The college football landscape faces another thrilling weekend as Week 9 brings a series of crucial matchups that could redefine playoff aspirations. Among the highlighted games, the clash between the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels and the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners stands out, with both teams desperately needing a victory to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma: A Do-or-Die Scenario
The Rebels and Sooners meet at noon ET on ABC in a high-stakes encounter. Both teams come off losses, with Ole Miss falling to No. 9 Georgia and Oklahoma suffering a defeat against Texas. A third loss could severely hinder either team’s chances of qualifying for the playoff, as no team with three losses made it to last year’s field.
Oklahoma leads the nation in quarterback pressure, boasting a remarkable 47% pressure rate on opposing quarterbacks. This aggressive approach is complemented by 30 sacks this season, spearheaded by star edge defender R Mason Thomas. In contrast, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has shown resilience, ranking third in the nation with a 78.4 PFF grade under pressure. His ability to escape and make plays could prove pivotal in this matchup.
When Oklahoma has the ball, the focus shifts to the Sooners’ rushing offense, which is gaining momentum. They rushed for 153 yards against South Carolina, a significant improvement over previous outings. Facing an Ole Miss defense that allowed 226 rushing yards to Georgia, Oklahoma’s running backs will look to exploit any weaknesses.
Predictions for this tightly contested game suggest a slight edge for Oklahoma, with scores forecasting Oklahoma 27, Ole Miss 24.
Group of Five Showdown: USF at Memphis
Another game of significance features the No. 18 USF Bulls at Memphis, also at noon ET. This contest carries substantial implications for the Group of Five playoff race. The winner may secure a favorable position for a potential playoff berth, given DraftKings Sportsbook’s assessment that five of the top six favorites to represent the Group of Five are from the American Conference.
USF’s quarterback Byrum Brown has emerged as a dynamic playmaker, ranking among the top quarterbacks in the Group of Five. His ability to escape pressure will be tested against a Memphis team that struggles to maintain effective coverage. The Tigers will need to contain Brown, who excels at creating plays on the run.
For Memphis, the focus shifts to their run game, where running backs Sutton Smith and Greg Desrosiers Jr. will need to step up, especially if starting quarterback Brendon Lewis is sidelined due to injury. The game is expected to be competitive, with predictions leaning towards USF winning by a score of 34-24.
Missouri vs. Vanderbilt: Playoff Aspirations on the Line
The matchup between the No. 15 Missouri Tigers and No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores is another critical clash at 15:30 ET. Both teams are currently 6-1 and looking to solidify their playoff hopes. The victor will have a clearer path towards the College Football Playoff, while the loser may need to win out to maintain any realistic aspirations.
Missouri’s strength lies in its robust rushing attack led by running back Ahmad Hardy. However, the Tigers’ offensive line has struggled in recent weeks, presenting a challenge against a Vanderbilt defense that ranks among the top in run defense. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt’s quarterback Diego Pavia has been exceptional under pressure, showcasing the ability to perform in high-stakes situations.
Predictions show a tight battle, with Missouri potentially edging out Vanderbilt by a score of 28-27.
Crimson Tide’s Road to Redemption
In another key game, the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide will face the South Carolina Gamecocks at 15:30 ET. Alabama aims to extend its winning streak to seven games after a series of impressive victories against ranked opponents. The Tide’s quarterback Ty Simpson has demonstrated exceptional skill, particularly in the middle of the field, posing a significant challenge for South Carolina’s defense.
On the defensive side, Alabama’s unit has proven effective at limiting explosive plays, but South Carolina’s struggles on offense will test its resilience. Predictions favor Alabama to win decisively, with a projected score of 34-17.
As the weekend approaches, these matchups promise not only thrilling football but also significant implications for the College Football Playoff picture. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as teams vie for their spots in this year’s postseason.
