KSL.com Sports Week 9 College Football Pick’em Preview
Week 9 of college football brings intense matchups as teams approach the season’s climax. Key games include No. 18 South Florida versus Memphis and the Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas.
South Florida vs. Memphis
Scheduled for Saturday, October 25, at 10 a.m. MDT, South Florida (6-1) will compete against Memphis (6-1) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. This American Athletic Conference clash holds significant playoff implications.
Why South Florida Will Win
- South Florida boasts an impressive offensive average of 41.7 points per game, ranking seventh in the nation.
- Quarterback Byrum Brown has thrown for 2,170 yards and 22 touchdowns this season.
- The Bulls have notable victories against Boise State, Florida, and North Texas.
Why Memphis Will Win
- Despite a recent loss to UAB, Memphis remains a contender for the College Football Playoff.
- Quarterback Brendon Lewis has amassed 1,777 total yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
- The Tigers average 38.1 points per game and aim for an upset over the Bulls.
Kansas State vs. Kansas
Also on October 25 at 10 a.m. MDT, Kansas State (3-4) will face Kansas (4-3) at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in a crucial Big 12 showdown.
Why Kansas State Will Win
- The Wildcats’ running game, led by Dylan Edwards, returned strong with 166 yards against UCF.
- Quarterback Avery Johnson’s mobility could be essential against Kansas’ weak rushing defense, allowing 183.3 yards per game.
Why Kansas Will Win
- Quarterback Jalon Daniels has thrown for 1,752 yards and 18 touchdowns, boosting Kansas’ scoring to an average of 32.4 points per game.
- Head Coach Lance Leipold aims for his first victory against Kansas State, leveraging home-field advantage.
Utah State vs. New Mexico
At 1 p.m. MDT on October 25, Utah State (4-3) will visit New Mexico (4-3) in a Mountain West encounter.
Why Utah State Will Win
- Utah State’s offense averages 34.0 points per game, with quarterback Bryson Barnes playing well recently.
- Strong defensive performances can lead to their first road win this season.
Why New Mexico Will Win
- Under new Head Coach Jason Eck, New Mexico holds a surprising 4-3 record, including a notable win over UCLA.
- Jack Layne’s passing and tight end Dorian Thomas, who had a standout performance against Michigan, could create matchup problems.
BYU vs. Iowa State
No. 11 BYU (7-0) will take on Iowa State (5-2) at 1:30 p.m. MDT on October 25, with significant implications for both teams.
Why BYU Will Win
- BYU’s strong rushing attack averages 232.9 yards, which could challenge Iowa State’s struggling defense.
- Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier is showing maturity and composure in high-pressure situations.
Why Iowa State Will Win
- After two consecutive losses, Iowa State seeks to leverage its home-field advantage to stabilize its season.
- Running backs Abu Sama III and Carson Hansen will need to carry the offensive load to relieve pressure on quarterback Rocco Becht.
Colorado vs. Utah
In the nightcap of rivalry games on October 25, Colorado (3-4) will face Utah (5-2) at 8:15 p.m. MDT at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Why Colorado Will Win
- Coming off a bye week, Colorado is prepared to build on its recent victory over Iowa State.
- Quarterback Kaidon Salter’s recent form could exploit Utah’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Why Utah Will Win
- Despite a loss to BYU, Utah’s defense remains among the top performers in the Big 12.
- The home-field advantage at Rice-Eccles Stadium provides a formidable challenge for the Buffaloes.
As the season reaches its halfway point, these matchups will be pivotal in shaping the playoff landscape.
