Photo: Oct 28, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen (0) moves up to the scrimmage line during the second quarter in a game against South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports
College Football Week 9 Preview- A Weekend of High Stakes and Historic Matchups
Welcome to Week 9 of the 2024 college football season, where every time slot features games that could dramatically reshape conference races and playoff hopes
While some weekends are defined by a single marquee matchup, this Saturday offers something even more compelling: a full slate of games with massive implications across conferences and playoff races.
In the 53-year history of LSU and Texas A&M's rivalry, Saturday's matchup might be the most significant yet. It's only the third time both teams have been ranked in the top 15 for their meeting, joining the 1986 and 1987 season openers. Both teams have shown remarkable resilience after Week 1 losses, rattling off six straight wins to stand as the SEC's only unbeaten teams in conference play.
Garrett Nussmeier has emerged as one of the nation's top quarterbacks, ranking tenth in Total QBR with five 300-yard games under his belt. He's thrown for 18 touchdowns and leads the SEC in that category, orchestrating an offense that ranks eighth nationally in passing with 322.4 yards per game. Perhaps more impressive has been LSU's defensive evolution under coordinator Blake Baker, posting a 21.2% havoc rate (10th nationally), a 48.8% pressure rate on dropbacks (second), and a 25.5% stuff rate on rushes (14th) over their last four games.
Texas A&M's defense has mastered the art of creating pressure without blitzing, bringing extra rushers on just 16% of plays while still holding opponents to a 54% completion rate. Conner Weigman's return from injury has energized the offense, highlighted by an 18-of-22, 276-yard masterclass against Missouri. Running back Le'Veon Moss has emerged as a force, scoring five touchdowns in the past two games and looking to become just the third Aggie to score multiple rushing touchdowns in three straight games since joining the SEC.
For the first time since November 2007, Alabama has lost two games in the same calendar month. The Crimson Tide welcome Missouri to Bryant-Denny Stadium in what feels like a defining moment for both programs. Jalen Milroe has thrown five interceptions in his last three games, and against Tennessee was held to just 11 rushing yards on 14 carries. Alabama has been plagued by penalties, with only four FBS teams drawing more flags this season, including a season-high 15 penalties in their loss to Tennessee.
Missouri arrives without quarterback Brady Cook, who's doubtful with an ankle injury. Former Notre Dame starter Drew Pyne likely steps into one of college football's most intimidating environments as the Tigers try to build on their impressive 17-3 record since the start of 2023. The Tigers' defense showed its potential last week against Auburn, allowing just 4.5 yards per play.
The Notre Dame-Navy rivalry has produced memorable moments throughout its history, particularly the Midshipmen's victories – like their 46-44 triumph in 2007 or the masterful ball-control victory in 2016. Now at 6-0, Navy has perhaps their best chance yet to add another chapter to that story. Quarterback Blake Horvath has emerged as one of college football's most efficient players, ranking third nationally in Total QBR while accounting for 20 touchdowns against just one turnover. His performance against Memphis, accounting for six scores, opened eyes nationally.
Navy's redesigned, motion-heavy option offense has yet to be solved by any opponent this season. The Irish counter with Riley Leonard (12th in QBR) and a dynamic rushing attack featuring Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Since their shocking loss to Northern Illinois, Notre Dame has averaged 41 points per game, showcasing the offensive firepower that could test Navy's defense.
Friday night features a massive Mountain West showdown between No. 17 Boise State and UNLV. The Broncos' quarterback Maddux Madsen's journey is particularly compelling - a 5-foot-10 QB who didn't receive scholarship offers from Power 4 schools in his home state of Utah. Since a challenging game against Oregon where he completed only 17 of 40 passes, Madsen has completed 70.8% of his attempts, providing perfect balance to their Heisman candidate running back.
Barry Odom's transformation of UNLV has been remarkable. In the five seasons prior to his hire in 2023, UNLV won 15 total games. The Rebels are one win from matching that total in a year and a half with Odom. However, they haven't beaten Boise State since 1976, including a blowout loss in last year's Mountain West championship game.
Coming off their loss to Oregon, all eyes are on Ohio State's defensive adjustments. Edge rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau need to generate more pressure after struggling against the Ducks. Both former five-star recruits combined for 5.5 sacks and 74 quarterback pressures last season, but against Oregon's offensive line, which had previously surrendered multiple sacks to Idaho and Boise State, the duo failed to record a sack and combined for just one tackle for loss. For Tuimoloau, it was his second-worst outing of the season based on pass-rushing metrics.
