College football scores, rankings, highlights: No. 3 Penn State, No. 6 Miami handle unranked foes

The Nittany Lions and Hurricanes were among the CFP hopefuls that were able to stay the course on Week 9

Week 9 of the 2024 college football season provided very little drama at the top. No. 18 Ole Miss started the day with a 26-14 win over Oklahoma at home behind a huge performance from star quarterback Jaxson Dart. Dart recorded his sixth game with at least 300 passing yards to keep his team alive in the College Football Playoff race. 

The game set the tone for the theme of the day -- ranked favorites taking care of business.

No. 12 Notre Dame blasted No. 24 Navy 51-14, No. 4 Ohio State survived a scare from Nebraska in a 21-17 win. No. 6 Miami cruised to a 36-14 win over in-state rival Florida State to remain at the top of the ACC standings.

No. 5 Texas held off a potential upset from Vanderbilt and left Nashville with a 27-24 win. No. 15 Alabama bounced back from a loss to Tennessee with a 34-0 victory over Missouri to stay in the CFP hunt.No. 3 Penn State also survived a potential upset bid. The Nittany Lions defeated Wisconsin 28-13 and will face Ohio State at home in a marquee Big Ten showdown next weekend.

All times Eastern

College football scores, schedule: Week 9

No. 12 Notre Dame 51, No. 24 Navy 14  -- Recap
No. 4 Ohio State 21, Nebraska 17 -- Recap
No. 18 Ole Miss 26, Oklahoma 14 -- Recap
No. 13 Indiana 31, Washington 17 -- Recap
No. 1 Oregon 38, No. 20 Illinois 9 -- Recap, takeaways
No. 15 Alabama 34, No. 21 Missouri 0 -- Recap
No. 5 Texas 27, No. 25 Vanderbilt 24 -- Recap
No. 6 Miami 36, Florida State 14 -- Recap
No. 14 Texas A&M 38, No. 8 LSU 23 -- Recap, takeaways
No. 3 Penn State 28, Wisconsin 13 -- Recap
No. 16 Kansas State 29, Kansas 27 -- Recap
Check out the entire Week 9 scoreboard

Check these out ...

• TT25T: Texas A&M leaps into top 10 with win
• W&L: Texas underwhelms in victory, Baylor ends an embarrassing streak
  
• WATCH: Fight breaks out between Michigan, Michigan State players
• Florida State's bowl hopes dashed: FSU likely to miss postseason after loss to Miami
• Is Texas title material?: Questions surround Longhorns after back-to-back lackluster showings
• Drew Allar injured: Penn State QB exits Wisconsin game with lower body injury
• Gabriel makes history: Oregon QB now No. 2 all time in passing yards, TDs
• Ohio State needs more: Buckeyes can't just rely on talent in Penn State showdown
• Indiana keeps rolling: Hoosiers, 8-0, off to best start since 1967 season
• Angry Buckeyes: Ohio State fans litter field with trash amid controversy
• Ohio State history: Jeremiah Smith ties Cris Carter for freshman TD record
• Will Johnson out: Michigan star CB will not play in rivalry vs. Michigan State
• Boise State boosts CFP hopes: Broncos pass tough UNLV test

[Oct 26, 2024 at 10:33 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Miami cruises to victory

FINAL: No. 6 Miami 36, Florida State 14

Miami cruised to a 36-14 victory over in-state rival Florida State to move to 8-0. Miami star quarterback Cameron Ward finished 22 of 35 for 208 yards and two touchdowns, and his team remained at the top of the ACC standings with a win. One year removed from a 13-1 season and an ACC title, FSU dropped to 1-7 with the loss. The Seminoles would need to win out and get some help to avoid missing a bowl game.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 10:20 pm ET · Will Backus]

