College football is back in full swing. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 9.
1. Undefeated Teams in the SEC Matching Up
The biggest game of the weekend features LSU traveling to Texas A&M in a battle of undefeated SEC teams. LSU lost the season-opener to USC, but has been undefeated since. Their passing offense has fueled the team, while their defense has improved over the course of the season. If their talented offensive line can protect, LSU can notch another big win.
Texas A&M also lost their season opener, to Notre Dame, but are also undefeated since. They have a decent win over Missouri. Quarterback Conner Weigman has refound his groove after being injured earlier in the season. The offense ranks in the top 15 in rushing yards and the defense is allowing 17.7 points per game. This game could have CFP implications.
2. Missouri’s Chance to Get Some Credit
Missouri has just one loss on the season, but they haven’t played great football. They have one loss, which came to Texas A&M. The offense has failed to be as powerful as expected, but their defense has played well, allowing 15.6 points per game. They aren’t being taken seriously as a CFP contender due to their lackluster performances, even in wins, but they can change that this week.
The Tigers are playing Alabama this week. While the Crimson Tide have two losses, a win over them could make a statement for Missouri. It will be a ranked game and the Crimson Tide have shown flashes of being a good team. If the Tigers can win this game, they can put themselves in the CFP talk.
3. Illinois at Oregon
A ranked matchup in the Big Ten features Illinois and Oregon. The Fighting Illini have one loss on the season, which came at the hands of Penn State. They have a decently balanced offense, with some good talent at the wide receiver position on offense. Defensively, they are allowing just 18.1 points per game, which puts them in the top 25.
Oregon is the top-ranked team in the country. They defeated Ohio State in a big game a few weeks ago and followed that up with a win over Purdue last week, keeping them undefeated. The Ducks have a great passing offense that accounts for over 300 yards per game. Their defense has also been good, giving up 16.6 points per game. Oregon seems to be getting better by the week, so a letdown may not happen, but they have a chance for another ranked win.
4. Boise State at UNLV
Two of the biggest contenders for the group of five spot in the CFP are in the Mountain West and play this week. Boise State has one loss on the season, which was on the road at Oregon. Their team is fueled by Heisman candidate running back Ashton Jeanty, who has 1,248 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns this season. They score 46.8 points per game, ranking third in the country, but also allow 26.2 points, making their defense middle of the pack in the FBS.
UNLV also has just one loss on the season, which came to a power four team in Syracuse. Their passing offense hasn’t been great, but they rank fifth in the country at 251.4 rushing yards per game. They also score well at 43.6 points per game. Their defense allows 22.6 points per game and have been opportunistic this season. A win in this game will set a team ahead in the race for the CFP, but the teams could match up again in the MWC Championship Game to really decide who makes the playoff.
5. Cincinnati at Colorado
Cincinnati and Colorado were each projected at 5.5 wins this season before the year. They both have five wins and have just one loss in the Big 12. The two teams meet this weekend in what should be a shootout. Cincinnati is averaging 30 points per game and has moved the ball decently through the air and on the ground. Their defense is allowing 19.3 points per game.
Colorado has losses to Nebraska and Kansas State so far this season, but have otherwise played well. They can’t run the ball much, but Shedeur Sanders leads a good passing attack that averages 324 yards per game. Their defense has been better than expected, allowing 21.9 points per game. The winner of this game stays in the thick of Big 12 contention.
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