College football 2017 Week 9 predictions

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

The Nittany Lions look like a playoff-bound team halfway through the season, but they face their biggest test against division rival and playoff hopeful Ohio State on the road. Penn State easily dispatched Michigan last week, gaining over 500 yards in total offense against a stingy defense. Ohio State brings its NCAA-best 47.3 points per game into a matchup that could propel it into the College Football Playoff picture. The Buckeyes lost their only game against a ranked opponent so far vs. Oklahoma at home. They can shake any lingering doubt about their ability to win a big game this week.

Pick: Ohio State

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

The Huskies still have an outside shot to make the playoff this year but will need to take care of business against the teams they should be beating after losing to Arizona State. Midseason All-American Dante Pettis leads Washington as a wide receiver and returner, as the team hopes to stay in the conversation for a Pac-12 North Division title. UCLA recovered from its loss against Arizona by beating the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl last week. If Josh Rosen can continue to carry the team, the Bruins always have a chance to win.

Pick: Washington

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

While it is no longer the official name of the rivalry, the World’s Largest Cocktail Party returns for its 96^th (or 95^th if you’re a Florida fan) game. The pregame activities live up to the name, and the game itself doesn’t disappoint either. Georgia finds itself in playoff position more than halfway through the season, led by running back Nick Chubb, and a defense that has only given up 12.6 points per game. Florida puts its three-game winning streak in the rivalry on the line and looks to recover from two heartbreaking losses in a row. The Gators will need to figure out a way to grind out a close game if they want to keep up their recent success against the Bulldogs.

Pick: Georgia

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

Notre Dame proved it was the real deal by destroying the USC Trojans last week, 49-14. Its journey to national relevance continues with another tough matchup against North Carolina State. Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams gained 191 yards on the ground for three touchdowns last week. He faces a Wolfpack team that held Pittsburgh to under 95 rushing yards in its last game. Can Notre Dame continue its five-game winning streak?

Pick: N.C. State

Saturday, 12 p.m. ET

These two Texas teams can’t catch a break. The Longhorns have lost their last two games by an average of four points. Baylor lost against AP-ranked West Virginia last week by two points at home. The Bears get another shot at winning their first game this week against Texas, who struggled to get anything going on offense the last two weeks. After putting up 36 points last week, Baylor may be able to get over on the Longhorns.

Pick: Baylor

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET

The Sooners may be six spots away from being back in playoff position, but they have time to recover. Their win against Kansas State last week keeps them in the AP top 10, and Baker Mayfield looks like he is back on track to lead the team on a good run. Texas Tech is the midst of a midseason slump, losing two games with quarterback Nic Shimonek looking less effective than he did at the beginning of the season. When the Red Raiders were doing well, Shimonek was slinging the ball around with confidence. He will need to get that swag back to help Texas Tech get back in the win column.

Pick: Oklahoma

Saturday, 12 p.m. ET

Despite a slow game against Texas, Oklahoma State still has one of the best offenses in the country. Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph leads the best passing attack that gains 392.7 yards per game. West Virginia comes in winning two close games in a row. Mountaineers quarterback Will Grier has thrown 10 touchdowns in the last two weeks. This game could be the shootout of the week.

Pick: West Virginia

Saturday, 12 p.m. ET

Both teams have had lackluster years so far, but when these SEC rivals hook up, it’s a fight to the death. The Razorbacks' fourth down conversation in 2015 spoiled the Rebels' shot at a SEC West title, and last year’s game was a 34-30 offensive show that Arkansas secured late in the fourth quarter. These teams won’t be playing for a national championship this year, but they will put on a thrilling show.

Pick: Ole Miss

Thursday, 9 p.m. ET

While the rest of college football is enamored with Saquon Barkley, Bryce Love has been the most productive running back in the nation. His 1,387 yards through seven games are more than any other running back in college football, and he has powered Stanford to four consecutive wins. He and the Cardinal travel to Corvallis, Ore., where Oregon State is trying to notch its first Pac-12 win. The Beavers have surprised ranked teams at home often this century. Stanford may be their latest victim.

Pick: Stanford

Friday, 8 p.m. ET

After losing to now-ranked University of Central Florida, Memphis has reeled off three straight wins. Tigers quarterback Riley Ferguson has thrown 11 touchdowns and over 1,100 yards in three games. Memphis fans hope he continues that production against Tulane, who can put up points itself. The Tigers have given up 32 points a game during their winning streak, and the Green Wave may turn this into an American Athletic Conference shootout.

Pick: Memphis

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

After grinding through a difficult schedule, TCU is finally getting the recognition it deserves. The Horned Frogs beat two AP top 25 teams in their undefeated season, putting them in the last playoff spot unofficially more than halfway through the season. Now, they head to Iowa State, where the Cyclones have fought their way near the top of the Big 12 Conference. The only team between Iowa State and first place is TCU. Can the Cyclones take over the top spot, or will the Horned Frogs continue their march to the playoffs?

Pick: Iowa State

Saturday, 9:30 p.m. ET

Arizona is suddenly a factor in the Pac-12 South Division after three straight wins in the conference, and a lot of it can be credited to Khalil Tate. The Wildcats quarterback has been a dual threat other teams have not been able to stop. He and Arizona play host to Washington State, who got over a 37-3 loss to Cal with a 28-0 shutout against Colorado. With a hot Arizona team bearing down on them, the Cougars will have to bring maximum effort to leave Tucson alive.

