It’s Halloween, which means several college football favorites could be in for a scare. Saturday’s loaded CFB slate offers up several chances for undervalued teams to shock the nation. With most contenders making a playoff push, any slip-up at this point in the regular season could prove disastrous.
Let’s break down two plus money picks on DraftKings Sportsbook that could pull off an upset in Week 9.
Best CFB Upset Picks for Week 9
Arizona ML (+145) at Texas Tech
This weekend’s ranked clash in Lubbock could go a long way in sorting out the Big 12. #22 Arizona (6-1, 3-1) rolls into town on an impressive five-game winning streak. Over their previous three contests, the Wildcats have outscored opponents by a margin of 125 to 41 as well. Noah Fifita has a claim as the conference’s top passer, leading one of college football’s elite scoring attacks. Through seven games, the quarterback has thrown for 2,064 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also leads the Big 12 with a 74.2% completion percentage. The U of A is averaging 36.1 points per game, 21st in the nation.
#13 Texas Tech (6-1, 3-1) just suffered a brutal 37-24 defeat to Cincinnati. The Red Raiders have been playing sloppy as of late, turning the ball over ten times over their last five matchups. Compared to last season, this defense has taken a major step back. After leading the Big 12 in yards allowed per game last year, the school now ranks 13th in that category (372.9). If not for a conference-leading 13 interceptions, those numbers might look even worse. Fifita is one of the sport’s better quarterbacks when it comes to avoiding mistakes.
On the other side of the ball, TT’s offense leans on the run game. 17 of the team’s 25 touchdowns this season have come on the ground. That commitment to pounding the rock could get tested against a stout defensive line. Arizona is allowing 3.13 yards per rush attempt to opponents, second-best in the Big 12. If the Wildcats manage to play a clean game, there’s no reason to think they escape with a win in this spot
Cincinnati ML (+220) vs. Utah
We’ll stay in the Big 12, where another massive upset could be brewing. Cincinnati (5-2, 2-2) isn’t the most consistent group in the country. Still, this crew has the potential to put it all together on any given night. Scott Satterfield’s squad finally showed up last Saturday, earning a massive victory over Texas Tech. A 178-yard, two-touchdown performance from Cole Tabb led an impressive showing on offense. It’s all about dominating inside the trenches for the Bearcats. They’re gaining a conference-best 5.99 yards per rush attempt this season, all while scoring 21 times on the ground.
Granted, a run-heavy approach works much better when you’re holding a lead. When playing at Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati has gone 9-2 over the last two seasons. That level of home field advantage can’t be understated. Saturday’s opponent, #6 Utah (7-0, 4-0), won’t make things easy up front. The Utes are surrendering 3.20 yards per rush attempt, fourth-best in the Big 12. Still, this has all the makings of a trap game. Fresh off of a massive victory last week vs. Houston, UU could be ripe for an upset. Not to mention, the Holy War with BYU looms large next Saturday. Utah, for all its success, had a close call on the road against middling Colorado just two weeks ago. A dominant running game makes the Bearcats an intriguing group this weekend at home.
