College Football Week 9 Odds and Predictions: What to Watch on Halloween Weekend
As October draws to a close, the 2026 college football season is delivering a wave of volatility not seen since 2007. According to cbssports.com, only three unbeatens remain in the Power Four as the first College Football Playoff rankings approach, setting up a chaotic Halloween weekend featuring key matchups like Georgia versus Florida and Ohio State against USC.
The latest odds and analyst projections highlight tight spreads across the board. In the SEC, Georgia enters its showdown in Atlanta as a 10.5-point favorite against Florida, while the Big 12 features a decisive clash between No. 22 Arizona and No. 13 Texas Tech, with the Red Raiders favored by 5.5 points.
How Do Analysts Pick the Tightest Spreadups in Week 9?
The weekly picks battle between analysts Brad Crawford and Chris Hummer showcases differing takes on the weekend’s most contentious lines. Hummer holds a slight edge in the standings with a 51-20 straight-up record compared to Crawford’s 47-24 mark. For the Wisconsin-Iowa matchup where the Hawkeyes sit as 3.5-point favorites, both analysts lean toward the Badgers covering, with Crawford projecting an outright 23-20 upset victory for Wisconsin in Iowa City.
Meanwhile, in the Big Ten contest between No. 20 Northwestern and Oregon, both Hummer and Crawford are backing the Wildcats as 3.5-point underdogs to pull off an outright win at Autzen Stadium. Crawford notes that Northwestern holds advantages across the board, pointing to Oregon’s recent struggles following a setback against Illinois.
What Are the Stakes in the SEC and ACC Grinds?
In Oxford, Auburn visits No. 12 Ole Miss as 12.5-point underdogs. Analysts point to Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss as a severe test for Auburn’s offense, though both writers expect the Tigers to keep the final margin within the spread.
