College Football Week 9 in Review: 5 Things We Learned
College football week 9 is in the books, and as always, there are key takeaways from the action on the field. Here are five important things we learned from college football week 9.
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### 1. Ole Miss Can Be Penciled in to the CFP
Ole Miss recently lost to Georgia but bounced back with a crucial road win against Oklahoma. Both teams entered the game with one loss, and the winner would have a clearer path to the College Football Playoff (CFP). The Rebels managed a back-and-forth game against Oklahoma, ultimately coming out on top, putting up 34 points on offense while the defense played much better after earlier struggles this season.
Currently 7-1 with their only loss to Georgia, Ole Miss looks poised to handle the remainder of their schedule. Their upcoming games include:
– vs. South Carolina
– vs. The Citadel
– vs. Florida
– at Mississippi State
Even if the Rebels go 3-1 in this stretch, their chances of making the CFP are very strong, especially as other top teams face losses. While this team may not be statistically as dominant as last season, they appear to be on track for a CFP berth.
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### 2. Texas A&M Has Proven Themselves as Elite
Texas A&M has long been seen as a good but not great program, often finishing around 8-4. However, head coach Mike Elko is changing that perception. Entering week 9 ranked third nationally, some still doubted whether the Aggies could sustain this success down the stretch.
Their win over LSU on the road, in a tough environment, helped silence those doubts. Elko’s defense continues to perform well despite losing significant talent to the NFL. Meanwhile, the offense has opened up with solid play from the offensive line and dynamic wide receivers from the transfer portal stretching the field.
Texas A&M’s remaining schedule includes:
– at Missouri
– vs. South Carolina
– vs. Samford
– at Texas
With the way they’re playing, the Aggies are almost a lock to reach the CFP.
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### 3. Vanderbilt Has a Path to the CFP
Vanderbilt impressed last season and has taken another step forward this year. Heading into week 9 with only one loss (to Alabama), they faced a challenging matchup against a top-15 Missouri team and emerged with a 17-10 win.
While their offense hasn’t always boomed, their defense has stepped up significantly, a testament to head coach Clark Lea’s leadership.
Like other teams mentioned, Vanderbilt can realistically envision a spot in the CFP. Their remaining schedule is:
– at Texas
– vs. Auburn
– vs. Kentucky
– at Tennessee
A 3-1 finish in this stretch won’t be easy, but if Vanderbilt plays to its potential, they could become a fantastic Cinderella story this season.
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### 4. The American Conference Race is Crazy
For weeks, it’s been clear that the winner of the American Athletic Conference would likely secure the Group of Five’s spot in the CFP. With Boise State losing two games and no other Group of Five conference boasting an undefeated team, the American has taken center stage.
This week, Memphis bounced back from their loss to UAB by defeating USF — who had been the front-runner to represent the Group of Five before the week began. Navy remains undefeated, while Tulane and North Texas carry just one loss each.
This creates a crowded and competitive five-team race for the American Conference Championship, with the potential to send the champion to the CFP.
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### 5. Mark Stoops Will Likely Be Fired
Mark Stoops did a fantastic job building Kentucky’s football program. He produced two double-digit win seasons — impressive at a school traditionally known for basketball. A few years ago, rumors surfaced that he almost took the Texas A&M job before the deal fell through and Stoops returned to Kentucky.
Since then, however, the program has been on a downward trajectory. Kentucky’s last 10-win season came in 2021, followed by two seven-win seasons. Last year, they slipped to 4-8, and this season they have managed just two wins so far.
A recent loss to Tennessee, where Kentucky allowed 56 points, further jeopardizes Stoops’ tenure. It’s increasingly likely the school will need to start assembling funds for a buyout, even if paid as a lump sum rather than installments. Negotiations may begin soon, making Kentucky a program on the hunt for a new head coach.
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For more college football news and updates, be sure to visit our college football page. Stay tuned for next week’s insights and continued coverage throughout the season!
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