Top five Week 9 college football games: TV info, predictions, start times

School soccer is the present that retains on giving. Over the previous month, every week has regarded like one of the best week of the season, solely to be topped by the following week of video games. 

After a pair of SEC showdowns highlighted Week 8, Week 9 isn’t any slouch. 5 ranked matchups ought to imply extra shakeups are coming to the Prime 25.

Listed here are the highest 5 video games of the week, ranked in inverse order.

5. No. 5 Texas (6-1) at No. 25 Vanderbilt (5-2) | Saturday | 4:15 p.m. ET | SEC Community

The Longhorns suffered their first lack of the season Saturday at residence towards No. 5 Georgia. Subsequent up: a Cinderella Vanderbilt squad with its eyes set on one other large upset. The Commodores’ previous 5 video games have been determined by a complete of 29 factors. They’ve proven they’ll win shut video games, however can they hold Saturday’s sport in Nashville with Texas shut? Ball safety is vital. Vanderbilt has solely dedicated two turnovers this season.

Prediction: Texas is just too good to lose two video games in a row. Longhorns win, 37-17.

4. No. 12 Notre Dame (6-1) at No. 24 Navy (6-0) | Saturday | midday ET | ABC

This longtime rivalry is laughably one-sided. Notre Dame leads the all-time collection 80-13-1 and, at one level, received 43 in a row over the Midshipmen. The final time a ranked Navy staff beat Notre Dame was in 1963. Is that this the 12 months for the Midshipmen? Once more, ball safety might be essential. Navy has dedicated solely two turnovers this season. Navy averages 274.8 yards per sport speeding, which is the fourth-best determine within the nation. Notre Dame ranks thirtieth  in speeding protection, permitting solely 113.1 yards per sport. That matchup will determine the sport on Saturday.

Prediction: Navy will not have a solution for Notre Dame’s dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard. Irish win, 28-17.

3. No. 20 Illinois (6-1) at No. 1 Oregon (7-0) | Saturday | 3:30 p.m. ET | CBS

Oregon is ranked No. 1 for the primary time since 2012. Illinois earned an announcement win over No. 24 Michigan final week, however it’s now tasked with stopping Heisman hopeful Dillon Gabriel, a significantly better QB than what the Wolverines rolled out. The Oregon QB has 2,080 yards passing and 15 TD passes. Nevertheless, Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer is a worthy adversary. He additionally has 15 TD passes, so it seems this sport can be received (or misplaced) within the air. Which protection can get to the quarterback? Each groups rank within the high 25 nationally in sacks. This one will not come simply for Oregon.

Prediction: It will not be simple for the Geese, however they may win 35-17.

2. No. 21 Missouri (6-1) at No. 15 Alabama (5-2) | Saturday | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC

The Tigers have underwhelmed a lot of the season. The offense, which was purported to be high-octane, has sputtered, and Missouri is fortunate to have just one loss. A School Soccer Playoff spot might be on the road on this one. Alabama cannot afford a 3rd loss, and the Tide are Mizzou’s final ranked opponent at present on the schedule. Should you relish huge receiver play, Mizzou’s Luther Burden and Alabama’s Ryan Williams will float your boat.

Prediction: Alabama retains its CFP hopes alive with a 31-14 win.

1. No. 8 LSU (6-1) at No. 14 Texas A&M (6-1) Saturday | 7:30 p.m. | ABC

A rivalry sport between groups undefeated in SEC play underneath the lights? Sure, please.  A&M is a 2.5-point favourite, in line with ESPN Guess as of Tuesday, and has a 52.6 % probability to win, in line with ESPN Analytics. Anticipate this sport to be shut. The groups have traded wins previously seven matchups, with the house staff successful every time. That is excellent news for the Aggies. LSU hasn’t received at Kyle Discipline since 2016. A win on Saturday evening will propel A&M into the highest 10 and firmly put them within the CFP dialog.

Prediction: The pattern continues as A&M wins at residence, defeating LSU 27-23.