The outcomes of Week 9 in college football may not have been particularly thrilling or filled with upsets, but they significantly transformed the dynamics within conferences and the playoff picture.
Here are some immediate reactions to Saturday’s games:
**Ohio State is still reeling from the loss to Oregon.**
Even with a victory over Nebraska, a close 21-17 scoreline indicates the No. 4 Buckeyes struggled to assert dominance. Nebraska was ahead 17-14 late in the fourth quarter, and Ohio State quarterback Will Howard needed a crucial drive to secure the win. The defense also faced challenges, including a difficult targeting penalty that nearly allowed Nebraska a last-minute opportunity. The offensive performance was lackluster, with a faltering running game, raising concerns as Ohio State prepares for important matches against No. 3 Penn State (Nov. 2) and No. 13 Indiana (Nov. 23).
**Notre Dame has a clear route to the CFP.**
Following a decisive 51-14 victory over No. 24 Navy, the Fighting Irish appear to have fully bounced back from their early-season setback against NIU. Ranked No. 12, Notre Dame generated six turnovers against a Navy team that had committed only two turnovers in prior games. Although not against a Power Conference opponent, this ranked win bolsters Notre Dame’s chances for a spot in the 12-team playoff. Given their strong performance, Notre Dame seems well-positioned to finish their schedule favorably, which includes games against No. 23 Army (Nov. 23) and USC (Nov. 30).
**The Big Ten race is narrowed down to two, with Penn State looking vulnerable.**
After a significant win over Ohio State in Week 7, No. 1 Oregon needed to affirm its top ranking. A commanding 38-9 victory over No. 20 Illinois adds to their impressive resume, suggesting no one left on their schedule poses a real threat to their playoff ambitions. Likely joining them in Indianapolis will be the 8-0 Hoosiers, who convincingly beat a solid Washington team 31-17 without their starting quarterback.
As of Week 9, Penn State was expected to challenge Oregon. However, quarterback Drew Allar exited Saturday’s 28-13 win against Wisconsin early due to a knee injury, raising concerns in Happy Valley, particularly given the team’s lackluster offensive performance for much of the game. The Nittany Lions face a challenging final month, giving Ohio State a potential opportunity to capitalize in Week 10.
**Alabama remains in the CFP conversation.**
Saturday’s match against No. 21 Missouri served as a potential elimination game for both the SEC title and playoff hopes. Alabama shut out the Tigers 34-0 in Tuscaloosa after Missouri lost starting quarterback Brady Cook, effectively ending their playoff prospects. In contrast, No. 15 Alabama reestablished itself as the top two-loss team in the country and remains firmly in the playoff discussion as the season winds down.
**Texas and Quinn Ewers continue to show inconsistency despite a win.**
The No. 5 Longhorns sought to rebound after their Week 8 loss to Georgia. Facing a surprising No. 25 Vanderbilt, Texas secured a narrow 27-24 victory, yet quarterback Quinn Ewers struggled, tossing two interceptions that made the game too close for comfort. Coach Steve Sarkisian needs to tighten his squad if they hope to challenge for the SEC title and potentially face Georgia again in Atlanta.
**BYU is positioned to represent the Big 12 in the CFP.**
With an 8-0 record, the No. 11 Cougars are a serious contender in the conference. BYU displayed prowess on both offense and defense in a 37-24 win over UCF, a game that some deemed a potential trap. With four games remaining, BYU appears poised to clinch the Big 12 title, while their closest competitor, No. 10 Iowa State (7-0), still has five games ahead, including one against No. 16 Kansas State (6-1), who could complicate the race.
**Marcel Reed is Texas A&M’s best chance to win the SEC.**
The No. 14 Aggies (6-1) are now the only undefeated team left in the SEC after overcoming No. 8 LSU with a 38-24 victory. Texas A&M achieved a solid offensive outing with backup quarterback Marcel Reed, scoring touchdowns on 4 out of 5 drives, supplemented by a field goal on the one that didn’t result in a touchdown. Backed by a dominant defense that intercepted LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier three times and sacked him twice, Reed emerges as the crucial player the Aggies need to navigate the SEC landscape moving forward.
