Top 5 college football games to watch for Saturday, Week 9 picks

Here are the top five college football games we’ll be tuning into this weekend, complete with lines from FanDuel Sportsbook, as well as picks:

All games Saturday

No. 21 MISSOURI at No. 15 ALABAMA (-13.5)

2:30 p.m. • ABC

Missouri travels to Tuscaloosa following a gritty win over Auburn. It’s been a rough season for the Tigers, but a win would shift the national narrative. This is a must-win for both sides — especially Alabama — with College Football Playoff and conference contention on the line. Bet on the offenses to light up Bryant-Denny Stadium’s scoreboards.

No. 11 BYU (-1.5) at UCF

2:30 p.m. • ESPN

The modern landscape of college football means cross-country travel is the new norm, and it hasn’t been kind to visitors. BYU’s quest to remain unbeaten continues when it flies across the country to take on a struggling UCF side. The Knights will be the consensus upset pick for the week, but be careful backing them after an emotional loss. Go with the chalk and choose the Cougars.

No. 20 ILLINOIS at No. 1 OREGON (-21.5)

2:30 p.m. • CBS

This Illinois team is different. Many — myself included — expected it to roll over when Michigan came to town. However, the Fighting Illini steamrolled the defending champion. Their reward? Illinois hits the road to face the No. 1 team in the country, Oregon. You shouldn’t feel comfortable picking the Ducks to lay 21.5 given their red zone inefficiency; take Illinois with the points.

No. 8 LSU at No. 14 TEXAS A&M (-2.5)

6:30 p.m. • ABC

If I told you in the preseason that the top spot in the SEC was up for grabs in Week 9, you’d remind me that Georgia and Texas played in Week 8. Alas, that’s the prize that awaits Saturday’s winner at Kyle Field. LSU hasn’t won in College Station since 2016, but the Tigers’ much-improved defense has Baton Rouge buzzing. Take Brian Kelly’s boys in an upset.

No. 22 SMU (-11.5) at DUKE

7 p.m. • ACC Network

Clemson this, Miami that, why is no one talking about SMU as an ACC contender? The Mustangs are unbeaten in their new conference and they’re double-digit road favorites against a gritty Duke team. The Blue Devils have a chance to play spoiler over the next couple of games, and this is their best shot at a statement victory.