Pick: Washington

Saturday, 10:45 p.m. ET

The Trojans were humiliated in South Bend, getting wrecked by Notre Dame, 49-14. USC’s playoff hopes are most likely dead, but it can still salvage the season by winning the Pac-12 South Division. To do that, the Trojans will have to beat a resurgent Arizona State team that knocked off No. 5 Washington and Utah the last two weeks. With USC appearing to have lost its mojo, the Sun Devils may score another victory over a ranked opponent.

Pick: USC

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET

Clemson’s loss against Syracuse before the bye week was a big blow for the Tigers, knocking them out of the playoff picture for now. The week off may have gotten the team refocused as it prepares to take on Georgia Tech, who has rushed its way to second in the ACC Coastal Division. Yellow Jackets quarterback TaQuon Marshall has been a nightmare on the ground, gaining 704 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. Clemson’s defense needs to show it’s up to the task of stopping him after its subpar effort against Syracuse.

Pick: Clemson

Saturday, 7:15 p.m. ET

Nothing like a little home cooking to get your season back on track. Mississippi State lost two straight games on the road against ranked teams before winning its last two games at home, averaging 40 points in those two matchups. Now it heads on the road again to face Texas A&M, who was victorious against Florida in its last game heading into the bye week. Both teams are looking to move up in the competitive SEC West Division.

Pick: Texas A&M

Saturday, 7:20 p.m. ET

Hokies quarterback Josh Jackson has gotten a lot of the headlines with Virginia Tech back in the national conversation, but it has been the defense that has been just as big a factor in its success. The Hokies defense has held teams to 12.7 points per game this season. They face a desperate Duke team that has lost four straight games after starting the season 4-0. The Blue Devils will need Daniel Jones to carry them if they want to beat the Hokies on the road.

Pick: Virginia Tech

Saturday, 3:45 p.m. ET

It is safe to say Charlie Strong wasn’t the problem at Texas. The South Florida head coach has led the team to an undefeated record so far, and the Bulls have looked good all year. South Florida now hosts Houston in a conference clash. The Cougars are coming off a loss against Memphis in which they had the Tigers down 17 points in the second half before Memphis came back. Houston has enough firepower to challenge the Bulls, who own the longest active winning streak in the country at 12 victories.

Pick: South Florida

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

The Spartans needed a rally to beat stingy Indiana last week, and now they go on the road to face a just as tough Northwestern team. The Wildcats played Penn State close for more than a half in their last loss and have won their last two games. Michigan State needs this win to keep pace with Ohio State and Penn State for first place in the Big Ten East Division.

Pick Michigan State

Saturday, 12 p.m. ET

Well, it happened. The Wolverines are out of the AP top 25. After losing to Michigan State and getting rolled by Penn State, it’s hard to argue they don’t deserve it. Michigan has a chance to get back in the swing of things against Rutgers, who won’t be an easy out after winning its last two games and playing with confidence. If the Wolverines don’t come out firing on all cylinders, they may find themselves in the losing column again.

Pick: Michigan

Saturday, 12 p.m. ET

The heart-attack Hurricanes are winning games, but they aren’t making it look easy. Miami is still undefeated despite several close games to weaker opponents. Now it heads on the road to North Carolina, where the Tar Heels are still trying to secure their first conference win. With Miami struggling to score at times, the Tar Heels could clip the Hurricanes at home.

Pick Miami

Saturday, 12 p.m. ET

It’s an odd situation being No. 5 in the AP poll — the team is in the playoff picture but still on the outside looking in. Wisconsin is just one top-four loss away from being in position to make the College Football Playoff. The Badgers will need to continue taking care of business against weaker teams like Illinois if they want to make the jump. The Fighting Illini are still looking for their first conference win but have an uphill battle to stop Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor.

Pick: Wisconsin

Saturday, 10 p.m. ET

Just when you thought they were gone, the Broncos are fighting their way to national relevance. Boise State has won its last three games between platooning quarterbacks Montell Cozart and Brett Rypien. The Broncos head to Logan, where Utah State is playing the Mountain West tough despite some losses. The Aggies could ride the home crowd and stop Boise State’s momentum.

Pick: Boise State

Saturday, 5 p.m. ET

Central Florida has already equaled its win total from last season and looks like a lock to go to another bowl game this season. The Knights are keeping pace with South Florida in the American Athletic East Division behind quarterback McKenzie Milton, who has 16 touchdowns so far this season. Their 46.3 points per game are second in the nation, and UCF is hosting Austin Peay. The Knights will need to keep pace with South Florida to win the division, but Austin Peay may be up to the challenge of stopping them.

Pick: UCF

Saturday, 3 p.m. ET

The Governor’s Cup is on the line again as these in-state opponents renew their rivalry for the 114^th time. Kansas still leads the series 64-45-5, but Kansas State has won the last eight meetings. The Jayhawks have lost their last six games, three of them against AP-ranked teams. The Wildcats are in the midst of their own losing streak, dropping three games in a row. Both teams are desperate for a win. If neither team goes to a bowl game, a win against the other can at least save the season.

Pick: Kansas

Saturday, 3 p.m. ET

Flying under the radar is nothing new for Mountain West teams, and Colorado State is the latest team in that zone. The Rams are undefeated in conference play, and quarterback Nick Stevens is a big reason, throwing for nearly 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns. Coming into town is Air Force and its punishing rushing attack. This one could be a high-scoring affair.

Pick: Colorado State