Ole Miss at No. 23 Auburn

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m. ET

Ole Miss played Arkansas very well last week, but that won't happen again.

The Rebels are talent deficient, and Houston Nutt is on life support.

Auburn was outclassed by LSU, but Gene Chizik's team won't miss an opportunity to pick up an easy SEC win.

Just feed the ball to Michael Dyer.

Prediction: Auburn 32, Ole Miss 10

Kansas at No. 24 Texas

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m. ET

Kansas is pretty close to hitting rock bottom. The Jayhawks just don't have the athletes to match up with the other teams in the Big 12.

Well, Texas has athletes, even if they are youngsters.

The Longhorns will get back to .500 in the conference this week.

Prediction: Texas 42, Kansas 14

California at UCLA

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m. ET

Everybody was ready to write off Rick Neuheisel at UCLA following last week's embarrassing loss at Arizona.

But the Bruins can still have a respectable season, and it starts with Cal this week.

Neuheisel has plenty of things to correct, and he knows his job is on the line.

Jeff Tedford's team just manhandled Utah, which has yet to earn a Pac-12 win. Still, Cal is 1-3 in league play.

Prediction: UCLA 27, California 21

Mississippi State at Kentucky

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m. ET

Mississippi State had some lofty expectations coming into the season, but now, the Bulldogs are just trying to survive.

A bowl game is no guarantee, but a win over Kentucky will help.

The Wildcats haven't done much better. Kentucky has one of the nation's worst offenses.

But Kentucky is starting a run of games that it could win.

Prediction: Mississippi State 16, Kentucky 10

North Texas at Arkansas State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m. ET

If you haven't been paying attention to the Sun Belt Conference, then you didn't notice that Arkansas State is on top.

In just his first season, Hugh Freeze is working some magic with the Red Wolves.

North Texas has also improved under new coach Dan McCarney. The Mean Green are 3-5 but 2-2 in the Sun Belt.

Prediction: Arkansas State 36, North Texas 24

Iowa State at No. 20 Texas Tech

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m. ET

Texas Tech should be riding a serious wave of emotion as it plays at home just one week after upsetting Oklahoma in Norman. The win ended the Sooners' home win streak at 39.

Will the Red Raiders have a letdown? It's a real possibility after such an emotional win.

Iowa State started the season strong but has slipped to 3-4 and 0-4 in the league.

The Cyclones seem to be limping along, but an upset of Tech could get things turned around.

Prediction: Texas Tech 30, Iowa State 27

No. 14 South Carolina at Tennessee

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:15 p.m. ET

South Carolina is coming off a bye week, while Tennessee is trying to recuperate following a loss to rival Alabama.

The Volunteers are still looking for their first SEC win, while the Gamecocks are still in control of the SEC East.

South Carolina must establish a running game without the services of Marcus Lattimore, who was lost for the season following a knee injury in the Gamecocks last game.

While Tennessee was manhandled by both LSU and Alabama, the Vols had solid performances against Florida and Georgia in losses.

Prediction: South Carolina 20, Tennessee 7

Louisiana-Lafayette at Middle Tennessee

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. ET

Look at Louisiana-Lafayette getting itself bowl eligible, and now, the Ragin' Cajuns would like to stay in the running for a Sun Belt championship.

Lafayette did slip up last week, though, losing to Western Kentucky.

Middle Tennessee just got its first conference win, and now, the Blue Raiders are looking for two in a row.

Prediction: UL-Lafayette 32, Middle Tennessee State 24

No. 15 Wisconsin at Ohio State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET

Wisconsin won't have much time to sulk following the emotional loss to Michigan State.

But the Badgers must regroup as the Russell Wilson-led team still has a chance to win the Big Ten and play in a BCS Bowl Game.

Believe it or not, but Ohio State could win out and still get a spot in the Big Ten title game.

But the Buckeyes better hope Joe Bauserman never steps foot on the field again.

Prediction: Wisconsin 28, Ohio State 10

No. 5 Clemson at Georgia Tech

Saturday, Oct. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET

A few weeks ago this looked like it would be a classic clash in the ACC.

Clemson held up its part of the plan, but Georgia Tech has dropped two straight and fell out of the rankings.

With Tajh Boyd, Andre Ellington and Sammy Watkins, Clemson has one of the conference's best offenses.

However, Clemson's defense has been giving up some points. If Georgia Tech's spread option gets going, the Tigers better beware.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 30, Clemson 28

Oregon State at Utah

Saturday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m. ET

Utah has learned a tough lesson—playing in a BCS conference is more difficult than the Utes ever expected.

Kyle Whittingham's team is 0-4 in its first year in the Pac-12.

Oregon State has rebounded a bit with two victories, but the Beavers are Utah's best chance of getting a conference win.

Well, Utah does close the season with Colorado.

Prediction: Utah 34, Oregon State 23

No. 6 Stanford at USC

Saturday, Oct. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET

Andrew Luck gets another big-time opponent to prove how talented he really is. Well, it's not like we are really questioning it.

But Stanford had been the most underrated undefeated team playing. With the blowout win over Washington, a lot of people are now waking up to the Cardinal.

Lane Kiffin delivered a big win at Notre Dame last week, and now, he has a chance to ruin Stanford's season.

This is also a great match up of elite quarterbacks with Matt Barkley going against Luck.

Prediction: Stanford 42, USC 24

Nevada at New Mexico State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET

Nevada is currently on top of the Western Athletic Conference standings, but traveling to New Mexico State is going to be tougher than in past years.

The Aggies are only 3-4, but that's an upgrade.

This game will be close, so go with the home team.

Prediction: New Mexico State 24, Nevada 21

Southern Miss at UTEP

Saturday, Oct. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET

Southern Miss is 6-1 and received a little love in the coaches poll as it came in at No. 25.

The lone loss was on the road at Marshall, but last weekend's 27-3 victory over Southern Methodist was impressive.

So the Golden Eagles are a collision course to meet Houston in the Conference USA championship game.

UTEP is no slouch, and that was evident in last week's 31-17 victory over Colorado State.

Prediction: Southern Miss 28, UTEP 20

Wyoming at San Diego State

Saturday, Oct. 29, 10:00 p.m. ET

At 4-2, Wyoming has been a nice surprise this season. But all of the wins come against weak competition.

Now the Cowboys must travel to San Diego State, which is loaded with talent.

Ryan Lindley is one of the lesser known, but extremely talented quarterbacks in the nation. Ronnie Hillman is also a dangerous runner.

Prediction: San Diego State 42, Wyoming 17

Arizona at Washington

Saturday, Oct. 29, 10:30 p.m. ET

We found out real quick that Washington isn't ready for primetime in the Pac-12 as the Huskies were routed by Stanford 65-21.

But Steve Sarkisian's team is a solid bowl team, who should be ready for a resurgent Arizona team.

OK, maybe resurgent was a little strong, but the Wildcats were downright impressive against UCLA last week.

Prediction: Washington 38, Arizona 27