Week 9 of college football features exciting matchups, including three competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC) games pitting top-25 teams against each other.
Entering Week 9, six teams are still undefeated, and five of those are ranked in the top-25 polls. Could one or more of them be on upset alert this weekend?
Here are five ranked teams most likely to be upset in Week 9.
No. 3 Texas A&M at No. 20 LSU
Texas A&M is favored by 2.5 points, per FanDuel
While LSU is at home in this exciting matchup, beating undefeated Texas A&M would be a major upset. This is especially true since LSU recently lost by seven points on the road to Vanderbilt, and the Tigers have lost two of their last three games. The Aggies are well on their way to securing a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, although LSU is difficult to beat on its home turf.
No. 11 BYU at Iowa State
Iowa State is favored by 2.5 points
This is a risky game for BYU. First, Iowa State has lost two straight games, though both were away, and now the Cyclones are back home and energized. Second, BYU has been playing dangerously in recent matches. Three of the Cougars’ last four wins were by six points or less. BYU is trying to stay competitive with Cincinnati in the Big 12 race.
No. 23 Illinois at Washington
Washington is favored by 3.5 points
Both teams are 5-2 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten Conference affairs. Illinois and Washington each lost their last game and are 2-2 over their past four contests. While the Fighting Illini is the betting favorite, with this conference clash happening in Seattle, it’s really a toss-up.
No. 22 Texas at Mississippi State
Texas is favored by 7.5 points
These SEC teams are heading in different directions. Texas has won two straight, including a major upset over previously undefeated and then-No. 6 Oklahoma. Mississippi State, on the other hand, has lost three in a row, although two of those losses were close games. Still, the Longhorns might be vulnerable to an upset since the game is in Starkville, Mississippi.
Arizona State is favored by 7.5 points
Arizona State and Houston each have one Big 12 loss. They’re both trying not to fall too far behind conference leaders BYU and Cincinnati. Arizona State recently pulled off a surprising home win over then-No. 7 Texas Tech, while the Red Raiders defeated Houston earlier this year. Still, the Cougars have only one loss this season and could challenge the Sun Devils when they play in Tempe, Arizona.