Penn State taking care of business without Allar 

Early 4Q: No. 3 Penn State 21, Wisconsin 13 

There was a moment where it looked like Penn State's game against Wisconsin would spiral out of control. The Badgers took a last-second 10-7 lead into halftime, and then the Nittany Lions took the field in the second half without starting quarterback Drew Allar, who suffered an apparent knee injury late in the second quarter. It's been all Penn State since, though. The Nittany Lion defense stepped up big, as defensive back Jaylen Reed intercepted a pass and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown to give Penn State its first lead in the second half. Then backup quarterback Beau Pribula just connected with tight end Khalil Dinkins on a 1-yard strike to extend the advantage. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 10:01 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kansas State ahead at halftime

HALF: No. 16 Kansas State 16, Kansas 14

We have reached halftime of the Sunflower Showdown. Kansas State leads Kansas 16-14 at the intermission behind a huge first-half performance from star quarterback Avery Johnson. He finished 14 of 22 for 185 yards and two touchdowns and also racked up 34 yards on the ground. A win for Kansas State would be huge to stay in the Big 12 title race.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 10:00 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Is Travis Hunter playing?

Colorado star Travis Hunter is expected to play against Cincinnati in a game that kicks off at 10:15 p.m. ET. Hunter missed the second half of the team's 34-7 win over Arizona last week as a precautionary measure. Hunter first suffered the shoulder injury in a 31-28 loss to Kansas State, missing most of the second half. He played through the first half of the Arizona win, but returned to the sideline in street clothes after halftime, though looking to be in good spirits. The Buffaloes held a 28-7 lead heading into halftime against the Wildcats. 

Colorado star Travis Hunter will play vs. Cincinnati after exiting past two games with shoulder injury

Shehan Jeyarajah

[Oct 26, 2024 at 9:42 pm ET · Will Backus]

Penn star QB Drew Allar exits

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar was not on the field for the Nittany Lions' first drive in the second half. Broadcast cameras showed him standing on Penn State's sideline without a helmet and with a towel over his head as backup Beau Pribula led the offense out. 

Allar suffered an apparent lower body injury near the end of the first half. He went to Penn State's locker room with team trainers moments before halftime. He did try warming up before the third quarter began, but had extensive conversations with Penn State's coaching staff before removing his helmet and remaining on the bench. 

Penn State QB Drew Allar exits Wisconsin game with lower body injury, backup Beau Pribula efficient in win

Will Backus

[Oct 26, 2024 at 9:38 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Miami leads heading into the fourth

END 3Q: No. 6 Miami 23, Florida State 7

Miami will enter the fourth quarter with a 16-point lead over Florida State. Miami jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter and three field goals by Andres Borregales helped extend its lead to a two-possession game. Florida State has played both Brock Glenn and true freshman Luke Kromenhoek. FSU would be (potentially) eliminated from bowl game contention with a loss.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 8:58 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan takes lead into halftime 

Half: Michigan 9, Michigan State 7 

Michigan State led for almost the entire first half. But after 29 minutes, and some change, in poll position, the Spartans saw their advantage evaporate in a disastrous close to the second quarter. It all started with 29 seconds left on the clock, when quarterback Davis Warren hit tight end Colston Loveland for a 10-yard touchdown on second-and-9. Michigan State then tried to push the ball down the field when it took over, but edge rusher Josaiah Stewart tracked Spartan quarterback Aidan Chiles down and stripped the ball from his hands. The Wolverines took over on Michigan State's 34-yard line and, after a quick pass to running back Donovan Edwards, Michigan kicker Dominic Zvada hit a 37-yard field goal to give his team its first lead of the game. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 8:12 pm ET · Will Backus]

Florida State scores after wonky conversion 

Late 2Q: No. 6 Miami 14, Florida State 7 

Florida State's playing like it doesn't have much to lose -- at this point, it doesn't. That approach is paying off for the Seminoles thus far. They went for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 45-yard line, leaning on a quarterback keeper from Luke Kromenhoek. Kromenhoek got the first down, and a whole lot more, spinning through the line and bursting through contact to gain 42 yards. A few plays later, Seminoles running back Caziah Holmes plunged into the end zone on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 7:35 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas survives

