Week 9 Power Rankings

1.Oregon Ducks - Although I would’ve loved spending my Friday night watching Purdue get shut out, the MLB playoffs were calling my name. Watch Oregon commit crimes to the Boilermakers or witness the collapse of Emmanuel Clase? Easy choice there buddy. Now the top ranked team, Oregon looks to defend their belt against a gutsy Illini squad on Saturday. The opening line for this one is -21.5. Did someone from Illinois bang an oddsmaker's daughter? Why does Vegas hate them so much? 

2.Georgia Bulldogs - Kirby Smart is the man. After a controversial game on Saturday night, the country's top coach left no doubts about how he felt about the officiating. I know it’s just a dream, but maybe this can be a catalyst to overthrow the NCAA and start a refereeing revolution. Nonetheless, Georgia went into Austin and made Quinn Ewers piss down his leg. The game was way more lopsided than the score indicates; just imagine how ugly this would’ve been if Carson Beck didn’t have a 3 interception night. No action for the nation’s #2 ranked team this upcoming week - they head into the BYE after that massive win. 

3.Ohio State Buckeyes - OSU had the weekend off after their narrow defeat to Oregon, but look to get back on track as they host Nebraska this week. A few days ago I would’ve assumed this one could have the potential to be a good game. Considering what Indiana just did to the Cornhuskers, odds are I won’t be watching this one. Don’t be sad Buckeye faithful! All eyes will be on your team the following week as they have a massive showdown with Penn State. I wish both teams could lose but will be pulling for PSU so I can watch their fanbase panic and call for Ryan Day’s head. Yes, he’s the one shaped like an aardvark.

4.Penn State Nittany Lions - PSU was also off last weekend and they now head to Madison to face surging Wisconsin. Tyler Van Dyke was supposed to be the guy but his year was cut short due to a torn ACL - shoutout to our warriors that have battled this injury. To my surprise though, the Badgers have outscored opponents 117-16 in the three games since. Regardless of your prediction for this one, be sure to tune in for the walk-out. Camp Randall Stadium playing Jump Around is one of the coolest traditions in college football and that place will be bumping. Is it obvious I want Penn State to finally drop a game?

5.Miami Hurricanes - As predicted, the offense had to carry the Canes once again. Tyler Shough had himself a day and kept Louisville in the game as long as he could. That is now 39 points given up per game over the last 3 contests for Miami, and I have serious concerns for them heading down the stretch. Miami’s defense vs Florida State’s defense might be one of the sorriest matchups in the upcoming Week 9 slate, but I do anticipate that Cam Ward can sleep well knowing he won’t have to put up 40-50 to win. With a couple of ACC sleepers in Duke and Syracuse lined up in the last month of the season, the upset is coming.

6.Texas Longhorns - TEXAS! FIGHT! TEXAS! THROW A TANTRUM! College football’s pampered child just showed you can cry to get a call in your favor and it’s egregious. I am an Aggie alum but never hated UT like many others do… until now. A Carson Beck interception was called back because of a pass interference, but good thing the new meta is throwing your trash on the field to change the referee’s mind! Was it a questionable PI call? Absolutely, but to change your mind about the decision after 5 minutes of the “only child” kicking and screaming is ILLEGAL. Review the play all you want, but to take matters into your own hands on the fly is embarrassing. There was also a drive later in the game where I watched Georgia score 3 times on the goalline but it was ruled short of the endzone twice. I try to avoid saying sports are rigged, but this looked too much like a fix for me to be quiet. You’re a scummy school and I will be wearing my black and gold for Vandy this weekend. And all respect to the Commodores but how convenient that they finally get ranked the week they play Texas! I digress. 

7.LSU Tigers - Are the wheels starting to fall off on Arkansas’ season? I’ll get the streamers and pinata, if so. LSU controlled them from the jump behind an impressive 3 touchdown evening by freshman Caden Durham, setting up a massive showdown this upcoming week. Texas A&M and LSU will battle it out at Kyle Field for sole possession of first place in the SEC and a great opportunity to make the playoff. The biggest profile matchup will be the Tigers offensive line against the Aggies defensive front. Will Campbell and Emory Jones Jr anchor LSU’s offensive line but will have their toughest matchup yet against the likes of Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart. Leaving it at that because trust me we got a whole lot more coming on this game.

8.Clemson Tigers - I was pretty hard on Clemson in last week’s rankings, and everything I said remains true. That said, they are my favorite to win the ACC and get a first round bye. Cade Klubnik and Phil Mafah continue to have phenomenal seasons and this momentum should continue. The jump from Year 1 to Year 2 for Garrett Riley and this offense has been nothing short of impressive. If they play Miami in the conference championship, they might hang 60 on them in this keeps up.

9.Tennessee Volunteers - Not the prettiest of games, but Neyland’s atmosphere was incredible all game. Dylan Sampson continues his great year, and helps keep the Volunteer’s postseason goals alive. Check out our TikTok at Saturday Morning Shotgun if you haven’t yet. I recently mentioned Sampson for Heisman recognition and he should continue to climb the odds list. Should he win? No. Does he have 838 yards with 17 touchdowns through 7 games and has earned a right up to this point to be at the ceremony? Yes. To my friend Mr. Adams, you’ll get your $10 soon enough. Thanks for throwing 2 picks Milroe!

10.Indiana Hoosiers - Coach Cig finds his way into our top 10 and I feel bad that maybe we didn’t do this sooner. Their offense is as high-powered as it gets, having scored 41+ in 6 of their 7 games so far. And look at that! Gameday makes their Bloomington debut this weekend as the Hoosiers host Washington. Breakout programs like this are one of the coolest things about this sport, and as a pro - 8 team playoff guy myself, what a year for it to be 12 teams. Lots of football until then, but I know Ohio State is starting to sweat about this matchup on November 23rd. Be my guest and hand them their 2nd loss of the year. Go! IU! Fight! Fight! Fight! For the glory of old IU!

Others Receiving Votes:

BYU Cougars - As the 26-year old geriatric that I am, it was a shame I couldn’t stay awake until the end of their game Friday night. Ollie Gordon finally looked like his 2023 self and it still wasn’t enough for the Cowboys thanks to the heroics of a 35-yard touchdown with 10 seconds left. There is going to be an avalanche at Darius Lassiter’s house this week and understandably so. The kid saved BYU’s perfect season and is having an impressive year for the Cougars. No rest for the wicked though, the Big 12 has proven hectic thus far and BYU heads to UCF as an early -1.5 point favorite. How a team with 4 straight losses is nearly a pick-em against them is beyond me, but I’m sure this will be a mega sweat once I put some coin on BYU.

Iowa State Cyclones - We heard your gripes and have added Iowa State to the list of teams on the cusp of the top 10. Iowa State was losing at home until the last minute, but all that matters at the end of the day is leaving with a win. To think Matt Campbell was on the hot seat, arguing with fans the last two years is a testament to how impressive this team’s turnaround has been. They are led by a committee of backs, with 4 guys that are on pace for 600 yards this season. Big fan of y’all this weekend; do your thing against Tech and continue the derailment of their season. 

• Zac Bryan, big fan of chest & tri days