College football picks: Predictions against the spread, odds, betting lines for top 25 games in Week 9 - CBS Sports
Week 9 of the college football season features high-stakes matchups as top-ranked teams like Miami and Ohio State face road challenges. Analysts are tracking the impact of parity and injuries on the current rankings.
Why it matters
College football remains a major cultural and economic driver in the U.S., with significant betting and media interest surrounding these rankings.
It's dangerous being ranked near the top of the polls. Three top-two teams have lost to unranked opponents over the last three weeks, a first since the carnage that was the 2007 season.
Texas fell, Georgia tripped and BYU was overwhelmed.
Now, No. 1 Miami and No. 2 Ohio State both hit the road this week against unranked teams. At least for Miami, the Hurricanes have history on their side. They're 30-0 all-time against unranked opponents as the AP's No. 1 team. They travel to North Carolina , which is 0-11 all-time against the nation's No. 1 team. If Miami can get past Bill Belichick's Tar Heels, a marquee matchup awaits next week at Notre Dame.
No team is safe as parity runs rampant nationwide. Coach Mario Cristobal said there's no sense in letting up this week.
"If not, you're putting a win at risk," he said.
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