Week 8 saw 4 unbeaten teams go down (Four Top 10 squads) along with several ranked programs losing to unranked spoilers. Week 9 once again features several marquee matchups in the SEC and important games flying under the radar in the Big Ten, Big-12, and Group of Five. Two weeks away from the first college football playoff rankings. It isn’t easy to imagine only 6 weeks remaining in the regular season. The season feels like a sprint, but with the new extended playoff format and all the drama that November brings, it’s a marathon.
Marquee Matchups
#8 Ole Miss vs. #13 Oklahoma:
Ole Miss attempts to avoid losing in consecutive weeks as a road dog. The Sooners got it right last week, defeating South Carolina after losing in the Red River Shootout. Last week versus Georgia, Ole Miss wasn’t able to close in the 4th quarter, punting twice and producing only 13 yards of offense. Oklahoma’s offense stunk out the joint versus an elite-level Texas defense. Sooners QB John Mateer has had two games since returning, so the rust should be gone. If he doesn’t play well, it’s probably a lingering injury. The Sooners need to find some sort of ground game, which works out perfectly given the Rebels’ defense gives up almost 167 rushing yards per outing. Coin flip outcome for this College Football podcaster so I’m siding with the plus number in a close game.
The Pick: Ole Miss +5.5
- Sooner Offense struggling
-
Toss-up game
-
Oklahoma at Home
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
Get bonus now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB
#10 Vanderbilt vs. #15 Missouri:
Quarterback Diego Pavo has proved to be a major spark to the Vanderbilt program. The Commodores only loss came from Alabama and is looking better as time goes by. Missouri needed double overtime to beat a talented yet underachieving Auburn. These two SEC squads are averaging an unbelievable 458 rushing yards combined. Forcing turnovers is generally a goal for everyone in the country, but in a style of matchup like this one it could tell the story. Who can make their redzone trips count is another item to consider. Although Vandy is known for their covers as the dog in the last year and change, we’ve come too far not to side with Diego Pavia.
The Pick: Vanderbilt –2.5
- Pavia to play well
-
Toss-up game
-
Vandy at Home
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Under The Radar
#3 Texas A&M vs. #20 LSU:
This SEC tussle is flying way under the radar for obvious reasons. The LSU offensive line has stalled the Tigers on that side of the ball after 3 years of high-octane output. The Tigers defense has made sizable leaps compared to the last few years. A&M has won in a variety of ways in shootout fashion or a hand in the dirt grimy game. The one troubling item is that the Aggies are not putting the opposition away. Keeping a team around is dangerous, especially a desperate LSU. Did this College Football junkie mentioned this matchup will be played under the lights in Death Valley? A place where dreams like a 7-0 season for Texas A&M come to die.
The Pick: LSU +2.5
- Tigers Defense improved
-
Toss-up game
-
Game at Death Valley
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
#11 BYU vs. Iowa State:
BYU is coming off a big victory in the Holy War. Iowa State has been stuck in neutral driving a stick shift on a hill. Can the Cyclones get back in gear at home after a series of key injuries and back-to-back losses? BYU QB Bear Backmeier has been a pleasant surprise for the Cougars this season. Bear combined with RB LJ Martin and Company has BYU rushing for an astounding 233 yards per game. BYU has the 7th most first down rush plays in the FBS. Iowa State has a solid defense, but it’s giving up nearly 142 rushing yards per outing. Iowa State had a bye week to game plan along with improved health, giving the edge to the Cyclones.
The Pick: Iowa State –2.5
- Cyclones at Home
-
Toss-up game
-
Iowa State defense solid
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Get bonus now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Saturday Upset Special
Cal as a +6 road dog upsets Virginia Tech.
Hardcore Barnburners
#23 Illinois vs. Washington:
Huge Big Ten scrap as the underdog Illini with a win could position themselves nicely in the future playoff rankings. Washington gave Ohio State all it could handle for 3 quarters. Illini had to deal with a ton of injuries. Slowly but surely Illinois is working its way back after getting devoured by Indiana. Washington got handled by Michigan who was just man-handled by USC. Which version of these two clubs show up on Saturday?
The Pick: Illinois +3.5
Auburn vs Arkansas:
Something’s got to give in this hardcore barnburner between Auburn and Arkansas. A bad luck cloud seems to be following the Tigers and Razorbacks as both teams find a way to lose games. Auburn has gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to the refs. Pick’em game that will likely end with which ever offensive unit has the ball via victory formation or last-minute drama.
The Pick: Auburn +2.5
Against The Spread
Stanford +30.5 versus #9 Miami
Northwestern +7.5 versus Nebraska.
Minnesota +9 versus Iowa.
College Ball Show Link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000732743486
Quick Hits Recap
-Georgia earned their 10th win versus Top 5 opponents over the last 5 season. Good for the most in the FBS.
-Ole Miss lost their 5th straight game to a Top 10 foe losing 43-35 to Georgia.
-Alabama pulled away from Tennessee late in the 2nd half, winning four in a row against ranked opponents with a 37-20 victory.
-Texas A&M snuck by Arkansas 45-42 moving to 7-0 for the first time since 1994. QB Marcell Reed threw for 280 yards and scored 4 TD’s in the win.
-Razorbacks QB Taylen Green put up 341 total yards and 5 touchdowns in a loss to the Aggies.
-ASU upsetting Texas Tech put a stop to the Sun Devils 6-game losing streak against Associated Press Top 10 opponents.
-Indiana QB Fernado Mendoza put up his fourth game with at least 4 passing touchdowns in 2025 as the Hoosiers defeated Michigan State 38-13.
-Vanderbilt’s win over LSU moved the Commodores to 6-1 for the first time since 1950.
-Georgia Tech 27-18 victory has the Yellow Jackets off to their best start at 7-0 dating all the way back to 1966.
-Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love rushed for 228 yards as the Irish pulled away late in a 34-24 win over USC.
Written by Chris Carlson, Host of The College Ball Show available under The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast Umbrella on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Google Podcasts & More! Follow on Twitter
@RopeADopeRadio