Final: Texas 27, Vanderbilt 24

It was no masterpiece — far from it — but Texas won its first true road game as an SEC member by outlasting a plucky Vanderbilt team 27-24 in Nashville. Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense had some masterful moments in the first half but were inconsistent throughout the second as Vanderbilt attempted to rally from a 21-7 deficit. The Commodores had two opportunities to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, they fell behind 10, scored a touchdown and were forced to attempt an onside kick with 46 seconds remaining. Texas recovered the kick and escaped with the win.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 7:20 pm ET · David Cobb]

Stretching the lead

Late 4Q: Texas 27, Vanderbilt 17

Face with a third-and-9 at Vandy's 28-yard line, Texas kept the football on the ground and got a 23-yard gain from Jaydon Blue. That set the Longhorns up inside the red zone, leading to a 24-yard field goal from Bert Auburn. His kick turned this into a two-possession game. Texas has been flawed tonight, but the Longhorns are 9 of 15 on third downs.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 7:20 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

LSU vs. Texas A&M prediction

This should be one of the best matchups of the weekend and offers an air of true unpredictability. LSU's pass defense has been gettable, but Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman has struggled to find consistency at receiver. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is playing at a high level and can find creases. When betting, take any points available in a true 50-50 matchup. Pick: LSU +2.5

LSU vs. Texas A&M live stream, where to watch, TV channel, football game odds, spread, prediction, pick

Shehan Jeyarajah

[Oct 26, 2024 at 7:12 pm ET · David Cobb]

Fourth down fail

Faced with a fourth-and-2 on its own 35-yard line, Vanderbilt rolled the dice and went for it. However, Texas had the roll-out sniffed out, which forced Diego Pavia to freelance. He was forced to hoist the ball in the general area of a receiver and hope for the best. I was picked off. Texas will have a chance to ice the game with a score.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 7:06 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

BYU stays perfect

FINAL: No. 11 BYU 37, UCF 24

That's all she wrote from Orlando. BYU moved to 8-0 (and 5-0 in Big 12 play) with a statement win on the road over UCF. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff finished 16 of 24 for 228 yards and two touchdowns. The Cougars are in the driver's seat to reach the Big 12 title game if they run the table against Utah, Kansas, Arizona State and Houston. BYU's showdown against in-state rival Utah on Nov. 9 will loom large. As for UCF, Gus Malzahn's squad has lost its last five games after a 3-0 start to the 2024 campaign.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 7:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

'Dores get a stop

8:10 4Q: Texas 24, Vanderbilt 17

The tally of consecutive possessions without points for Texas is up to five. Quinn Ewers connected with Silas Bolden for a third-and-19 conversion, but the drive stalled from there. Vanderbilt has racked up eight tackles for loss and four sacks against Texas and has the football back with the chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Only problem is that Vandy's longest drive of the game has been 43 yards. The downfield passing game has been nonexistent. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 6:57 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas gets off the field

4Q: Texas 24, Vanderbilt 17

After a stretch of three touchdowns in four drives in the first half, Texas' offense has stalled out with no touchdowns in its last four possessions. As a result, the Commodores are hanging around. But the Texas defense just produced a much-needed stop at midfield, forcing a Vanderbilt punt with 10 minutes remaining. The 'Dores just don't have much offensive juice outside of Diego Pavia running around and trying to make plays. Can the Texas offense produce an authoritative drive to put it away?

