College Football Week 4 Predictions: USC/Mich, Tenn/Okl, Utah/Ok.St, Neb/Ill, Iowa/Minn. KSU/BYU and More

In Week 3 the only two teams that took a loss were in the ranked versus ranked matchups but we still managed to have plenty of entertainment.

Week 4 features four ranked versus-ranked marquee matchups, two in the Big Ten and two in the Big-12. We are starting to figure out what programs are real in 2024 and the pretenders living off their names in recent years.

Marquee Matchups

#6 Tennessee vs. #15 Oklahoma: The Vols offense has been in juggernaut mode, averaging over 600 yards in total offense. The eye-popper is averaging more rushing yards than passing. Although Tennessee has yet to face a potent offense, their defense looks to be much improved, giving the appearance of a national contender.

Oklahoma’s defense has been great, but the other side of the ball has fallen short of expectations. To be fair, the wide receivers room is crippled with injuries. The only thing holding me back from complete confidence in the Vols is their young QB decision-making in an actual road game. The only problem with that thought is that the Sooners have an even less big-game experience QB in Jackson Arnold.

The Pick: Tennessee -7

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Tennessee -7

• Vols offense os explosive
• Soonerrs at home
• Oklahoma offense struggling

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#11 USC vs. #18 Michigan: The USC Trojans haven’t taken backwards steps on the offensive side of the ball with QB Miller Moss. The most important item to discuss is the defense of USC. That Trojan defense will have its hands full, stopping the rushing attack by Michigan. QB Alex Orji is getting the start, so look for the Wolverines to lean into rushing the ball and play-action.

Thus far, in the first three contests of the season, Michigan has been underwhelming on offence. I don’t see UM getting beat down as they did against a further along Texas team compared to USC. Michigan has too much talent and pride to get run off the field like that again at home. I see a last team to have the ball wins scenario, whether that means kicking a field goal or in victory formation.

The Pick: Michigan +5.5

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Michigan -+5.5

• USC defense playing well
• Michigan at home
• Miller Moss to be the difference

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Under The Radar

#12 Utah vs. #14 Oklahoma State: This is a hugely impactful Big-12 matchup flying under the radar. The most attention this game hasn’t gotten revolves around Utah QB Cameron Rising’s status. This college football podcaster is likely holding out on placing a bet until we know who will be under center for the Utes. Utah is the better overall team on both sides of the ball. Yes, the Cowboys can put up a bunch of points, but their defense is suspect. A shaky defence, plus never knowing what version of QB Alan Bowman will show up, has me leaning toward Utah. My pick is assuming Rising is back.

The Pick: Utah+2.5

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Utah +2.5

• Will Rising play
• Cowboys at home
• Alan Bowman will play well

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#23 Nebraska vs. #24 Illinois: Flying under the radar, yes, but don’t be fooled. The winner of this matchup will move up in the power rankings inside the Big Ten. Is Nebraska truly back? The answer isn’t easy, even if the Cornhuskers win this FOX Friday broadcast.  Regardless, it appears that Nebraska is headed in the right direction. The key here will be who can run the ball and red zone points. Admittedly, that +8.5 number for Illinois was more attractive than where it currently sits. This one will likely show up in the Against the Spread section, but my uncertainty has me leaning toward Nebraska to cover it.

The Pick: Nebraska -7.5 and under the 42.5 point total.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Nebraska -7.5

• Both teams hot
• Huskers at home
• Blackshirts to be the difference

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Saturday Upset Special

Arkansas upsets Auburn as a +2.5 road dog

Rutgers upsets Virginia Tech as a +3.5 road dog.

Hardcore Barnburners

Iowa vs. Minnesota: Saturday’s rivalry game between Iowa and Minnesota marks the 118th time meeting. Last year PJ Fleck finally beat Iowa and looks to keep the Floyd of Rosedale pig trophy in Minneapolis. If Iowa gets up early the Hawkeyes won’t allow another comeback like what happen with the Cyclones in week 2. The long standing College Football rivalries automatically make this one for the hardcores.

The Pick: Minnesota +3

#13 Kansas State vs. BYU: K-State delivered versus Arizona and now head on the road to face a feisty BYU club. Funny enough BYU was better at basketball in their first year in the Big-12 than in football. The Wildcats look so good versus Zona it makes me think they won’t play up to their potential in this spot. Playing on the road in LaVell Edwards Stadium isn’t an easy task if the game is close at half. Many of teams have been upset or had to struggle to win there in recent years (not last year).

The Pick: K-State -6.5 

Against The Spread

Georgia Tech +10.5 versus +19 Louisville

Honorable Mentions:

#24 Illinois +9.5 versus #23 Nebraska

USF +16.5 versus # Miami

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Quick Hits Recap

-UCF RB RJ Harvey accumulated 209 total yards and 3 touchdowns in their crazy comeback 35-34 win over TCU

-Boston College QB Thomas Castellanos is 1 of 7 FBS signal callers with 6 TD’s and O interceptions.

-The UTAH vs. OK-State has 14-years of experience at the quarterback in College Football between Cam Rising and Alan Bowman.

-Miami QB Cam Ward leads the country with 23 completions of at least 20 yards.

-Florida State clinched the under 9 ½ wins making the Seminoles the 1st FBS ream to clinch the under their projected wins.

-Michigan CB Will Johnson hasn’t given up a touchdown in 2 years in 415 coverage snaps.

-Minnesota leads their longstanding rivalry series against Iowa with a record of 63-52-2.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio &

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