College football has returned for a few weeks. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 9.
1. Ohio State vs. Penn State
Ohio State is undefeated and has hopes of playing for a National Championship. Their offense puts up 49.6 points per game and is led by one of the Heisman favorites, C.J. Stroud. He has passed for over 2,000 yards already on the season and just needs a few marquee wins to help his case to win the award. The defense is much improved over last season and allows just 15.9 points per game. They’ll have the chance to play a solid Penn State team in week 9.
Penn State is just two weeks removed from losing big to Michigan. They have won every other game on their schedule, but competing at the top of the Big Ten is their goal. Their offense has scored 33.4 points per game this season, but did not do much against the Wolverines. The defense allows just 18.9 points per game, but also did not do well against Michigan. If Penn State wants to prove they can compete with the best of the best, this game gives them that opportunity.
2. Kentucky vs. Tennessee
Kentucky has played well to start the season and could very well be 6-1 had Will Levis not had to miss their game against South Carolina with an injury. They are still on pace for a good season. Their offense scores 26.4 points per game, while their defense allows just 16.4 points per game. With Chris Rodriguez returning from suspension after four games, the Wildcats have run the ball more successfully and been able to control the clock. They had a bye week heading into their big trip to Knoxville.
Tennessee is coming off a win over UT-Martin and looked as good as ever. Their offense has been one of the best units in the sport, as they are putting up 50.1 points per game. Their defense has been suspect, but so far it hasn’t burned them. The Volunteers will need Hendon Hooker to play well, just as he has been doing all season. If the Volunteers can win this game, the SEC East will be decided by the Tennessee-Georgia game later in the year.
3. Who Will Take Second Place in the Big 12?
The Big 12 is currently being led by TCU, who has an undefeated record and is a College Football Playoff hopeful. There is a big battle for second place between Oklahoma State and Kansas State. Both teams have just one loss in the conference, both of which are to Oklahoma State.
Currently, Kansas State is having injury issues at quarterback. They’ll want to lean on running back Deuce Vaughn to carry the offensive load if Adrian Martinez is unable to play quarterback. Oklahoma State has been led by quarterback Spencer Sanders, who has the Cowboys scoring 43.9 points per game. It should be a high-scoring affair to see who will hold second place in the Big 12 after nine weeks.
4. Big AAC Matchup
Cincinnati’s lone loss of the season came in week 1 to Arkansas. They are the highest-ranked group of five team, which means if they keep it up, they will qualify for a New Year’s Six Bowl Game. The Bearcats still have a few tough games on the schedule, which includes their matchup with UCF in week 9.
UCF is coming off a loss to ECU, but has had a solid season thus far. They run the ball very well, as they rank sixth in the country in rushing yards per game. Cincinnati has a tough defense that allows 22 points per game and can focus on stopping the run. If the Bearcats can come away with a win, they will be on pace to go to a New Year’s Six Bowl or the College Football Playoff in three straight seasons.
5. Can Anthony Richardson go off?
Florida has had an up-and-down season to start the year. They upset Utah early in the season, but now sit with a 4-3 record. Part of the reason the team is inconsistent is the mercurial play of Anthony Richardson at quarterback for Florida. He is one of the most naturally talented athletes at the quarterback position, but has trouble with his accuracy and reading the field.
The only chance Florida has to upset Georgia is Anthony Richardson playing out of his mind. He is fully capable of taking over games, but also has some duds somewhat frequently. Georgia’s defense will solely be focused on containing Richardson. Can he play well despite that?
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