Week 9: Most Close CFB Games Since 2017

**College Football’s Tightening Margins: Week 9 Highlights a Growing Trend of Competitiveness**

College football fans were treated to a thrilling spectacle in Week 9 of the 2023 season, as an unprecedented seven games were decided by a margin of seven points or less. This surge in nail-biting finishes marks the highest number observed in a single week since Week 10 of the 2017 season, which similarly featured seven such tight contests. The statistic underscores an ongoing and accelerating trend of increased competitiveness and reduced margins across the sport, particularly as teams navigate critical conference play.

From coast to coast, games remained incredibly close and competitive, often well into the fourth quarter, keeping outcomes uncertain until the final possessions. A prime example was Oklahoma’s narrow 31-29 victory over UCF, a game decided by just two points that saw the Knights push the Big 12 powerhouse to its absolute limit. Other notable finishes in Week 9 included Georgia Tech’s 23-20 upset over No. 17 North Carolina, South Alabama’s 20-17 win against ULM, and Fresno State’s 37-30 battle with UNLV. Even matchups that ultimately ended with a slightly larger point difference frequently remained one-score contests for the majority of the game before one team managed to pull ahead in the final minutes.

This pervasive unpredictability is reshaping the landscape of college football. Sports analysts and coaches alike point to several interconnected factors contributing to this heightened parity. The advent of the NCAA Transfer Portal has allowed players to seek better fits and playing time, distributing talent more evenly across programs. Similarly, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, while controversial, have arguably empowered a broader range of schools to attract and retain competitive talent, preventing the top tier from hoarding all the star power.

Furthermore, the impending expansion of the College Football Playoff is intensifying the stakes of every regular-season game. With more teams believing they have a legitimate shot at a playoff berth, the level of preparation and in-game intensity has soared, especially in conference matchups that can make or break a season. Conference realignment, too, has injected new rivalries and competitive dynamics, forcing teams to adapt to different styles of play and creating fresh challenges.

The result is a more exciting and volatile sport for fans. Upsets feel more common, and traditional powerhouses are increasingly vulnerable on any given Saturday. As the 2023 season progresses and teams battle for conference titles and playoff positioning, the expectation is that these tight margins will continue to be a defining characteristic, promising a captivating and unpredictable journey to the championship. This shift truly highlights an era where every play, every possession, and every decision can be the difference between victory and defeat.