By Skeeter Smith
College football is heating up as we enter the final month of play, with teams vying for playoff contention. As we dive into week 9, let’s take a closer look at some of the key matchups in the biggest games to watch:
20 Duke vs. 18 Louisville
Jack Plummer vs. The Blue Devils’ Secondary
Jack Plummer is quietly having an impressive season for the Cardinals, ranking second in passing yards in the ACC. He’s also among the top three in quarterback rating and is versatile with his legs. Plummer faces a formidable Duke defense that leads the league in points allowed per game, with its secondary allowing just 179 passing yards per game, ranking 12th nationally.
1 Georgia vs. Florida
Gators Offensive Line vs. Bulldogs Defensive Line
For the Gators to have a shot at an upset, their offensive line needs to perform exceptionally well. Florida’s offense relies on a strong ground game and play-action, putting pressure on the offensive line to protect the quarterback and create running lanes. It’s a tough task, as they go up against Georgia’s talent-rich defensive line, part of the SEC’s top-ranked defense. The Gators need a successful running game to relieve pressure on quarterback Graham Mertz.
8 Oregon vs. 13 Utah
The Ducks Offense vs. The Utes Offense
This matchup pits the Pac-12’s best offense against the best defense. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, Utah continues to win due to their stout defense. After a significant win against USC, they now face another offensive powerhouse in Oregon. Ducks quarterback Bo Nix is continuing to perform at a very high level as Oregon relies on his skills to maintain their offensive prowess.
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11 Oregon State vs. Arizona
The Beavers Run Game vs. The Wildcats Front 7
Oregon State’s offensive success hinges on an efficient ground game, averaging nearly 200 rushing yards per game. However, they face a challenge against Arizona’s strong run defense this week. The Wildcats, despite their record, have been a tough team to play against this season. They even limited Caleb Williams to his lowest completion percentage this season. Expect a very competitive game, as this won’t be a walk in the park for that high-powered beaver offense.
