After a week devoid of matchups between teams in the AP Top 25, college football's Week 9 slate is loaded with three Top 20 showdowns, including one between two of the nine remaining unbeatens. We've also got No. 1 Georgia squaring off with loathed rival Florida, so this could be a major "Shake Up Saturday" in advance of the first College Football Playoff rankings of the year.

As was the case last week, it looks like the teams at the tippy top of the rankings should be OK. Each of the squads in the Top Five that is taking the field this weekend is favored by at least two touchdowns. But nine of the 19 games involving at least one ranked team have a spread of 4.5 points or fewer.

Per usual, buckle up for chaos.

Accountability Time: My three-week winning streak came to an end with an 11-12-2 record against the spread in Week 8. (The two pushes were games in which my projected margin matched the final line.)

For what it's worth, I did nail the exact score of Iowa State-Oklahoma State (24-21) and didn't miss the bull's-eye by much in the SMU-Tulane game (projecting a 56-28 score for a game that ended 55-26), nor the Pittsburgh-Clemson game (projected 28-20; 27-17 actual). But I also thought Penn State would cover 24.5 against Illinois, so what the heck do I know?

For the year, I'm now sitting at 95-85-3 for a winning percentage of 52.78, narrowly better than the break-even point of 52.4 percent. But I feel pretty good about this Week 9 slate. (Famous last words.)

Predictions for each Week 9 game are broken into three sections: Top 25 teams, best games between unranked teams and the rest of the slate. Unless otherwise noted, games are assumed to take place Saturday.

AP Nos. 25-21

No. 25 BYU (6-2) vs. Virginia (6-2), 10:15 p.m. ET

Not gonna lie, I'm a little upset that BYU made it back into the AP Top 25 last week because I had circled Bronco Mendenhall's trip back to BYU for the No. 1 spot in this week's "top unranked clashes" long ago. Alas...

This should be an extremely entertaining late-night affair, as Virginia boasts one of the most unstoppable passing attacks in the country, as well as one of the nation's most penetrable rushing attacks.

While UVA's Brennan Armstrong tries to keep his year-to-date passing average above 400 yards per game, BYU's Tyler Allgeier might run for a mile. Virginia's defense has also allowed at least 200 passing yards in seven straight games, so there are other options for the Cougars too.

But if this game gets up into the 60s, which I believe it will, I like Virginia's chances of picking up a big road win.

Prediction: Virginia 35, BYU 31

No. 24 Coastal Carolina (6-1) vs. Troy (4-3), 7:30 p.m. ET (Thursday)

Everyone seems to assume that Coastal Carolina is going to bounce back from last week's loss to Appalachian State with a convincing home win over Troy.

However, it bears noting that what the Mountaineers did well in that game—stuffing the run and getting pressure on the quarterback—Troy does as well as any team in the country, boasting 31 sacks and 66 tackles for loss. The Trojans also came oh so close to ending Coastal Carolina's undefeated bid late last season, forcing the Chanticleers to score a touchdown in the final 40 seconds to get that win.

They'll make Grayson McCall uncomfortable, and they'll make this game interesting. Coastal will find a way to win, but this 18-point spread is a bit excessive.

Prediction: Coastal Carolina 35, Troy 28

No. 23 UTSA (8-0) idle

Aside from the Michigan-Michigan State winner, UTSA is the only team guaranteed to enter the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season with a zero in the loss column. Here's hoping the Roadrunners make it into that Top 25 in advance of the Week 10 road game against UTEP. Those have been two of the biggest surprises in the country this season, and people are way more likely to pay at least some mind to that game if at least one of them is ranked.

No. 22 Iowa State (5-2) at West Virginia (3-4), 2 p.m. ET

Since the brutal offensive showing in the loss to Iowa back in mid-September, Iowa State has a 76.4 completion percentage, is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and has committed just two turnovers. While they haven't been "Ohio State lethal," the Cyclones have been difficult to defend.

They also have one of the stingiest defenses, ranking third in the nation in total yards allowed per game.

Iowa State started slow, but it feels like a Top 10 team in its current state. And West Virginia has been mediocre at best, held below 30 points in each of its six games against FBS opponents.

