We continue to find value in the weekly early college football picks and predictions. Take a trip through the opening lines of college football as we scour the totals and spreads to find you the best action.
Week 9 College Football Picks and Predictions
Let’s go early line shopping!
Northwestern vs. Iowa (31.5 points)
This is officially the lowest game total in college football history, per Circa Sports. And to be fair, it’s completely warranted. Northwestern has lost six straight games since defeating Nebraska in Ireland to open the year. Iowa has lost three in a row.
Collectively, each team has scored 14 or fewer points in eight different games this year and in six of their last seven combined games. It’s an abysmal affair to be on the offense for each team, as both units’ best weapons are their punters. Yes, their punters.
Spencer Petras was benched against Ohio State and Brendan Sullivan threw for 143 yards on 24 attempts against Wisconsin. Neither quarterback situation has been figured out on either side this season, and the total of 31.5 points doesn’t seem attainable with each team playing the way they’re playing.
Not to mention, each defense has had its moments this year. It’ll be an ugly affair and one with a lot of punting. Don’t rule out a safety or two with the way Tory Taylor and Luke Akers can pin each team back.
Prediction: Iowa 17, Northwestern 10
Wake Forest (-5) vs. Louisville
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons aren’t getting the national love they deserve. Since Sam Hartman has returned, they’ve been just an overtime period short of undefeated and sit at 6-1 this season.
Hartman has lit up opposing defenses for over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns against three interceptions. He’s the ACC’s top quarterback this season, and the Deacs defense is playing lights-out football as well.
MORE: College Football Bowl Projections 2022
After allowing 51 points to Clemson, Wake hasn’t allowed 51 total points in three games since. Louisville has been beatable through the air as well, allowing 10 passing touchdowns and 12.2 yards per completion this year. Expect those numbers to look even worse after this weekend.
Prediction: Wake Forest 38, Louisville 24
East Carolina vs. BYU (57.5 points)
BYU is searching for a defensive identity and getting a buzzsaw of an offense in Provo on a short week in the process. After allowing Liberty to far exceed their season averages in just about every offensive metric, the Cougars host ECU fresh on the heels of a terrific victory over UCF on Saturday night.
However, the Pirates bring with them the 119th-ranked pass defense by total yards per game and have given up 13 scores through the air. Points will not be at a premium here, as each defense has had their woes this season.
Prediction: BYU 34, ECU 30
Illinois (-5.5) vs. Nebraska
The real question in this game is whether or not Nebraska can put up the points, in meaningful time to actually compete with Illinois. The Fighting Illini have the Power Five’s best pass defense and have given up a national-leading two touchdowns through the air.
It gets better for Illinois — or worse for Nebraska, depending on which side you’re on — as the Illini’s run defense is the Power Five’s best as well and has given up just three scores.
No matter which way you slice it, Nebraska is set to have a hard time moving the ball against Illinois. Grab the under and back the Illini at this price.
Prediction: Illinois 30, Nebraska 13
TCU (-7) vs. West Virginia
This line feels low, especially considering the way TCU played in the second half against Kansas State and the depleted effort West Virginia gave against Texas Tech. WVU is looking for answers on defense, as their missed tackles are among the nation’s highest total this year.
Max Duggan is a true leader of the Big 12’s best team, and Quentin Johnston is unable to be stopped by even the best secondary. Giving just minor cause for concern, TCU’s pass defense does give up plenty of yardage through the air — the 101st-ranked pass defense by yards per game — but they clamp down in the red zone.
West Virginia will need four quarters of the offense’s best outing to stick with the Horned Frogs. Otherwise, they’ll be hypnotoaded like everyone else this year.
Prediction: TCU 36, West Virginia 22
Old Dominion (+6) vs. Georgia State
At one point, after knocking off Coastal Carolina, Old Dominion was seen as the Sun Belt favorite. Now, they’re a touchdown underdog to Georgia State after one loss to Georgia Southern? That seems a bit of an overreaction.
ODU had an off game against Georgia Southern, as their offense never got clicking. The Monarchs’ defense did do a good job at limiting Southern’s passing attack, and Georgia State’s aerial assault is half the unit their in-state rival is.
ODU gets back on the winning track here as they continue to control their own destiny in the Sun Belt this season.
Prediction: Old Dominion 31, Georgia State 28
Rutgers vs. Minnesota (37.5 points)
Another incredibly-low total in the Big Ten and another completely warranted low-scoring affair is likely. This one, however, seems like it could buoy late and you could hedge your bets or buy back your value if Tanner Morgan can play for Minnesota.
The Rutgers secondary is playing up to their standards this season and just single-handedly ended the game against Indiana in Week 7. If Morgan cannot go, this under hits. But if Morgan can go, grab the over before it reaches a new height.
We’ll offer two predictions, one for each scenario.
Prediction (w/ Tanner Morgan): Minnesota 27, Rutgers 13
Prediction (w/out Tanner Morgan): Minnesota 20, Rutgers 17