Week 9 of the 2024 college football season is poised to shake up the rankings once again. With several marquee matchups between top 25 teams on tap, the playoff landscape could look very different by Sunday morning. The betting odds and point spreads reflect the high stakes, with some heavy favorites and a few games that oddsmakers see as toss-ups. Let’s dive into the key contests.
Game of the Week: No. 8 LSU at No. 14 Texas A&M
The premier showdown takes place in College Station as the 8th-ranked LSU Tigers visit the No. 14 Texas A&M Aggies. Despite LSU’s higher ranking, the Aggies are actually favored by 2.5 points at home. The over/under is set at 53.5 points in what projects to be a tough, physical SEC battle. Can the Tigers pull the slight upset, or will the 12th Man help the Aggies defend their turf?
Upset Alert: No. 21 Missouri at No. 15 Alabama
Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide are in the unusual position of trying to avoid a second straight loss as they host No. 21 Missouri. After falling to Vanderbilt two weeks ago as a double-digit favorite, Alabama is once again laying 13.5 points at home. Are the Tide vulnerable or will they reassert their dominance? Considering Bama’s shaky form and Mizzou’s momentum, the smart money may be on the Tigers to cover the spread, even if the Tide prevail straight-up.
Defensive Struggle: No. 3 Penn State at Wisconsin
Points may be at a premium in Madison as two of the nation’s stingiest defenses collide. 3rd-ranked Penn State is favored by nearly a touchdown on the road, but the Badgers have been tough at Camp Randall. The miniscule over/under total of 47.5 points illustrates how this may be an old-school, grind-it-out Big Ten brawl. Whichever team can muster a few explosive plays may have the edge.
Letdown Spot: No. 5 Texas at No. 25 Vanderbilt
Fresh off their crushing loss to Georgia, the Texas Longhorns have to avoid a hangover against dangerous Vanderbilt. The oddsmakers still like the Horns, installing them as an 18.5-point road favorite. But Vandy has thrived in the underdog role, pulling consecutive outright upsets as a double-digit dog. With Texas reeling, the Commodores may be primed for another stunner if the Horns aren’t careful.
Interesting Odds and Ends
- Undefeated Ohio State is favored by a whopping 25.5 points over visiting Nebraska. The Buckeyes are rolling but will that huge spread prove too ambitious?
- The Navy-Notre Dame point spread did a total 180. The Middies opened as 12.5-point home dogs but the line swung to Navy -12.5 based on heavy betting action. The wiseguys seem to love Navy here.
- In a contrast of styles, high-flying SMU is an 11.5-point road favorite at defensively stout Duke. Can the Blue Devils slow the Mustangs’ prolific aerial assault?
Week 9 has a bit of everything – pivotal conference clashes, trap games for top squads, and big point spreads just begging to be bet on. By Saturday evening, the top 25 and national title picture will be significantly impacted. The only certainty is that it will be a week for the books – both on the field and at the betting window.