Usually, I worry about a newly ranked team playing on the road, but this one shouldn't be a problem. Iowa State will get a convincing win and carry momentum into the Week 10 matchup with Texas.

Prediction: Iowa State 31, West Virginia 16

No. 21 San Diego State (7-0) vs. Fresno State (6-2), 10:30 p.m. ET

As far as undefeated teams go, San Diego State's offense is dreadful. The unit ranks 115th in total offense and has now won three games in which it has gained fewer than 250 total yards.

SDSU is pretty much skating by with a great run defense and a punter who can just about boot the ball from one end zone to the other.

In its only game against an offense that ranks in the top 50 percent in the nation in passing yards per game, the team allowed New Mexico State to throw for 326 yards. It was a similar story last fall in losses to Nevada and BYU. And I suspect that's going to be a significant issue against Jake Haener and the Bulldogs.

Fresno State already has five games this season with more than 380 passing yards, and it should be able to put together several scoring drives through the air.

Prediction: Fresno State 27, San Diego State 20

AP Nos. 20-16

No. 20 Penn State (5-2) at No. 5 Ohio State (6-1), 7:30 p.m. ET

See No. 5 Ohio State for prediction.

No. 19 SMU (7-0) at Houston (6-1), 7 p.m. ET

Time to find out whether Houston is good or if it is just taking advantage of its schedule.

The Cougars have won six straight since the season-opening loss to Texas Tech, but all six of those opponents currently have losing records. Moreover, they had to come from behind in the fourth quarter to beat Navy and needed overtime to beat East Carolina, both at home.

To this point, it's pretty much a lower-scoring carbon copy of their 2018 season, which ended with losses by double digits in four of their final five games once the schedule got tougher. SMU started that trend with a 45-31 win three years ago, and I could easily see the same thing happening here, considering the Mustangs have scored at least 31 points in each of their seven games.

Tanner Mordecai's outstanding season continues as SMU takes one step closer to a 10-0 vs. 10-0 clash with Cincinnati.

Prediction: SMU 45, Houston 31

No. 18 Auburn (5-2) vs. No. 10 Ole Miss (6-1), 7 p.m. ET

See No. 10 Ole Miss for prediction.

No. 17 Pittsburgh (6-1) vs. Miami (3-4), Noon ET

Credit to Miami for the one-point win over then-No. 18 NC State last week, but it isn't going to win a second consecutive game against a ranked opponent unless the turnover chain makes multiple appearances for the first time this season.

Considering Kenny Pickett is sitting at 23 touchdowns against just one interception, that doesn't seem likely. And Pitt's offense—though it has cooled off a bit the past two weeks—is too potent to get shut down by a defense that has allowed at least 30 points in four straight games against FBS opponents.

The Panthers have really buckled down on defense in recent weeks too and are starting to look like a legitimate Top 10 team.

Miami will still eventually become bowl-eligible against the tail end of its schedule, but it will lose this road game.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 38, Miami 23

No. 16 Baylor (6-1) vs. Texas (4-3), Noon ET

Run defense has been a major problem for Texas this season. Both Arkansas and Oklahoma went over 330 yards on the ground with four touchdowns against the Longhorns. While not quite that potent, both Oklahoma State and TCU were able to run the ball pretty well against Texas.

And while Baylor had one of the worst rushing attacks in the nation in 2020, the Bears are averaging just under 240 yards and 3.0 touchdowns per game on the ground and just went for 303 and four, respectively, in a Week 7 victory over BYU.

Of perhaps greater importance in this game, Baylor has also held each of its first seven opponents below 30 points.

However...

The Bears have yet to face an offense quite like what Texas brings to the table. And if you take out the blowouts of Texas Southern and Kansas, the Bears haven't been anything special. Granted, Texas hasn't been special either. But Bijan Robinson certainly is, and I like him to lead the Longhorns to more than 200 yards on the ground in a narrow victory.

