College Football Expert’s Picks for Week 9
Jayna Bardahl and The Athletic’s college football staff are back with their expert analysis and predictions for the biggest CFB stories of the week. Let’s break down their picks for Week 9.
Last week, Bardahl went 5-4 against the spread, bringing her to just under .500 for the season. She had some hits and misses, predicting Michigan to hammer Indiana 52-6 (the final score was 52-7), but also picking Miami to lose by one at UNC and USC to handle Notre Dame.
Here are Bardahl’s picks for this week’s games.
No. 7 Penn State at No. 3 Ohio State (-4.5)
Bardahl is tempted to pick the Nittany Lions but believes Ohio State will find a way to win at home. Her prediction: Ohio State 21, Penn State 20. The pick: Penn State +4.5.
Washington State at No. 9 Oregon (-20)
After being embarrassed at home by Arizona, Washington State is facing a tough challenge against a talented Ducks team. Bardahl predicts Oregon will come out on top: Oregon 38, Washington State 21. The pick: Washington State +20.
No. 17 Tennessee at No. 11 Alabama (-8.5)
Despite Bama’s defense getting shredded last time, Bardahl expects Nick Saban to have his team more dialed in this week. She predicts Alabama will win: Alabama 27, Tennessee 13. The pick: Alabama -8.5.
South Carolina at No. 20 Missouri (-7)
Shane Beamer’s defense has struggled lately, particularly against the pass, which doesn’t bode well against Missouri’s explosive offense. Bardahl predicts Missouri will come out on top: Missouri 35, South Carolina 23. The pick: Missouri -7.
No. 8 Texas (-23.5) at Houston
Houston is coming off a miraculous last-second win, but Bardahl believes they’ll have a tough time turning their season around. She predicts Texas will win: Texas 42, Houston 27. The pick: Houston +23.5.
No. 14 Utah at No. 18 USC (-7)
After being whipped by Utah multiple times, USC will be determined to match up with them this time. Bardahl predicts USC will come out on top: USC 34, Utah 24. The pick: USC -7.
Other Games:
– Arkansas 30, Mississippi State 20. The pick: Arkansas -6.
– Michigan 55, Michigan State 7. The pick: Michigan -24.5.
– Florida State 35, Duke 27. The pick: Duke +13.5.
– Boston College 28, Georgia Tech 23. The pick: Boston College +4.5.
These are Bardahl’s predictions for Week 9. As always, college football is full of surprises, and anything can happen on game day. Make sure to tune in and see if her picks hold true.