We are in the thick of the college football season, and below we discuss our best NCAAF picks Week 9, the marquee matchups on Saturday that have everyone from average fans to expert handicappers talking about these pivotal matchups.
We have three of our best bets below, and last week we came oh so close to a sweep after getting ATS covers with Vanderbilt -2 ½ over No. 10 LSU (31-24) and Alabama -8 over No. 11 Tennessee (37-20).
However, we lost the third of our trifecta when Ole Miss +6 ½ bowed, 43-35, to No. 9 Georgia after getting shut out, 17-0, in the fourth quarter!
Without further ado, let’s go three for three this week in this week’s best NCAAF picks.
NCAAF Picks Week 9 At-A-Glance
One of the most important things to do after researching all the games on the board is to isolate those that appear to bring value. Once you determine which games qualify, it’s time to go shopping for the best college football bets.
At OddsTrader, we have live point spreads and odds at all the best US-licensed online sportsbooks, which allows you to compare all the lines on every game. So, be a sharp, not a square, and shop around at online sportsbooks you can trust and get the best line.
Do it for yourself, and you’ll wind up winning more money because of it!
This week we have:
- UCLA +24 ½
- Texas -7
- LSU +2 ½
UCLA Bruins vs. Indiana Hoosiers (-24 ½)
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 12:00 PM EDT
Indiana has defied all expectations this season. A school known for its legendary basketball program has a football team that is ranked third in the nation and boasts an undefeated 7-0 record. But let’s be honest, who has Indiana really beaten?
The Hoosiers have been installed as favorites in six of their seven games thus far. The only game in which they were underdogs proved to be their most impressive victory of the season, with a 30-20 win over Oregon, covering as seven-point road dogs.
We should also note that the oddsmakers are catching up with Indiana because they know the Hoosiers are America’s darlings, and the squares can’t help but line up behind them.
Indiana has failed to cover in two of their last three meetings, including a 38-13 win, but failed to cover as 26-point home favorites over Michigan State.
Meanwhile, UCLA has flourished as an underdog this season, sporting a 3-0 ATS record in those spots, and here they are again—getting 24 ½ points!
Expert Pick: UCLA +24 ½ (-110) at Caesars
Texas Longhorns vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (+7)
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 04:15 PM EDT
If there is one colossal disappointment this year in college football, it’s the Texas Longhorns and Arch Manning. Sorry, that’s two.
Texas was supposed to contend for a title, and Manning was the Heisman Trophy favorite. Texas lost its opening game to Ohio State (no shame there), but then they dropped a 29-21 decision to Florida as 4 ½ point road chalk.
In their last outing, the Horns claimed a 16-13 win by the hair of their chinny chinny chin as 12-point home favorites, and Manning ended with stats made for backups, connecting on 12-of-27 for 132 yards and no touchdowns. Texas is now 5-2 straight up but 2-5 against the number.
However, last year they had little problem with the Bulldogs, winning 35-13, and Mississippi State has dropped their last three games after winning their first four, bringing them to a 4-3 record for the season.
This team is just good enough to keep Texas on its toes, and there is little doubt that they realize how fortunate they have been to be 5-2 and still nationally ranked. The Horns are primed for a big win, and it’s coming this week!
Expert Pick: Texas -7 (-105) at Caesars
Texas A&M Aggies vs. LSU Tigers (+7)
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 07:30 PM EDT
If you believe in trends, then LSU is slated to cover the spread and win this one outright. Over the last seven games, these teams have alternated wins, with A&M winning last year, which means it’s LSU’s turn this year. We should also note that LSU has covered the spread in eight of the last 10 meetings.
Last week, the Aggies barely squeaked by Arkansas, 45-42, while LSU dropped a 31-24 heartbreaker to a gritty Vanderbilt team that has been one of the Cinderella programs this year.
This is a prime spot for head coach Brian Kelly to use his experience and hype his troops up for this pivotal game against Texas A&M.
This is the Tigers’ one shot to knock off a national powerhouse. A&M is ranked third in the nation, while LSU tumbled to No. 20 with last week’s loss to Vandy. Hopefully, this number drifts up to LSU +3 before gametime, but I believe the Tigers win this one outright. At least the trends agree with us!
Expert Pick: LSU +2 ½ (-110) at BetMGM
Place Your Week 9 Picks & How to Bet Smart This Week
My NCAAF picks Week 9, posted today for UCLA vs. Indiana, Texas vs. Mississippi State, and Texas A&M vs. LSU, will not remain stagnant forever. Odds, point spreads, and totals are dynamic, which means the moneylines and point spreads you see here may not be around by gametime.
Therefore, it is important that you get the sharpest line available, and the only way to do that is to get down immediately on the games and make sure you have an active account.
That’s right, make certain your account is funded, and perhaps get accounts at two or more sportsbooks so you can compare the numbers. Make sure to get down at a place you trust and at the best lines or odds available.
While you’re at it, make sure to download the free-to-use OddsTrader App available for iOS and Android phones for odds, picks, and props anywhere at any time! Speaking of which, you can always check out all the other NCAAF picks for Week 9 on OddsTrader.
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