Prediction: Texas 31, Baylor 28

AP Nos. 15-11

No. 15 Oklahoma State (6-1) vs. Kansas (1-6), 7 p.m. ET

Kansas' leading Oklahoma 10-0 at halftime last week will forever be one of life's great mysteries, but things will return to normal this week for a Jayhawks defense that has allowed at least 215 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in six consecutive games. Oklahoma State's Jaylen Warren was unable to get rolling last week against Iowa State, but the Cowboys feed him early and often for a big bounce-back W.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 45, Kansas 10

No. 14 Texas A&M (6-2) idle

The Aggies would probably rather not take a week off now that the offense has gotten into an impressive rhythm. But as long as they remember to keep getting each of Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane close to 20 touches per game, they'll remain in business.

No. 13 Wake Forest (7-0) vs. Duke (3-4), 4 p.m. ET

Wake Forest probably won't score 70 points again, but if you're worried about the Demon Deacons offense coming too far back to earth, you probably haven't watched any Duke games this season. The Blue Devils have been outscored 117-34 through three contests in October, and they have allowed at least 260 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in all six games against FBS opponents.

Sam Hartman, Jaquarii Roberson and A.T. Perry will have another big day as Wake Forest improves to 8-0.

We wish the Deacs the best of luck beyond this weekend, though. At North Carolina, vs. NC State, at Clemson and at Boston College might not be a fun end to the season. Then again, I thought they'd lose to Virginia a month ago, and they won that game by 20. Might be a magical year in Winston-Salem.

Prediction: Wake Forest 45, Duke 26

No. 12 Kentucky (6-1) at Mississippi State (4-3), 7 p.m. ET

Last fall, Kentucky did an outrageously good job against Mississippi State's Air Raid offense, picking off six passes in a 24-2 victory.

This year's Wildcats have forced just four total turnovers, though, and aside from the game against Alabama, Mississippi State's offense has been much more consistent than it was in Mike Leach's inaugural year. The Bulldogs have also been good on defense this season, holding opponents below 100 rushing yards per game and holding each of their non-Alabama foes below 370 total yards.

Mississippi State won't commit anywhere near as many turnovers this time. It'll stifle Kentucky's running game, and it'll pull off the upset.

Prediction: Mississippi State 27, Kentucky 23

No. 11 Notre Dame (6-1) vs. North Carolina (4-3), 7:30 p.m. ET

Better late than never for Notre Dame's running game.

After just an awful first five games of the season on the ground, the Fighting Irish have put Kyren Williams to good use, rushing for at least 170 yards and multiple touchdowns as a team in back-to-back wins over Virginia Tech and USC.

Up next is a North Carolina defense allowing nearly 200 rushing yards per game over its last four contests. The main reason it's the last four and not the last five is because Virginia didn't need to run the ball while throwing for 553 yards against UNC. And while Notre Dame's defense hasn't been exquisite, it should stop Sam Howell enough times to capitalize on that lackluster D.

Prediction: Notre Dame 35, North Carolina 31

AP Nos. 10-6

No. 10 Ole Miss (6-1) at No. 18 Auburn (5-2), 7 p.m. ET

After seven games, I'm still not sure if Auburn is any good on defense. Both Penn State and LSU threw for more than 300 yards against the Tigers. Georgia State rushed for 267 against them. And both Georgia and Arkansas went over 200 both through the air and on the ground. All five of those teams averaged north of 5.0 yards per play against Auburn.

Enter Ole Miss, which—though not quite at the same yards-per-play clip as Coastal Carolina or Ohio State—has been known to stomp mudholes through mediocre defenses. Save for the game against Alabama, both passing and rushing for more than 200 yards has been pretty common since head coach Lane Kiffin and quarterback Matt Corral joined forces, and I expect another 500-yard effort from the Rebels in this one.

The biggest question is whether Auburn's offense can keep pace against a less-than-mediocre Ole Miss defense. The Rebels did shut down LSU's running game last week, but that's about the only sign of life they've shown on D all year.

Six weeks ago, I would've said, "Yes, Auburn wins this shootout." But the Tigers have averaged just 2.2 offensive touchdowns and 25.2 points over their last five games, and that wouldn't be nearly enough to win this one. Bo Nix will have some fun highlights but also one backbreaking mistake, probably on a strip-sack.