[Oct 26, 2024 at 6:56 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Oregon moves to 8-0

FINAL: No. 1 Oregon 38, No. 20 Illinois 9

Oregon improved to 8-0 on Saturday with a blowout win at home over Illinois. Fresh off its first No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll in over a decade, Oregon stayed perfect ahead of a showdown against Michigan next weekend at the Big House. Gabriel finished 18 of 26 for 291 yards and three touchdowns through the air to pass former Boise State QB Kellen Moore for the second-most in FBS history. Oregon, Indiana and Penn State remain the lone unbeaten teams in the Big Ten.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 6:50 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Miami vs. Florida State prediction

Given the way this series has gone recently and how Florida State poured it on last time this game was played in Miami, I don't see any reason for the Hurricanes to take their foot off the gas pedal. There's a number that Miami's offense can hit easily that Florida State simply isn't built to match right now, and even an average showing from Cam Ward should still be able to score enough to cover the betting line. Pick: Miami -21

Miami vs. Florida State live stream, where to watch, TV channel, odds, spread, prediction, pick

Chip Patterson

[Oct 26, 2024 at 6:37 pm ET · David Cobb]

'Dores within a touchdown

Late 3Q: Texas 24, Vanderbilt 17

Vanderbilt turned its second interception of Quinn Ewers into another touchdown as Diego Pavia created some fourth-and-goal magic, finding Junior Sherrill for a 3-yard touchdown to make it a 7-point game late in the third quarter. Ewers has mostly been sharp, but both his picks have come on passes tipped at the line of scrimmage. Both have led to short fields -- and touchdowns -- for the Commodores.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 5:48 pm ET · David Cobb]

Quinn Ewers making a statement

Half: Texas 21, Vanderbilt 10

After his second pass of the game was tipped and intercepted, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers responded with 17 straight completions, coming within three completions of his own school record. He closed the half 19 of 21 for 211 yards with three touchdowns as the Longhorns flexed their offensive explosiveness a week after struggling against Georgia. Vanderbilt snuck three points onto the board with a 54-yard Brock Taylor field goal as time expired in the first half.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 5:39 pm ET · Will Backus]

Missouri QB Brady Cook ruled out 

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook has been ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's game against No. 15 Alabama with an upper body injury. Cook, who's also dealing with a lingering ankle issue, played a majority of the first half before going to the locker room late in the second quarter. He returned to the sideline before halftime but never re-entered the game. The Tigers will roll with former Arizona State transfer Drew Pyne in the second half. Pyne completed two of his five pass attempts during his limited action and also tossed a crucial interception that led to Alabama's first touchdown of the game. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 5:28 pm ET · David Cobb]

Diego Pavia leaves the game

2Q: Texas 21, Vanderbilt 7

Vanderbilt star quarterback Diego Pavia briefly went to the injury tent with what appeared to be an ankle injury following a 19-yard scramble into Texas territory late in the second quarter. Adding insult to injury, the run was called back for a holding penalty. Utah transfer Nate Johnson entered for the Commodores for several plays before Pavia returned. With Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers operating at peak efficiency, the 'Dores face an uphill battle.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 5:22 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama in cruise control 

Half: No. 15 Alabama 13, No. 21 Missouri 0 

It wasn't an inspiring half of football for either team, but Alabama enters the break with a comfortable advantage thanks, in large part, to its defense. The Crimson Tide were gifted their best scoring opportunity of the day when defensive back Malachi Moore intercepted an ill-advised pass from Missouri quarterback Drew Pyne, who's in the game for an injured Brady Cook. Moore returned the INT 31 yards to Missouri's 35-yard line and a couple plays later running back Jam Miller scored the first touchdown of the game on a 3-yard run. 

Cook's status is worth monitoring in the second half. He entered the game with an ankle injury and hurt his throwing hand early on. He tried to tough it out, but went to the locker room late in the second quarter. He was back on the sideline as Missouri closed the half. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 5:15 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Oregon in control over Illinois 

HALF: No. 1 Oregon 35, No. 20 Illinois 3

Fresh off its first No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll in over a decade, Oregon flexed its muscles in the first half with a dominant performance on both sides of the football. Oregon star quarterback Dillon Gabriel completed 16 of 20 attempts for 246 yards and totaled four total touchdowns, while his defense held Illinois to 89 yards of total offense. Unless Illinois does something to keep this game close in the third quarter, Gabriel and the rest of the starters could see their day end early.

