2014 College Football Picks: Week 9 Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 10/25/14

2014 College Football Picks: Week 9 Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 10/25/14: After a couple of weeks loaded with marquee matchups, there is a relatively calm schedule on tap in Week 9 of the college football season. Only two games feature a pair of top-25 teams, and three of the teams involved in these games are ranked outside the top 15. That being said, the games could still have an impact on the college football playoff as well as conference title battles. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the big games on the schedule in Week 9.

No. 3 Ole Miss Rebels at No. 24 LSU Tigers

Although LSU has been one of the perennial powers in college football in recent years, the Rebels are the team in the thick of the national title hunt heading into this matchup. Ole Miss is one of four remaining undefeated teams, but road teams haven’t exactly fared well in “Death Valley” over the years. Granted, LSU has already suffered a couple of ugly losses this year, but the Tigers looked stout in a 41-3 victory over Kentucky last weekend, and they seem to be finding their identity after playing quarterback roulette early in the year.

Despite the convincing win last weekend, the Tigers have reason to be worried heading into this one. For one, the Rebels upset LSU last year, and they did so in dominating fashion. Ole Miss is even better this year, especially on the defensive side of the ball where they are allowing the fewest points in the country. Meanwhile, the Tigers have been one-dimensional, run-heavy team on offense, and they were pounded by the physical play of Mississippi State and Auburn. With the Rebels bringing one of the most physical defenses in the country, the Tigers are going to have a tough time moving the ball. I expect one of the best efforts of the year from LSU, but in the end, it still won’t be enough to overcome the Tigers’ limitations on offense.

Prediction: Ole Miss Rebels (-3.5) Cover the Spread

No. 20 USC Trojans at No. 19 Utah Utes

The Pac-12 South Division is up for grabs, and two of the teams in the thick of the hunt will meet in this one. The Trojans boast plenty of weapons on the offensive side of the ball, including quarterback Cody Kessler, running back Javorius Allen and receiver Nelson Agholor. Utah’s offense centers around running back Devontae Booker, but the Utes’ defense has been one of the best in the country. Utah is allowing just 2.8 yards per carry to opponents, and the Utes lead the country with 33 sacks. In the end, Utah’s limitations on offense will ultimately prove to be the difference. The Utes have a great defense, but the Trojans have too many weapons to be completely shut down. Kessler and company are going to score some points, and I don’t see Utah being able to keep pace.

Prediction: USC Trojans (-1) Cover the Spread

No. 13 Ohio State Buckeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions

This primetime showdown features two traditional powers in the Big Ten, but the Nittany Lions haven’t exactly been impressing lately. They head into Saturday’s matchup on the heels off back-to-back ugly losses to Northwestern and Michigan where they managed a combined 19 points. Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg has struggled behind a weak offensive line, and the Nittany Lions are currently ranked 111th in the country in points per game. A struggling offense is the last thing any team wants with the Buckeyes coming to town. After a slow start, quarterback J.T. Barrett has found his footing as Braxton Miller’s replacement, and Ohio State ranks fourth in the country in points per game and has scored at least 50 in four straight games. Throw in the fact that Ohio State’s fast, athletic defensive front is built to expose Penn State’s weaknesses along the offensive line, and this game has blowout written all over it. If the Nittany Lions couldn’t beat a slumping Michigan team, they don’t stand a chance against the offensive juggernaut that is the Buckeyes.

Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes (-13.5) Cover the Spread