College football picks against the spread for biggest Week 9 games

We improved somewhat last weekend, going 4-6 in our predictions against the spread, including our pick for Miami to upset Clemson.

But we naively thought the Spartans could stay with 24.5 against Michigan and watched as three other possible wins went down the drain in the final minutes, including Tennessee +8.5 against Alabama, Penn State +4.5 dropping one at Ohio State, and Duke collapsed in the second half at Florida State.

How are we doing? College Football HQ is 31-39 (.443) against the spread so far this season.

Lines courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Oklahoma at Kansas

The line: Oklahoma -9.5

What to expect: Kansas plays strong on the line of scrimmage and runs the ball with authority, but the Sooners have the manpower in the front seven and the skill threats to pull away. OU is 7-1 against the spread in the last 8 games and the Jayhawks are 3-8 ATS in the last 11 overall.

ATS pick: Oklahoma -9.5

More: OU vs. KU game prediction

BYU at Texas

The line: Texas -19.5

What to expect: Quinn Ewers is out with a shoulder injury, paving the way for Maalik Murphy to step in at quarterback. He's low on experience but potentially very high in potential, and the Longhorns have Jonathon Brooks to even things out on the ground. BYU is 6-12 ATS in the last 18 games and Texas is 3-4 against the spread this season. Inexperience at quarterback could slow down this offense.

ATS pick: BYU +19.5

More: Texas vs. BYU game prediction

South Carolina at Texas A&M

The line: Texas A&M -14

What to expect: A&M is still playing elite defense at the line and is 2nd nationally with 29 sacks. The unit should generate easy pressure against a Gamecock line that is not protecting the quarterback well. South Carolina also struggles defending the pass, ranking 115th nationally in that phase. A&M is 4-1 against the spread in the last 5 at home.

ATS pick: Texas A&M -14

Duke at Louisville

The line: Louisville -4

What to expect: Duke is 8-3 against the spread in the last 11 and 5-1 ATS in its last 6 against ACC opposition, but Louisville is 8-0 ATS in its last 8 games at home. The Cardinals are coming off an open week and boast credible skill threats while the Blue Devils are looking at quarterback Riley Leonard re-aggravating his ankle injury a week ago.

ATS pick: Louisville -4

Colorado at UCLA

The line: UCLA -15.5

What to expect: Shedeur Sanders might find some throwing lanes behind the Bruins secondary often enough to stay within striking distance early on, but UCLA will bring plenty of heat with a dominant front seven that will harangue Colorado's weak pass protection and shut down the weak ground game. UCLA is 4-2 against the spread in the last 6 and the Buffaloes are 5-13-1 ATS in the last 19.

ATS pick: UCLA -15.5

Tennessee at Kentucky

The line: Tennessee -4

What to expect: Kentucky can run the ball well to help cover some inconsistencies in the passing game, but the Volunteers present a credible threat against the run and boast one of the nation's premier rushing attacks. But the trends are notable: UK is 6-3 ATS in the last 9 as an underdog and the Vols are 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 on the road.

ATS pick: Kentucky +4

Georgia vs. Florida

The line: Georgia -13.5

What to expect: Georgia is 1-4 against the spread in its last five games and 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 Saturday games while the Gators are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 against SEC teams. Not having Brock Bowers will cut into Georgia's offensive production and Florida has enough of an intermediate passing game to bother the Bulldogs.

ATS pick: Florida +13.5

More: Georgia vs. Florida game prediction

Ohio State at Wisconsin

The line: Ohio State -14.5

What to expect: The Buckeyes are 4-0-1 against the spread in the last five and 4-1 ATS in their last five against a Big Ten West team, while the Badgers are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 conference matchups and 1-4 against the spread in their last five at home. Wisconsin can run the ball well enough but doesn't have the air game to keep up with OSU's skill targets.

ATS pick: Ohio State -14.5

More: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin prediction

Oregon at Utah

The line: Oregon -6.5

What to expect: Oregon is 5-1-1 against the spread in the last seven overall but the Utes have won 18 straight at home and 29 of the last 30 in Salt Lake. Utah's ferocious front seven will challenge the Ducks' protection, but Bo Nix has the efficiency and the weapons to spread things out. This could go either way.

ATS pick: Utah +6.5

More: Oregon vs. Utah prediction

Bet on Week 9 college football here

Join FanDuel here to claim $200 worth of bonus bets after wagering just $5 on any game.

Claim $200 in Bonus Bets instantly when you Bet $5 with DraftKings.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets with Bet365 here when you Bet Just $1 on any college football game.

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets with Points Bet right here.

Or get $1,500 paid back in bonus bets from BetMGM if you don’t win.

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks