In just two years, Mike Elko has turned Texas A&M from an outsider in the College Football Playoff talks to a program that is just a few wins away from getting a shot at the title.

With six teams tied for second in the Southeastern Conference standings, Week 9 provides ample opportunity for programs to separate themselves from the pack.

At 2-5, there’s still time to get hot and potentially get to six wins and a bowl, but it has to win now.

LSU must win this game if they want to keep their season afloat and quiet some of the aggression from a fan base that feels they are not getting the product they should be receiving.

Expectations were low for the California football program entering the 2025 season, with the Golden Bears picked to finish 15th in the 17-team ACC in the league's preseason poll.