Bold Week 9 college football predictions

Week 9 will bring many exciting matchups to watch, but a test of two different backup quarterbacks at the Coliseum, a trap game in Chapel Hill and a Big 12 showdown in Lubbock could be the major headlines after games are played. Here are three predictions for Saturday.

Ohio State beats USC by two or more touchdowns

No. 2 Ohio State (6-1) visits USC (6-2) without its starting quarterback, Julian Sayin. Ryan Day has not named a true starter between freshman Luke Fahey and sophomore Tavien St. Clair, saying it's definitely possible that they both get the chance to play.

Neither quarterback will have to carry the offense. The Buckeyes without a doubt have the best player in the nation with Jeremiah Smith. As long as they find a way to get the ball into his hands, they should be fine. Ohio State's defense allows 13.4 points and 92.9 rushing yards per game, and opponents convert only 38.4% of third downs (38 of 99). The back end has only allowed a total of three touchdowns on deep passes, which is already a problem for USC's Jayden Maiava. He is currently 6-of-24 on deep throws over his past four starts with three deep ball interceptions.

USC's offensive line looked completely overwhelmed in the 24-7 loss to Wisconsin last week, finishing with just negative 17 rushing yards and five sacks allowed. The biggest struggle for Ohio State, outside of the inexperience at quarterback, will be finding a consistent run game. They will have to establish a running scheme that'll work now that many passing plays will likely be limited.

Prediction: Ohio State 31, USC 14

Miami survives UNC in a close game

No. 1 Miami (7-0) is a 14.5-point favorite against UNC (4-3), but Bill Belichick's defense gives the Tar Heels a path to keep it close. North Carolina allowed 20 or fewer points in all four of its wins and beat former No. 25 Pitt 21-17 on Oct. 10.

Expect Belichick to focus on Malachi Toney, who has 66 catches for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has been the target on 74 of Darian Mensah's 204 attempts (36.3%). Miami is also not built on big plays. Their offense ranks in the 39th percentile in explosive plays, while North Carolina's defense ranks in the 85th percentile in explosive plays allowed.

Miami is 14-22-1 against the spread in ACC games since 2022, and a trip to Notre Dame is looming. It's shaping up to be a potential trap game for the Hurricanes Saturday night. Miami's talent wins out, but not comfortably.

Prediction: Miami 27, North Carolina 17

Arizona hands Texas Tech their second loss

No. 22 Arizona (6-1) faces No. 13 Texas Tech (6-1), which is a 3.5-point favorite. Arizona will win this game through better quarterback play. Noah Fifita has thrown for 2,064 yards with 18 touchdowns and four interceptions, and has the third-highest completion rate in the Power Four, 74.2%. Texas Tech's Will Hammond has six touchdowns and six interceptions, and his 63.4 passer rating against man coverage ranks 136th nationally. Arizona plays man coverage 62% of snaps, the highest rate in the country.

Arizona's defense allows 16.7 points per game and has 24 sacks, second in the Big 12. Texas Tech lost 37-24 at Cincinnati last week as 10.5-point favorites. Arizona has won five straight by an average of nearly 24 points since its only loss at BYU. However, Texas Tech's defense leads the country with five pick-sixes, and the program has won 12 straight games at home, so turnovers could play a big role on whether they win or not. 

Prediction: Arizona 27, Texas Tech 24