ESPN College GameDay: Picks for Week 9, Oregon at Utah

ESPN brought the noise and the fun of College GameDay to Utah in Week 9, with a gigantic Pac-12 showdown between the Oregon Ducks and Utah Utes on the docket.

The Ducks are looking to get back into the College Football Playoff conversation, and the Utes are hoping to prove they’re the real deal to the general public. Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee and Rece Davis.

As for Lee Corso, the legendary, charismatic leader of College GameDay missed this morning’s show due to a family matter, but Davis reassured the audience that his health is good at the moment.

Joining the fray on College GameDay this morning as the Celebrity Guest Picker was former Utah wide receiver and NFL legend, Steve Smith Sr. The longtime Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens star has made his name in the media world following his awesome career, and he was chomping at the bit to make some picks.

With an intense slate is ahead of us in Week 9, featuring a myriad of other fantastic clashes, the College GameDay crew has locked in their picks for the biggest games. Here’s who they’re riding with on Saturday.

CGD Predictions for Week 9:

Oregon Ducks at Utah Utes: Will anyone pick the Utes over the Ducks? Howard and Herbstreit wouldn’t, riding with the Ducks.

McAfee went full WWE mode, cutting a promo and getting the crowd pumped as he decided to rock with the Utes. With Corso missing this week’s show, Smith got to close it out, and there was never any doubt who he was picking on Saturday, as he rocked his red outfit and picked the Utes, as well.

Texas Longhorns at BYU Cougars: The whole crew is riding with the Longhorns.

Colorado Buffaloes at UCLA Bruins: Deion Sanders‘ team is back in action against the Bruins, and Howard and McAfee are picking the Buffaloes, while Smith is riding with the Bruins. Herbstreit is calling the game, so no pick from him.

Oregon State Beavers at Arizona Wildcats: Howard and Herbstreit are rocking with the Wildcats, while McAfee and Smith are picking the Beavers.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators: The College GameDay crew believes it’ll be closer than many think, but they’re all on the Bulldogs.

Tennessee Volunteers at Kentucky Wildcats: A fascinating game in the SEC, can Joe Milton get the job done against the Wildcats? Only Herbstreit is picking against the Volunteers.

Ohio State Buckeyes at Wisconsin Badgers: Coming off a huge win over Penn State, the whole crew is on the Buckeyes.

Clemson Tigers at NC State Wolfpack: Clemson’s been struggling in 2023, can they knock off the Wolfpack? Howard is picking NC State, but the rest are riding with the Tigers.

Duke Blue Devils at Louisville Cardinals: An underrated game in the ACC, especially if Riley Leonard is able to suit up. Regardless, only Howard is rocking with the Red Birds, with everyone else on the Blue Devils.

Oklahoma Sooners at Kansas Jayhawks: The Sooners have College Football Playoff dreams, and everyone believes they’ll get the win this afternoon.

UNLV Rebels at Fresno State Bulldogs: The crew was split, with Howard and Smith rocking with the Rebels, while McAfee and Herbstreit picked the Bulldogs.

Full CGD analyst picks for Week 9: 

Desmond Howard: Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State, NC State, Louisville, Oklahoma, UNLV

Pat McAfee: Utah, Texas, Colorado, Oregon State, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State, Clemson, Duke, Oklahoma, Fresno State

Celebrity Guest Picker — Steve Smith: Utah, Texas, UCLA, Oregon State, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State, Clemson, Duke, Oklahoma, UNLV

Kirk Herbstreit: Oregon, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio State, Clemson, Duke, Oklahoma, Fresno State