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College Football Week 9: Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets

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By
Colin Lynch
Author photo
Colin Lynch Sports Editor

Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.

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Published24 Oct 2024

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College football Week 9 expert picks, predictions, and best bets are back as we gear up for an exciting slate of college football action in Week 9.

As the college football season approaches Week 9, the tension is palpable. The release of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff rankings is just around the corner, and every game feels like a final exam. What began as a journey of hope for many teams has now transformed into a quest to secure a coveted playoff spot.

Week after week, upsets have reshaped the landscape. Standout performances have elevated teams, pushing them past the expectations set in August. But with conference standings beginning to settle, the stakes are higher than ever. Each game now carries the weight of an entire season—an opportunity to etch a legacy or to watch dreams slip away.

As Week 9 dawns, the margin for error has all but vanished. Every snap and every possession has the potential to define a team’s future. This Saturday, some dreams will grow brighter, while others will fade into memory. The pursuit of a championship continues, and for those on the brink, the time to rise is now.

Check out our other college football expert picks! 

College Football Week 9 Expert Picks and Best Bets

Louisville vs. Boston College Betting Preview and Expert Pick

All Louisville vs. Boston College odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Oct.24.

  • Spread
    Louisville -7.5
  • Moneyline
    Louisville -290, Boston College +230
  • Over/Under
    53.5
  • Game Time
    7:30 p.m. ET
  • Location
    Alumni Stadium | Chestnut Hill, MA
  • Predicted Weather at Kick
    53 degrees, mostly cloudy
  • How To Watch
    ESPN2

We kick off our Week 9 picks with a Friday night special in the ACC.

The Louisville Cardinals are reeling from a heart-wrenching 52-45 home loss to Miami, and now they face another daunting challenge. The Boston College Eagles are armed with an explosive offense and one of the ACC’s most stingy defenses.

Boston College has only lost twice this season by more than seven points, a testament to its resilience. Its offense, filled with big-play potential, has generated 40 explosive plays for 1,195 yards, while its defense ranks fourth in the ACC, allowing just 20 points per game.

The Eagles’ offense averages 26 points per game, with nearly half of their production coming from explosive plays. And now they face a Cardinals defense that has struggled to contain such moments, surrendering 31 plays of 20+ yards and 15 plays of 30 or more.

Boston College began the season with a bang—a road victory over then-No. 10 Florida State, a near-upset of Missouri, and a comeback win against Michigan State. At 4-1, they even had a brief spot in the AP Top 25.

With two extra days to prepare, the Eagles enter this matchup rested and ready. Louisville, coming off a grueling home loss, faces an uphill battle. History favors the home team in this rivalry but with Boston College’s defensive prowess and ability to strike big, expect the Eagles to cover the number in this tightly contested matchup.

Prediction: Boston College  27 – Louisville 23

Best Bet: Boston College +7.5

Washington vs. Indiana Betting Preview and Expert Pick

All Washington vs. Indiana odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Oct.24.

  • Spread
    Indiana -6.5
  • Moneyline
    Washington +205, Indiana -255
  • Over/Under
    54.5
  • Game Time
    Noon ET
  • Location
    Memorial Stadium | Bloomington, IN
  • Predicted Weather at Kick
    58 degrees, mostly cloudy
  • How To Watch
    BTN

Indiana has been nothing short of dominant this season, surging to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the Big Ten with a convincing 56-7 victory over Nebraska. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have become a force, now ranked 13th in the nation. Cignetti, boasting a remarkable 21-2 record in his last 23 games, has turned Indiana into a well-oiled machine.

But this Saturday, they face a different kind of challenge. The Washington Huskies are coming off a tough 40-16 loss to Iowa, where things unraveled quickly after halftime. Indiana will be without their starting quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, who just underwent thumb surgery. And while backup quarterback Tayven Jackson was solid last week, stepping in with a comfortable lead, he now faces a Washington defense that ranks among the best in the nation in both Success Rate and EPA per . It’s a difficult blow, but this Hoosiers team is still dangerous.

Indiana’s defense has been good enough, but this will be its toughest test yet.

This matchup will test Indiana’s mettle like never before. While the Hoosiers are on a roll, Washington presents a challenge they haven’t seen this season.

Prediction: Indiana 24 – Washington 20

Best Bet: Washington +6.5

Michigan State vs. Michigan Betting Preview and Expert Pick

All Michigan State vs. Michigan odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Oct.24.

  • Spread
    Michigan -6
  • Moneyline
    Michigan +165, Michigan -200
  • Over/Under
    39
  • Game Time
    7:30 p.m. ET
  • Location
    Michigan Stadium | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Predicted Weather at Kick
    48 degrees, mostly cloudy
  • How To Watch
    BTN

We’re doubling up on Sparty as we’re backing Michigan State for the second consecutive week.

Michigan State breathed new life into their season, snapping a three-game losing streak with a much-needed victory over Iowa. The Spartans, now 4-3 and 2-2 in the Big Ten, regained their footing after a rough stretch. Against Iowa, Michigan State struck first with a field goal on the opening drive and never looked back. They held a 12-0 lead at halftime and kept Iowa at bay, never allowing them closer than five points in the second half.

This week, Michigan State faces another crucial test, but one that appears favorable. The Spartans’ defense, ranked 26th in Success Rate, has been particularly effective at stifling opposing rushing attacks, and they’ll need to be at their best once again.

Meanwhile, the Wolverines have struggled mightily. With three losses already, Michigan’s offense has been virtually nonexistent, averaging just 128.3 ing yards per game. Their defense, while solid, might be wearing down as the season grinds on, and special teams have offered little .

Michigan State’s coverage issues won’t likely be tested, as the Wolverines haven’t shown the ability to move the ball effectively through the air. This sets up well for Sparty, who have the pieces to pull off a major upset in the Big House.

Prediction: Michigan State 20 – Michigan 16

Best Bet: Michigan State +6