College football Week 9 predictions, odds: Three picks, best bets for Saturdays slate

Boy, does this line look fishy.No.11 BYU is undefeated and just beat bitter enemy Utah in a massive game, but the Cougars are 2.5-point road underdogs against reeling Iowa State.The Cyclones started the season in style, winning five in a row, but they’ve dropped two on the spin to Cincinnati and Colorado, and now need to run the table and get help if they want to get to the Big 12 Championship Game.You can back up this line with some logic.

Iowa State is not a world-beater, but the Cyclones are a solid team.Plus, they’re coming off a bye, and BYU is traveling 1,100 miles after winning “The Holy War” last weekend. It’s a classic letdown spot.

But, BYU’s stylistic advantage is wide enough to offset those concerns.The Cougars boast a rollicking rushing attack led by running back LJ Martin and freshman sensation quarterback Bear Bachmeier.That spells trouble for the Cyclones, who grade out as middling when it comes to stopping the run.Don’t get cute.

Back the Cougars in this one.Pick: BYU +2.5 (-108, FanDuel)There are so many wonderful surprises in college football this season.Indiana is one of the best teams in the country.Vanderbilt is not too far behind the Hoosiers.

And Virginia is making noise in the ACC.Recently, the secret has gotten out about Cincinnati too.The Bearcats have rhymed off six wins in a row after losing to Nebraska in Week 1, and now find themselves ranked No.

21.It’s terrific.But it’s also a bit of smoke and mirrors.The opponents during Cinci’s winning streak: Bowling Green, Northwestern State, Kansas, Iowa State, UCF and Oklahoma State.

A couple of impressive wins, but nothing that bowls you over. Baylor pulls the upset.We owe quite a bit of gratitude to the Cougars of Washington State, but this is quite the spot.Wazzu almost upset Ole Miss in Oxford in Week 7 and then went to Charlottesville and came up just short against Cinderella Virginia.Now, the Cougars travel back across the country to host Toledo.Quite the come...