College Football 2021: Top 3 under-the-radar games to watch in Week 9

1. Fresno State at (21) San Diego State

Another undefeated Group of Five team tries to keep their hopes alive for a New Year’s Six bowl as San Diego State hosts Fresno State. The clash could determine the winner of the West division in the Mountain West. This will be the 60th overall meeting between the two rivalries as they battle for the “Old Oil Can”.

This is another contest of contrasting styles. The Aztecs win games by smothering defense. They rank seventh in FBS in 15.7 points per game allowed and have not allowed more than 24 points in regulation this season. San Diego State’s secondary will need to play a major role in this game. They are allowing opposing quarterbacks a 52.5 completion percentage and picked off the ball nine times in seven games.

Fresno State may have the best passing attack the Aztecs have seen all season. Led by senior quarterback Jake Haener, the Bulldogs are averaging 341 yards through the air, good for ninth overall in FBS. Haener has found the end zone 22 times to only six interceptions and the Bulldogs are averaging over 35 points per game.

Something will have to give in this one. If you believe heavily in series trends, then this will be a low-scoring close affair. Neither team has been able to crack 30 points since the 2013 contest. The trend bodes well for the Aztecs but that’s why they play the games. If you are up late Saturday night on the east coast, tune into this exciting matchup.