College football live analysis: Notre Dame's wobbly resume, Texas Tech's renewed hope

Week 9 of the college football season was marked by significant games, despite not featuring many ranked teams competing against one another. The first College Football Playoff rankings were released on Tuesday, adding stakes to Week 9. USA TODAY Network sports writers dissected the week's biggest storylines.

Notre Dame (6) defeated Navy (13) with a score of 35-13. The Irish's brand has been questioned due to its shaky CFP resume, as their achievements do not align with their ranking. A 35-13 victory over Navy fails to dismiss these doubts, especially after trailing by only one point at halftime. With Miami looming, Notre Dame has a shot to prove their worth.

Texas Tech (14) secured a 34-26 win against Arizona (21). The Red Raiders' performance in this game highlighted their resilience and ability to perform when it matters. J’Koby Williams rushed for 175 yards, while Thomas Castellanos added another running threat. Texas Tech's defense also shone in crucial moments. The team's consistency remains questionable, but surviving through the season may be more important than hiding their flaws.

Iowa (24) triumphed over Wisconsin (0) with a score of 30-0. After a poor performance against Minnesota, Iowa displayed remarkable improvement, displaying a stronger offense and defense. Quarterback Hank Brown was instrumental in the victory, completing 20 of 24 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. His strong performance helped the team regain momentum and extend their winning streak against the Badgers to five games.