by It’s crazy how fast the college football season is zooming by, but there’s still plenty of time to put some dents into the win column. These are my three favorite plays of Week 9.
#11 Oregon State at Arizona +3.5
Arizona just may be the diamond in the rough out of a loaded Pac 12 conference this season as the Wildcats have been playing at a very high level lately. Over the past three games, Arizona gave #5 Washington a seven-point game before taking #24 USC to 2OT and absolutely throttling Wazu 44-6 in back-to-back road games. Quarterback Noah Fifita, who was a backup entering the year, averaged 292 yards and an 81.2 QBR while throwing 8 touchdowns and just two picks over that stretch.
Arizona invested a lot into the defensive side of the ball this past offseason and it is showing, as the unit now ranks 49th in the FBS in points per drive and 17th in opponent rush yards per game. That matches up well against a Beaver team that is more run-heavy on offense (54.2% rush play rate per game). Defensively, Oregon State has struggled at times against teams that can air it out effectively and are allowing an average of 31.6 PPG on the road. Don’t be shocked if Arizona wins this game outright.
Marshall -4 at Coastal Carolina
Coastal Carolina is 3-0 when wearing the teal helmets this season! Star quarterback Grayson McCall, who is the heart and soul of the Chants, will also be ruled out. One thing weighs out the other here. Sorry, Snade.
Cincinnati at Oklahoma State -6.5 (Lock)
Gundy and the Pokes have been rolling as of late, winning three-straight games and covering in each of them. Meanwhile, Cincinnati is headed in the opposite direction, as the Bearcats are looking to snap a five-game losing streak and earn its first conference win. That’s no easy task when playing a better coached team that is riding a lot of momentum in arguably the toughest environment in the Big 12. Oklahoma State makes it four straight and covers the touchdown spread. Break out the paddles!