Gabriel in the first half tossed his 143rd career touchdown pass, which passed former Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore for the second-most in FBS history.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 5:10 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

BYU up at halftime over UCF

HALF: No. 11 BYU 24, UCF 10

No. 11 BYU leads UCF 24-10 at halftime behind a standout performance from star quarterback Jake Retzlaff. The BYU signal caller completed 12 of 19 attempts for 200 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score on the ground. After UCF kicked a field goal with 59 seconds left, Retzlaff led BYU on a 4-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a 62-yard touchdown connection to Chase Roberts. BYU and Iowa State (4-0) came into the weekend as the only undefeated teams in Big 12 conference play.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 4:56 pm ET · Will Backus]

Missouri QB Cook heads to locker room 

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook was taken to the locker room in the second quarter of Saturday's game against No. 15 Alabama. Cook was questionable to play with an ankle injury that he suffered in a Week 8 win against Auburn. He also hit his throwing hand off of an Alabama defender's helmet early in the game. Cook stayed in for a couple of drives before he was pulled. It appears as if the Tigers will turn to former Arizona State transfer Drew Pyne to carry them through the first half, at least. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 4:52 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas strikes back

Late 1Q: Texas 14, Vanderbilt 7

Quinn Ewers was intercepted on Texas' first drive, which led to a Vanderbilt touchdown. Since then, he's completed 12 straight passes, included a pair of touchdown strikes. The latest was a perfectly thrown ball to DeAndre Moore Jr. out of the slot on a third-and-8 play. If you were waiting for a QB controversy to emanate from Nashville today, it appears that won't be the case. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 4:50 pm ET · Emory Hunt]

Group of Five Power Rankings

One of the best stories so far this college football season has been ULM and coach Bryant Vincent. The former UAB offensive coordinator (and interim coach) has the Warhawks experiencing one of their best seasons in quite a while. ULM is 5-1 on the season, undefeated in Sun Belt play with a major upset of James Madison, and off to its best start since their 1987 national championship team as a member of the FCS. The Warhawks are set to take on South Alabama at 5 p.m. ET.

Group of Five Power Rankings: Army bounces Boise State from No. 1 as ULM enters rankings

Emory Hunt

[Oct 26, 2024 at 4:29 pm ET · David Cobb]

Vanderbilt strikes first 

Diego Pavia just scored on an 18-yard scramble to put Vanderbilt on the board first against Texas. He had no one open on third-and-8 but managed to escape the spying defenders and dive for the pylon. The score was set up by a Quinn Ewers interception on a tipped pass. The Longhorns are in an early hole in their first true SEC road game (though the crowd features plenty of orange).

[Oct 26, 2024 at 4:26 pm ET · Will Backus]

Slow start in Tuscaloosa 

End 1Q: No. 15 Alabama 3, No. 21 Missouri 0 

Not much doing for either team in this crucial SEC clash. Alabama was able to cap its first drive with a 47-yard field goal from kicker Graham Nicholson after moving the ball inside Missouri's 30-yard line, but that was the only offense the Crimson Tide were able to really generate. Missouri has made it a point to limit explosive plays thus far. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe did complete five passes, but they covered just 17 yards. 

Meanwhile, Missouri quarterback Brady Cook is playing through a lot. He entered the game with an ankle injury and then hit his throwing hand on a helmet early on. He's toughing it out, but it will be interesting to see if his injuries limit Missouri's offensive ceiling. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 3:51 pm ET · Will Backus]

Oregon strikes quickly against Illinois 

Early 1Q: No. 1 Oregon 7, No. 20 Illinois 0 

That was easy for Oregon. The Ducks started the game with the ball and drove down the field in a 9-play, 83-yard drive that ate up just over four minutes off the clock. Illinois had a chance to get off the field near the end of the possession, but the Illini rushed just three on third-and-6 from their own 31-yard line. That gave Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel plenty of time to scan the field, and wide receiver Tez Johnson plenty of time to find an open spot in the secondary. Gabriel hit Johnson as he broke open, and Johnson used his speed and agility to race around defenders for a big score.