Prediction: Ole Miss 38, Auburn 28

No. 9 Iowa (6-1) at Wisconsin (4-3), Noon ET

One week removed from Illinois and Penn State combining for 38 points in a nine-overtime game, Iowa and Wisconsin just might do the same.

Wisconsin has gotten into a nice groove on offense as of late with the emergence of backup running back Braelon Allen. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in three straight games, during which time the Badgers have racked up 886 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

But Iowa has a much better defense than what the Badgers have been facing lately, and if it can force Wisconsin to throw the ball more than a handful of times, that's going to be a huge advantage for the Hawkeyes, who lead the nation in interceptions.

Conversely, Spencer Petras throwing the ball to beat Wisconsin's elite run defense isn't a death sentence for Iowa. The Hawkeyes likely need him to fare better than he did against Purdue (four interceptions) and Iowa State (106 yards), but I like his chances of at least making fewer mistakes than Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz.

Prediction: Iowa 20, Wisconsin 17

No. 8 Michigan State (7-0) vs. No. 6 Michigan (7-0), Noon ET

See No. 6 Michigan for prediction.

No. 7 Oregon (6-1) vs. Colorado (2-5), 3:30 p.m. ET

Against FBS opponents who have won a game this season, Colorado is 0-5 and has averaged 7.4 points and 183.8 yards of total offense. Oregon has had some unusual close calls this season, but it will ride Kayvon Thibodeaux to a near shutout of the hapless Buffaloes.

Prediction: Oregon 38, Colorado 6

No. 6 Michigan (7-0) at No. 8 Michigan State (7-0), Noon ET

Who does a better job of slowing down the run?

Michigan State boasts the nation's leading rusher in Kenneth Walker III, and throughout this season, it has won comfortably when he gets rolling. As a team, though, Michigan averages 51 more rushing yards per game than Michigan State and has only allowed three sacks all year.

Both defenses have been solid against the run, and Michigan State has been particularly good with its pass rush (3.7 sacks per game). However, this will be the stiffest test either defense has faced.

But the reason I'm going with the Spartans is their considerable advantage at wide receiver.

Both Jayden Reed and Jalen Nailor rank top-10 in the Big Ten in receiving yards, while Michigan's leader in receptions is running back Blake Corum with 18. Michigan State's secondary has struggled at times this season, but that was mostly against established wide receivers like Miami's Charleston Rambo or Western Kentucky's Jerreth Sterns. Five-yard checkdowns haven't been the problem for Sparty, and I like Payton Thorne to make a few more big passing plays than Cade McNamara.

And, if it becomes a factor, Reed is one of the most dangerous punt returners in the country. Considering the 2015 showdown between these Mitten State rivals was decided on a punt play, maybe it'll happen again.

Prediction: Michigan State 27, Michigan 24

AP Nos. 5-1

No. 5 Ohio State (6-1) vs. No. 20 Penn State (5-2), 7:30 p.m. ET

Only on rare occasions does this rivalry game get out of hand. Ten of the last 20 meetings have been decided by one possession, including three games decided by one point. Only one of those 20 games was a blowout by more than 28 points.

But given how awful Penn State looked last week in its loss to Illinois and how unstoppable Ohio State has been since the second quarter of that Week 3 game against Tulsa, this feels like it's going to be an exception to the rule.

Penn State has yet to allow an opponent to score more than 23 points in a game this season, but it has also only faced one opponent (Auburn) who ranks better than 70th in the nation in scoring or total offense. And, let's be honest, Auburn is just an OK offense that ran up the score in early games against Akron and Alabama State. Trying to keep Ohio State from scoring at least 24 points is going to be like trying to stay dry on one of those canyon river rapids rides with a dozen waterfalls.

And Penn State's running game hasn't shown enough this season for me to believe it can exploit Ohio State's front seven the way that Oregon did.

Prediction: Ohio State 42, Penn State 17

No. 4 Oklahoma (8-0) vs. Texas Tech (5-3), 3:30 p.m. ET

The timing on Texas Tech's decision to fire Matt Wells—nearly 48 hours after its most recent game, with a 5-3 record, less than a week before facing No. 4 Oklahoma and less than a week away from a bye week—was quite bizarre. But now the Red Raiders must face the Sooners in Norman with neither the coach nor quarterback with which they began the season.