Nebraska arrives having lost 26 straight games against top-25 opponents and coming off a deflating loss to Indiana. The Huskers rank 90th in scoring offense, 99th in rushing yards, and 57th in passing yards. Coach Matt Rhule remains focused on the bigger picture, noting, "Last year, it was Michigan, right? Then, we rebound from that and get ourselves to 5-3 and just can't quite get over the hump."
Two years ago, Bret Bielema's Illinois started 7-1 before fading down the stretch. This year's squad appears more balanced, ranking 30th in points per drive on offense and 36th on defense. They've already played four of their six SP+ top-50 opponents, emerging with a 6-1 record. Their performance against Penn State, though a 21-7 loss, showed their ability to compete with elite competition.
Oregon has found their rhythm behind quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who leads the nation with a 77.0% completion rate. The Ducks' diverse passing attack features Tez Johnson as a possession receiver while Evan Stewart, Traeshon Holden, and tight end Terrance Ferguson (when healthy) provide big-play potential. The defense has shown improvement despite missing star end Jordan Burch.
Don't let Vanderbilt's early-season loss to Georgia State fool you – the Commodores have become college football's most fascinating spoiler. Against all four SP+ top-40 opponents they've faced, they've overachieved against projections by at least three touchdowns. The stats tell an interesting story: Vanderbilt has played in more high-leverage situations than any team in college football this season, with 45 plays that have swung win probability by more than 10% (the average team has 19.6 such plays).
The inaugural 12-team playoff race adds extra spice to these matchups. In the Group of Five, the current playoff odds leaders are Boise State (46.0%), Army (24.5%), UNLV (18.2%), Tulane (8.7%), and Navy (8.3%). Friday night's Mountain West clash and Navy's challenge against Notre Dame could dramatically reshape those odds.
This weekend represents a pivotal moment in the 2024 season. From Friday night in Las Vegas to Saturday evening in College Station, every hour brings another potential season-defining moment. The beauty of college football often lies in these weekends – when there isn't one game that overshadows all others, but rather a tapestry of meaningful contests that collectively shape the sport's landscape. Week 9 promises to deliver exactly that kind of drama, with every time slot offering games that could dramatically impact conference races and playoff hopes across the country.
LSU vs Texas A&M: A Historic SEC Showdown
In the 53-year history of LSU and Texas A&M's rivalry, Saturday's matchup might be the most significant yet. It's only the third time both teams have been ranked in the top 15 for their meeting, joining the 1986 and 1987 season openers. Both teams have shown remarkable resilience after Week 1 losses, rattling off six straight wins to stand as the SEC's only unbeaten teams in conference play.
Garrett Nussmeier has emerged as one of the nation's top quarterbacks, ranking tenth in Total QBR with five 300-yard games under his belt. He's thrown for 18 touchdowns and leads the SEC in that category, orchestrating an offense that ranks eighth nationally in passing with 322.4 yards per game. Perhaps more impressive has been LSU's defensive evolution under coordinator Blake Baker, posting a 21.2% havoc rate (10th nationally), a 48.8% pressure rate on dropbacks (second), and a 25.5% stuff rate on rushes (14th) over their last four games.
Texas A&M's defense has mastered the art of creating pressure without blitzing, bringing extra rushers on just 16% of plays while still holding opponents to a 54% completion rate. Conner Weigman's return from injury has energized the offense, highlighted by an 18-of-22, 276-yard masterclass against Missouri. Running back Le'Veon Moss has emerged as a force, scoring five touchdowns in the past two games and looking to become just the third Aggie to score multiple rushing touchdowns in three straight games since joining the SEC.
Alabama Faces Critical Moment Against Missouri
For the first time since November 2007, Alabama has lost two games in the same calendar month. The Crimson Tide welcome Missouri to Bryant-Denny Stadium in what feels like a defining moment for both programs. Jalen Milroe has thrown five interceptions in his last three games, and against Tennessee was held to just 11 rushing yards on 14 carries. Alabama has been plagued by penalties, with only four FBS teams drawing more flags this season, including a season-high 15 penalties in their loss to Tennessee.
Missouri arrives without quarterback Brady Cook, who's doubtful with an ankle injury. Former Notre Dame starter Drew Pyne likely steps into one of college football's most intimidating environments as the Tigers try to build on their impressive 17-3 record since the start of 2023. The Tigers' defense showed its potential last week against Auburn, allowing just 4.5 yards per play.
