Week 9 College Football: Schedule, Top 25 Rankings, and Preview
The thrilling action of Week 9 College Football delivered several unforgettable moments, highlighted by key matchups and surprising outcomes. Here’s a recap of the significant games and performances that marked this exciting college football slate.
Memphis Shocks No. 18 South Florida
In a stunning upset, Memphis defeated No. 18 South Florida with a final score of 34-31. The game had crucial playoff implications for both teams. Memphis mounted an impressive comeback, scoring 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
The Tigers took the lead with just over a minute remaining in regulation. However, South Florida was poised to respond, moving down the field to set up a potential game-winning field goal. Unfortunately for the Bulls, a holding penalty pushed the kick back to 52 yards, and Nico Gramatica’s attempt fell short, sealing Memphis’s victory.
- Final Score: Memphis 34, South Florida 31
- Key Player: Cortez Braham Jr. – 7 receptions, 75 yards, 2 touchdowns
No. 16 Virginia Survives Overtime Thriller Against UNC
No. 16 Virginia edged out UNC in a tight game, winning 17-16 in overtime. This victory marked Virginia’s third overtime win in their last four games, following convincing wins against ranked opponents earlier in the season.
The game was tied at halftime and remained that way until overtime. Virginia scored first, executing a direct snap to running back J’Mari Taylor, who ran it in for a touchdown. UNC answered with a touchdown of their own but fell short on a two-point conversion attempt that would have clinched the upset.
- Final Score: Virginia 17, UNC 16
Georgia Tech Maintains Undefeated Record
Georgia Tech celebrated a dominant performance against Syracuse, winning 41-16 and remaining undefeated at 8-0. This marks the Yellow Jackets’ best start since 1966, a historic year for the program.
Haynes King had a standout game, completing 25 of 31 passes for 304 yards and three touchdown passes. He also contributed with two rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatile play.
- Final Score: Georgia Tech 41, Syracuse 16
- Key Player: Haynes King – 304 passing yards, 5 total touchdowns
Ole Miss Upsets No. 13 Oklahoma
In a thrilling SEC matchup, Ole Miss defeated No. 13 Oklahoma with a score of 34-26. The Rebels bounced back impressively from a recent loss, securing their first road victory against a ranked SEC opponent under Coach Lane Kiffin.
The game saw both teams exchanging leads, with Oklahoma taking its first lead in the third quarter. However, Ole Miss fought back, reclaiming the lead early in the fourth quarter and adding a field goal late in the game to secure the win.
- Final Score: Ole Miss 34, Oklahoma 26
Notable Trends from Week 9
This week highlighted crucial matchups in the top 25 rankings, further shaping the playoff picture. The standout performances and surprising results show that anything can happen in college football.