Good luck with that.

Oklahoma has been about as disappointing as an 8-0 team can be, but Caleb Williams and Co. can still put points on the board in a hurry. And this Texas Tech defense previously allowed 52 points to TCU and 70 points to Texas. If Oklahoma is ever going to look like the team that opened the season at No. 2 in the AP poll with strong national championship expectations, this should be it.

Prediction: Oklahoma 49, Texas Tech 24

No. 3 Alabama (7-1) idle

The final margin was 28 points, but Tennessee gave Alabama more of a battle than expected. And you better believe Nick Saban is using the extra week off to remind his guys that they need to be on their A-game from the opening kickoff the rest of the way. Alabama should easily win the next three at home against LSU, New Mexico State and Arkansas, but the Iron Bowl looms large on Thanksgiving weekend.

No. 2 Cincinnati (7-0) at Tulane (1-6), Noon ET

Remember when Tulane almost beat Oklahoma?

Well, more recently, the Green Wave have gotten smashed by Ole Miss (61-21), East Carolina (52-29), Houston (40-22) and SMU (55-26) thanks to what we will generously call less than spectacular defense. And I'm relatively confident that last week's close call against Navy will serve as a wake-up call for a Cincinnati offense which had been on fire before that game.

Desmond Ridder and Jerome Ford will run all over Tulane in a game that'll be over before the third quarter is.

Prediction: Cincinnati 49, Tulane 19

No. 1 Georgia (7-0) vs. Florida (4-3), 3:30 p.m. ET (in Jacksonville)

After three straight seasons in which both of these teams were ranked in the Nos. 5-9 range at the time of this game, No. 1 against unranked feels kind of boring.

And, historically speaking, it will be.

There have been six iterations of the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in which one of these teams was ranked in the Top Three and the other was unranked. The ranked team won each of those six games by a margin of at least 19 points. The average margin is 38.0 points, thanks to one particularly ugly 75-0 game in 1942.

Georgia's elite defense will bottle up whichever mobile quarterback Dan Mullen decides to trot out there, and the Bulldogs will take one more gigantic step toward a 12-0 regular season. 

Prediction: Georgia 35, Florida 13

Top Unranked Clashes

Here are the five most intriguing "other" games for Week 9, plus our weekly choice for the one game that should be as riveting as watching paint dry.

Fifth-Best: UTEP (6-1) at Florida Atlantic (4-3), 6 p.m. ET—There isn't much to see outside of the Top 25 this week, but that does give us a chance to highlight UTEP, which already has more wins this season than it did in the previous four years combined. However, all six of the Miners' wins have come against sub-.500 opponents, and this is a road game against 4-3 FAU. UTEP's defense will keep things interesting, but former Miami transfer N'Kosi Perry will lead the Owls to victory. Prediction: Florida Atlantic 27, UTEP 19

Fourth-Best: Florida State (3-4) at Clemson (4-3), 3:30 p.m. ET—Florida State is undefeated thus far in October since reinserting Jordan Travis at quarterback. The McKenzie Milton story was awesome back in Week 1, but it just wasn't working out for the 'Noles. Having an actual rushing threat at QB has changed things considerably for them, but will it be enough against this Clemson defense? While I do think the Tigers will win, that offense should not be favored by double digits against anyone right now. Prediction: Clemson 20, Florida State 17

Third-Best: Washington State (4-4) at Arizona State (5-2), 3 p.m. ET—In the first game after firing Nick Rolovich and several assistant coaches, Washington State fared better than expected, losing by only two points to BYU. But that game served as a vivid reminder that the Cougars front seven is nothing special, as Tyler Allgeier rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns. That's going to be a problem against a potent Sun Devils rushing attack. Prediction: Arizona State 38, Washington State 21

Second-Best: Louisville (4-3) at NC State (5-2), 7:30 p.m. ET—If you can throw the ball and keep a mobile quarterback from running wild, you're likely to beat Louisville. NC State can do the former, but the latter part of that equation is what will make this game fun. D.J. Uiagalelei rushed for more yards against the Wolfpack than he has against any other team this season. The same goes for Louisiana Tech's Austin Kendall. And Malik Cunningham comes into this game fresh off rushing for 133 yards and three touchdowns against Boston College. Give me the Cardinals in an upset. Prediction: Louisville 31, NC State 26

