It’s a sleepy weekend across the college football landscape in Week 9. There are only two ranked matchups outside of the SEC, but several ranked do have some potential trap games. Let’s dive into five games that you need to watch out for over the weekend.
No. 12 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs No. 24 Navy Midshipmen | Kickoff @ 11:00 a.m CT on ABC
Whether you know it or not, this might be the biggest game of the weekend. Undefeated Navy faces their biggest test of the season against Notre Dame. A win for Navy, and they could have a good shot at making the college football playoff if they win their conference. Navy’s biggest rival Army faces the same scenario. They must beat Notre Dame and win their conference title. We could possibly see Army and Navy face off twice. Notre Dame comes in needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive as well. The Irish have been under the radar since their shocking loss to Northern Illinois in week 2. Their defense will be tested this week against one of the best offenses in college football. I think a key to this game is whether or not Navy’s offense can effectively move the football. If they do, I believe they will win. I’m taking Navy to pull off the upset and keep the magical season going. Navy 31 | Notre Dame 27
Washington Huskies @ No. 13 Indiana Hoosiers | Kickoff @ 11:00 a.m. on BIG 10 Network
Normally if you hear about Indiana, it usually involves basketball, but this weekend is all about Hoosier football. ESPN’s College Gameday is heading to Bloomington for a BIG 10 matchup between Indiana and Washington. Indiana will be without their star quarterback Kurt Rourke after he had to had surgery on his thumb. He will miss at least the next two games. Backup Tayven Jackson will take over the offense. He came in last week against Nebraska after Rourke went down with the injury. I think this will have an impact on the game and give the advantage to the Huskies. I think Will Rogers and the Huskies will turn things around and get a big win on the road. Look for quarterback Will Rogers to have a big game. Washington 41 | Indiana 35
No. 20 Illinois Illini @ No. 1 Oregon Ducks | Kickoff @ 2:30 p.m. on CBS
It’s another test for the resilient Illinois Illini as they face the Oregon Ducks in Eugene. The Ducks have looked like the number one team in the country since their monumental win over Ohio State. Illinois has survived several tests including a back and forth overtime game with Purdue and a convincing win over Michigan last week. Oregon is a 22 point favorite and I think they will win big. Oregon 38 | Illinois 17
No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions @ Wisconsin Badgers | Kickoff @ 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC
Penn State is back on the road this week in Madison as they look to keep their undefeated season alive. The Nittany Lions are coming off a bye week and a win two weeks ago at USC in overtime. Quarterback Drew Allar has been solid, throwing for over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Wisconsin has quietly improved to a 5-2 record since their loss to Alabama. Camp Randall will be rocking and I expect the home crowd to bring the noise. I think the Nittany Lions will win and continue to prove why they are a contender for a national title. Penn State 27 | Wisconsin 10
No 22. SMU Mustangs @ Duke Blue Devils | Kickoff @ 7:00 p.m. on Duke Blue Devils
This is a huge game in the ACC as two one loss teams meet in Durham. The Mustangs have impressed with their high scoring offense that’s torn up defenses. Meanwhile, Duke is under a resurgence with new head coach Manny Diaz. I think SMU will win this game and win it easily. SMU Mustangs 38 | Duke 21