Navy's Golden Opportunity Against Notre Dame
The Notre Dame-Navy rivalry has produced memorable moments throughout its history, particularly the Midshipmen's victories – like their 46-44 triumph in 2007 or the masterful ball-control victory in 2016. Now at 6-0, Navy has perhaps their best chance yet to add another chapter to that story. Quarterback Blake Horvath has emerged as one of college football's most efficient players, ranking third nationally in Total QBR while accounting for 20 touchdowns against just one turnover. His performance against Memphis, accounting for six scores, opened eyes nationally.
Navy's redesigned, motion-heavy option offense has yet to be solved by any opponent this season. The Irish counter with Riley Leonard (12th in QBR) and a dynamic rushing attack featuring Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Since their shocking loss to Northern Illinois, Notre Dame has averaged 41 points per game, showcasing the offensive firepower that could test Navy's defense.
Boise State and UNLV: Friday Night Showdown
Friday night features a massive Mountain West showdown between No. 17 Boise State and UNLV. The Broncos' quarterback Maddux Madsen's journey is particularly compelling - a 5-foot-10 QB who didn't receive scholarship offers from Power 4 schools in his home state of Utah. Since a challenging game against Oregon where he completed only 17 of 40 passes, Madsen has completed 70.8% of his attempts, providing perfect balance to their Heisman candidate running back.
Barry Odom's transformation of UNLV has been remarkable. In the five seasons prior to his hire in 2023, UNLV won 15 total games. The Rebels are one win from matching that total in a year and a half with Odom. However, they haven't beaten Boise State since 1976, including a blowout loss in last year's Mountain West championship game.
Ohio State Seeks Statement Win
Coming off their loss to Oregon, all eyes are on Ohio State's defensive adjustments. Edge rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau need to generate more pressure after struggling against the Ducks. Both former five-star recruits combined for 5.5 sacks and 74 quarterback pressures last season, but against Oregon's offensive line, which had previously surrendered multiple sacks to Idaho and Boise State, the duo failed to record a sack and combined for just one tackle for loss. For Tuimoloau, it was his second-worst outing of the season based on pass-rushing metrics.
Nebraska arrives having lost 26 straight games against top-25 opponents and coming off a deflating loss to Indiana. The Huskers rank 90th in scoring offense, 99th in rushing yards, and 57th in passing yards. Coach Matt Rhule remains focused on the bigger picture, noting, "Last year, it was Michigan, right? Then, we rebound from that and get ourselves to 5-3 and just can't quite get over the hump."
Illinois Takes Shot at No. 1 Oregon
Two years ago, Bret Bielema's Illinois started 7-1 before fading down the stretch. This year's squad appears more balanced, ranking 30th in points per drive on offense and 36th on defense. They've already played four of their six SP+ top-50 opponents, emerging with a 6-1 record. Their performance against Penn State, though a 21-7 loss, showed their ability to compete with elite competition.
Oregon has found their rhythm behind quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who leads the nation with a 77.0% completion rate. The Ducks' diverse passing attack features Tez Johnson as a possession receiver while Evan Stewart, Traeshon Holden, and tight end Terrance Ferguson (when healthy) provide big-play potential. The defense has shown improvement despite missing star end Jordan Burch.
Texas Faces Dangerous Vanderbilt
Don't let Vanderbilt's early-season loss to Georgia State fool you – the Commodores have become college football's most fascinating spoiler. Against all four SP+ top-40 opponents they've faced, they've overachieved against projections by at least three touchdowns. The stats tell an interesting story: Vanderbilt has played in more high-leverage situations than any team in college football this season, with 45 plays that have swung win probability by more than 10% (the average team has 19.6 such plays).
Playoff Race Intensifies
The inaugural 12-team playoff race adds extra spice to these matchups. In the Group of Five, the current playoff odds leaders are Boise State (46.0%), Army (24.5%), UNLV (18.2%), Tulane (8.7%), and Navy (8.3%). Friday night's Mountain West clash and Navy's challenge against Notre Dame could dramatically reshape those odds.
This weekend represents a pivotal moment in the 2024 season. From Friday night in Las Vegas to Saturday evening in College Station, every hour brings another potential season-defining moment. The beauty of college football often lies in these weekends – when there isn't one game that overshadows all others, but rather a tapestry of meaningful contests that collectively shape the sport's landscape. Week 9 promises to deliver exactly that kind of drama, with every time slot offering games that could dramatically impact conference races and playoff hopes across the country.