Best: UCLA (5-3) at Utah (4-3), 10 p.m. ET—Both of these teams blew early 14-0 leads last week en route to losses against the Oregon schools. But at least the Utes made it through the game without losing their starting quarterback. UCLA's Dorian Thompson-Robinson had to leave with an injury late against Oregon, and his status for this game is unknown. Even if he was healthy, I'd be leaning toward Utah at home. Given how much he does for the Bruins, their odds of winning plummet if he's limited or out entirely. Prediction: Utah 28, UCLA 24

Sicko Special: Missouri (3-4) at Vanderbilt (2-6), 3 p.m. ET—In a week where the Big Ten has a massive showdown between its final two unbeatens, here we have a clash between the only SEC teams left without a conference win. Seems safe to assume that Missouri will get that elusive W, but will the Tigers be able to cover the 16-point spread? I've seen enough of Vandy's lowest-scoring-in-the-nation offense to assume a blowout is forthcoming. Prediction: Missouri 38, Vanderbilt 13

The Rest of the Slate

South Florida (2-5) at East Carolina (3-4), 7:30 p.m. ET (Thursday): East Carolina 35-24

Navy (1-6) at Tulsa (3-4), 7:30 p.m. ET (Friday): Tulsa 31-23

UNLV (0-7) at Nevada (5-2), 10 p.m. ET (Friday): Nevada 42-17

Massachusetts (1-6) at Liberty (6-2), Noon ET: Liberty 49-13

Indiana (2-5) at Maryland (4-3), Noon ET: Maryland 28-21

Texas State (2-5) at Louisiana (6-1), Noon ET: Louisiana 41-14

Bowling Green (2-6) at Buffalo (4-4), Noon ET: Buffalo 31-20

Rutgers (3-4) at Illinois (3-5), Noon ET: Illinois 20-17

Virginia Tech (3-4) at Georgia Tech (3-4), Noon ET: Georgia Tech 28-24

UCF (4-3) at Temple (3-4), Noon ET: UCF 34-20

North Texas (1-6) at Rice (3-4), 2 p.m. ET: Rice 35-27

Hawai'i (4-4) at Utah State (5-2), 3 p.m. ET: Utah State 45-23

Florida International (1-6) at Marshall (4-3), 3:30 p.m. ET: Marshall 49-10

Southern Miss (1-6) at Middle Tennessee (3-4), 3:30 p.m. ET: Middle Tennessee 35-13

Louisiana Tech (2-5) at Old Dominion (1-6), 3:30 p.m. ET: Louisiana Tech 28-21

TCU (3-4) at Kansas State (4-3), 3:30 p.m. ET: Kansas State 37-30

Boston College (4-3) at Syracuse (4-4), 3:30 p.m. ET: Syracuse 28-23

Purdue (4-3) at Nebraska (3-5), 3:30 p.m. ET: Purdue 23-20

Louisiana-Monroe (4-3) at Appalachian State (5-2), 3:30 p.m. ET: Appalachian State 41-17

Minnesota (5-2) at Northwestern (3-4), 3:30 p.m. ET: Minnesota 24-14

Charlotte (4-3) at Western Kentucky (3-4), 4 p.m. ET: Western Kentucky 56-31

Wyoming (4-3) at San Jose State (4-4), 4 p.m. ET: San Jose State 21-7

Arkansas State (1-6) at South Alabama (4-3), 5 p.m. ET: South Alabama 35-31

Georgia State (3-4) at Georgia Southern (2-5), 6 p.m. ET: Georgia Southern 28-20

Arizona (0-7) at USC (3-4), 7 p.m. ET: USC 35-9

Boise State (3-4) at Colorado State (3-4), 7 p.m. ET: Boise State 27-21 

Oregon State (5-2) at California (2-5), 7 p.m. ET: Oregon State 31-28

Washington (3-4) at Stanford (3-4), 10:30 p.m. ET: Stanford 21-17