A high-profile game; potential sleepers?
What to watch in Week 9 of the college football season. Game times and networks subject to change.
Memphis at No. 7 Cincinnati
Noon ET, ESPN Danny Sheridan’s line: Cincinnati by 6 1⁄
2
Last season it was Memphis that won the American Athletic Conference title and played in a major bowl. The Bearcats (4-0, 2-0 AAC) are playing like they intend to be that team this year. With a few breaks that might also mean a playoff spot, but UC must avoid thinking too far ahead. The Tigers (3-1, 2-1) still have designs on another AAC crown despite a loss to SMU.
It might be time to recognize Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder as a true star in the league after his 91-yard run helped put away that same SMU squad for the Mustangs’ first loss. Memphis QB Brady White is a more prolific passer but is also capable of putting up a big score.
Prediction: Close games seem to be a way of life for Memphis, and this figures to be another. The Bearcats will have to go to the wire for the first time in 2020, but they’ll handle it.
Cincinnati 33-27
Boston College at No. 1 Clemson
Saturday, noon ET, ABC Danny Sheridan’s line: Clemson by 32
As dominant as the Tigers have been in the Atlantic Coast Conference of late, they seem to have at least one game in each season in which they struggle to put away an overmatched opponent. Unfortunately for the Eagles, Clemson (6-0, 5-0) might have gotten that game out of its system last week against Syracuse. But if the Tigers are peeking ahead to the showdown with
Notre Dame, BC (4-2, 3-2) could be troublesome.
Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence overcame the first pick-6 of his college career to stifle the Orange, with the help of RB Travis Etienne and a score by his own defense. He will undoubtedly be motivated to turn in a cleaner performance. Eagles QB Phil Jurkovek has 12 TD passes himself this season, but he must be protected.
Prediction: After letting one opponent hang around, the Tigers aren’t likely to let it happen again.
Clemson 48-17
Texas at No. 6 Oklahoma State
Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, Fox Danny Sheridan’s line: Oklahoma State by 31⁄
2
The Cowboys (4-0, 3-0 Big 12) passed a major test by staving off Iowa State to keep their record unblemished. They don’t get
much of a break against the Longhorns (3-2, 2-2), who can still be formidable despite having a couple of losses.
Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders had a solid return from an ankle injury, running for a score in addition to a TD throw. The Texas defense he’ll be facing has taken its lumps but is coming off its best performance of the Big 12 campaign, keeping Baylor in neutral for three quarters while building a comfortable lead. Longhorns QB Sam Ehlinger had a solid outing himself, but he could still use more ground support.
Prediction: One tends to associate Oklahoma State with typical Big 12 track meets, but these Cowboys are winning with balance. Texas wouldn’t mind a shootout, but the home team won’t let it become one.
Oklahoma State 31-20
No. 3 Ohio State at No. 17 Penn State
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC Danny Sheridan’s line: Ohio State by 13
The lone clash of ranked teams on this week’s slate isn’t the top-10 showdown most anticipated, but it remains a key contest in the Big Ten East. The Nittany Lions (0-1, 0-1 Big Ten) are already in a hole after last week’s stunning setback at Indiana. That hole is of little import to the Buckeyes (1-0, 1-0), whose bigger goals are well in reach.
Buckeyes QB Justin Fields didn’t disappoint in his 2020 debut against Nebraska, throwing just one incompletion while accounting for three touchdowns. Penn State DE Shaka Toney will try to get him out of rhythm. Nittany Lions’ QB Sean Clifford was productive but made just enough mistakes to allow the Hoosiers to stick around, making the overtime upset possible. Having talented TE Pat Freiermuth will help occupy Pete Werner and the rest of Ohio State’s active LB corps, but he’ll likely need some successful long balls as well.
Prediction: This won’t be a layup for Ohio State, and the unexpected result for the Nittany Lions won’t make the visitors’ job any easier. But once the emotions calm down, the Buckeyes’ superior depth will take over.
Ohio State 38-27
Arkansas at No. 8 Texas A&M
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Danny Sheridan’s line: Texas A&M by 10 1⁄
2
Arkansas (2-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) might be the toughest remaining opponent on the Aggies’ schedule. That sentence would have seemed nonsensical at this time last year, but the Razorbacks have arguably been the SEC’s most surprising team. A&M (3-1, 3-1), which has a huge win against Florida in the bank and might still harbor playoff hopes, must be ready.
Both teams should be rested after scheduled bye weeks. Arkansas was last seen using its vastly improved defense, anchored by LB Grant Morgan, to shut down the same Mississippi team that put up 48 points against Alabama. Aggies QB Kellen Mond has been making better use of his weapons of late, and he’ll need to do so again. QB Feleipe Franks has increased the competency of the Razorbacks’ offense as well, though he can still be prone to the kinds of mistakes that plagued him at times when he was at Florida. Aggies DE DeMarvin Leal will look to force a few more.
Prediction: Arkansas will win more games this year, but the Aggies will protect their top-10 position this time in a tight one.
Texas A&M 23-17