College football Week 9 upset predictions: 5 critical games that could impact 12-team CFP

When looking at possible college football Week 9 upset predictions, it is more interesting to look at the matchups between teams in the AP Top 25. This week, there are five matchups where both teams are in the AP Top 25, and as a result, those games have the highest chance of impacting the 12-team CFP.

College football Week 9 upset predictions

#1 Missouri vs Alabama

The No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-2) host the No. 21 Missouri Tigers (6-1) this week. Alabama is coming off a 24-17 loss to No. 7 Tennessee and has not looked good in its past three games. Missouri has struggled in its games against ranked opponents this season and even in its win over Vanderbilt.

With both teams out of the top 12, another loss could end their playoff hopes. Alabama is favored, but with how they have been playing lately, a win for Missouri could happen.

#2 LSU vs Texas A&M

The No. 14 Texas A&M Aggies (6-1) will host the No. 8 LSU Tigers (6-1) on Saturday. They are the last two teams with perfect in-conference records in the SEC. LSU is favored, but the Aggies are playing well and could pull off an upset.

#3 Texas vs Vanderbilt

The No. 25 Vanderbilt Commodores (5-2) will host the No. 5 Texas Longhorns (6-1) on Saturday. Although the Longhorns will be favored, Vanderbilt proved it can beat elite teams when it defeated Alabama 40-35 earlier in the season.

Texas lost its first matchup against a ranked opponent in Georgia on Saturday, 30-15. Given Vanderbilt's strong record, another upset isn't impossible.

#4 Notre Dame vs Navy

No. 12 Notre Dame (6-1) is right on the edge of qualifying for the playoffs, and No. 24 Navy (6-0) is trying to get in the mix. Although the Navy Midshipmen are unproven against ranked opponents, they are also undefeated and capable of pulling off an upset.

#5 Illinois vs Oregon

Of possible college football Week 9 upset predictions, No. 20 Illinois (6-1) defeating No. 1 Oregon (7-0) is the least likely option. Oregon has given no reason for fans to think it will slip up against the Fighting Illini. However, if the Ducks take Illinois lightly, it could lead to an upset and Illinois getting into the playoff mix.