College football's best games today: Week 9 schedule, what to watch
Saturday marks an important date on the 2023 college football schedule as this weekend brings us the final batch of games before the CFP Selection Committee releases its first top 25 rankings of the season, giving plenty of elite and second-level teams a chance to make a good impression for the selectors.
Almost all — 20 out of 25 — of the teams in the current AP and Coaches polls are in action today, including two head-to-head matchups between top 25 ranked teams, while we get a look at a new quarterback for Texas and a pair of classic SEC rivalries.
What should you be watching as the Week 9 schedule plays out on Saturday? Here's your guide to the best games on this weekend around the country.
All times Eastern
Oklahoma at Kansas
USA Today Images
Why watch? To see if the Sooners have recovered well enough from something of a scare last week at home against UCF, when they needed to thwart a 2-point conversion in order to win the game. OU's defense has fared much better this season and will have a test against the Jayhawks' experienced protection and productive rushing attack.
Line: Oklahoma -9.5
Where: 12 p.m. on Fox
Georgia vs. Florida
USA Today Images
Why watch? The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party — we're not really supposed to call it that anymore, but we are anyway — finds two SEC rivals renewing hostilities with major questions to answer in this game. Georgia won't have star Brock Bowers in the game, which should cut into the offensive production, causing many analysts to forecast the Gators could keep this closer than expected. UGA plays three ranked teams after this week.
The line: Georgia -13.5
Where: 3:30 p.m. on CBS
BYU at Texas
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Why watch? Texas has no room for error going forward after the Oklahoma loss in order to stay in Big 12 title and playoff contention and now has to implement a new quarterback after Quinn Ewers' injury. Maalik Murphy comes highly-touted as a prospect with a big arm and accuracy to boot. He'll have help from skilled tailback Jonathon Brooks against a BYU run stop that isn't exactly elite.
The line: Texas -19.5
Where: 3:30 p.m. on ABC
Oregon at Utah
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Why watch? This is a battle between two skilled, dominant Pac-12 championship contenders with a ton on the line. Both are already at one loss, but Utah has won 18 straight at home and 29 of the last 30. Oregon looks the more balanced team, especially when stacking up its offensive skill threats, but the Utes play a confident brand of football when at home.
The line: Oregon -6.5
Where: 3:30 p.m. on Fox
Duke at Louisville
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Why watch? Two up-and-coming contenders in the ACC pecking order go at it in what should be a raucous home environment for the Cardinals, who already took down the Irish here a few weeks ago. Louisville boasts credible skill threats and is tough to beat in its stadium, but faces a well-disciplined Duke front seven that played the Seminoles close on the road last week. Will the Blue Devils have star quarterback Riley Leonard at full strength? He re-aggravated his ankle injury a week ago.
The line: Louisville -4
Where: 3:30 p.m. on ESPN
Tennessee at Kentucky
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Why watch? A pair of border rivals already at two losses overall and in SEC play desperately trying to avoid a third. Both these teams need a win here to have a chance to finish in at least third-place in the SEC East. Kentucky can run the ball with power, but the Volunteers can stop it, and they have their own 1-2 punch at tailback, as well.
The line: Tennessee -4
Where: 7 p.m. on ESPN
Colorado at UCLA
USA Today Images
Why watch? The Buffaloes are coming off an open week following a shocking loss to Stanford and still have one of the nation's premier quarterback talents. But they struggle to protect Shedeur Sanders and the absence of a credible rushing threat is notable. UCLA plays physical defense at the line and will bring the heat against Colorado's protection. The Buffaloes need 2 wins to get to bowl eligibility.
The line: UCLA -15.5
Where: 7:30 p.m. on ABC
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