Outside of #10 Penn State losing to #3 Ohio State in a close game, all of the Top 15 in the AP Top 25 held serve. Now that we are in full swing of conference games, one lousy weekend could turn a team’s chances of playing in the CFP to dust. This week is no exception, as most of the Top 25 teams are on the road. Follow along as we guide you through all the storylines, player profiles, and game previews you need this College Football season. Enjoy!
College Football Primer Week 9 (Devy Fantasy Football)
Games of the Week
ACC
#20 Duke vs. #18 Louisville (-5.5)
Duke is preparing for another significant away game, which marks the second consecutive week they will face a nationally-ranked opponent. This week, the #20 Blue Devils are set to go up against the #18 Louisville. In their recent game against Florida State, Duke faced setbacks as quarterback Riley Leonard suffered an injury, and their defense struggled in the final quarter, resulting in a 38-20 loss. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are coming off a bye week and currently possess the 18th-ranked total offense in the nation.
Duke is currently dealing with an injury to their quarterback, Riley Leonard, whose status is day-to-day. Leonard had injured his ankle earlier in the season and returned for the Florida State game, but unfortunately, he re-aggravated the injury in the second half. Leonard’s absence significantly impacts Duke’s chances in this game.
Louisville has maintained a perfect record against Duke, leading the all-time series 3-0. This dominance can be attributed to the presence of notable quarterbacks like Malik Cunningham and Lamar Jackson. Additionally, Louisville comes into this game with an impressive eight-game winning streak at home, and their quarterback, Jack Plummer, leads the ACC in yards per completion. If Riley Leonard cannot play, the outlook for Duke appears challenging. Louisville will likely continue to extend their home winning streak and series dominance against Duke this Saturday.
Big Ten
#3 Ohio State (-14.5) vs. Wisconsin
After a huge win last week over #10 Penn State, Ohio State should remain vigilant as they face a challenging game in Madison. Nonetheless, it appears unlikely that the Buckeyes will encounter significant difficulties in securing a victory. The team under the leadership of Ryan Day is brimming with confidence after conquering their second top-10 opponent this year, and they are well aware that a highly anticipated showdown with Michigan awaits them in the coming month.
The game against Wisconsin would be more daunting if the Badgers weren’t contending with injuries affecting QB Tanner Mordecai and RB Chez Mellusi. While Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen poses a constant scoring threat, the Buckeyes have established themselves as one of the nation’s premier teams in run defense, allowing a mere 100.6 rushing yards per game to their opponents, ranking 17th best in the country. Should Ohio State effectively contain Allen, it will intensify the pressure on freshman QB Braedyn Locke, who lacks experience against a top-tier defense.
Ohio State already boasts one of the most explosive players in the nation, particularly in the form of WR Marvin Harrison Jr. If the Buckeyes also get RB TreVeyon Henderson and WR Emeka Egbuka back, they will be unstoppable against this Wisconsin defense. It’s worth noting that the Buckeyes already possess two capable and powerful running backs, Chip Trayanum and Miyan Williams.
In their prior experience following a significant victory over Notre Dame, Ohio State, they faced challenges in the subsequent week against Maryland, which might be attributed to a performance hangover. Regardless, the Buckeyes are poised to deliver a strong performance and overcome a Wisconsin team grappling with injuries and the task of defining its identity under the former Ohio State coach, Luke Fickell.
Big 12
BYU vs. #7 Texas (-19.5)
This Saturday, #7 Texas will host BYU, a recent addition to the Big 12. Despite having met five times in the past, this encounter signifies their first meeting as conference rivals. It will also likely be their final matchup as conference opponents, as Texas is scheduled to join the SEC in 2024.
Having achieved a strong 6-1 start under Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns are actively vying for the Big 12 championship and a place in the College Football Playoff. This marks the program’s most impressive record through the first seven games since 2018. However, a cloud of uncertainty is hovering due to QB Quinn Ewers‘ shoulder injury sustained during the Houston game last week. It’s expected to keep him sidelined for an undetermined amount of time. This means QB Maalik Murphy will start. Sarkisian also hinted that we may also see QB Arch Manning this week. You know that will get the crowd in Austin fired up!
On the other side, BYU has been the most successful among the four recent additions to the Big 12. They currently boast a 5-2 overall record. Noteworthy wins include victories against Cincinnati and Texas Tech. Despite being perceived as underdogs for the game, BYU holds a 4-1 lead in the series history between the two schools.
One thing BYU does not do well is pass. They have the 72nd-ranked passing offense in the nation. One thing Texas does well is stop the run, as they give up less than 98 rushing yards per game. Having Quin Ewers out may leave a bit of intrigue in this game, but unless Texas hands them the victory, expect the Longhorns to win this game handily.
Pac-12
#8 Oregon (-6.5) vs. #13 Utah
The race for a spot in the Pac-12 Championship game becomes clearer as #8 Oregon travels to Salt Lake City to face #13 Utah this Saturday. Both teams enter the game after recent victories: Oregon defeated Washington State 38-24, and Utah secured its third consecutive win with a thrilling 34-32 victory over #18 USC.
Historically, Oregon and Utah have been strong contenders in the conference, amassing 12 division titles from 2011 to 2021. Utah has claimed the last two Pac-12 conference championships as well. Utah aims for a third consecutive title this year, while Oregon aims to secure its first since 2010. Their head-to-head matchup holds added importance, as both teams have already experienced a conference loss this season, Utah to Oregon State and Oregon to Washington.
Utah is a good team. They wouldn’t be ranked in the AP Top 15 if they weren’t, but if you look at the tale of the tapes, it leans Oregon’s way. Oregon QB Bo Nix leads the 8th-ranked passing offense in the nation, and the Ducks’ defense is #20. On the other hand, Utah has the 116th-ranked passing offense and the 14th-ranked total defense. I believe Oregon is a more balanced team, but College football games are influenced by location, and Salt Lake City, Utah, has the upper hand. However, Oregon’s recent recovery from a loss and improved health might offset Utah’s home-field advantage. Expect the Ducks to win a close game.
SEC
#1 Georgia (-14.5) vs. Florida
The game, formerly known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” happens this weekend in Jacksonville. The undefeated #1 Georgia Bulldogs will clash with the Florida Gators at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ home in this highly anticipated matchup.
Georgia’s primary objective is to solidify its status as the nation’s leading team. The Bulldogs, who have clinched two consecutive national championships, come into this game after a 37-20 victory over Vanderbilt two weeks ago. Conversely, the Gators aim to create a major upset during Head Coach Billy Napier’s tenure following their thrilling 41-39 win against South Carolina two weeks ago.
Georgia has won five of the last six meetings. However, it’s important to note that Georgia’s talented TE, Brock Bowers, a locked-in 2024 1st Rd NFL draft pick, will be absent from the game due to an ankle injury. This past week, he had “Tightrope” surgery to correct a high ankle sprain. The surgery involves using surgical thread instead of metal screws to promote faster healing. And they certainly want him back as soon as possible, as he leads the Bulldogs in receptions, receiving yards, TDs, and total scrimmage yards.
Georgia boasts the nation’s 4th-ranked offense, excelling in rushing (37th) and passing (7th). They lead the country in 3rd conversion and rank 35th in red zone offense. The Bulldogs’ defense remains a cornerstone, ranking 4th in total defense.
Despite the apparent imbalance in this matchup, Florida finds itself in a situation where they have little to lose and much to gain. It’s noteworthy that Florida has maintained a perfect 4-0 record against the spread this season when facing SEC opponents. Transfer QB Graham Mertz has performed admirably in his inaugural season in Gainesville. Formerly with Wisconsin, Mertz enters this game with an impressive completion rate of 76.2% on his pass attempts, accumulating 1,897 yards, 12 TDs, and only two INTs. Still, it might not be enough. Everyone wants to see how Georgia will do without TE Brock Bowers. If they put a smackdown on Florida, in Florida, then I think that question will be answered.
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