Week 4 of college football is packed with quite a few big matchups, and the betting lines are just a part of the storyline.
Let’s break down the most intriguing games of the week, along with predictions, picks, and the best prop bets. If everything goes right, you’ll walk away a big winner from Week 4 in the CFB.
Kickoff: Saturday, September 21, 2:30 PM CDT
TV: CBS
USC vs. Michigan used to be a Rose Bowl classic, but thanks to the recent conference realignment, it’s now just a Big Ten regular-season clash. We’re not complaining by any means.
Michigan has already felt the pressure this season, dropping a significant 19-point loss to Texas which wasn’t necessarily a surprise. Texas is smoldering hot. The Wolverines are desperate to get back on track, and this game is pivotal for their season.
Michigan recently switched quarterbacks, bringing in Alex Orji to replace Davis Warren. This could provide a spark for their offense, but questions remain about the consistency of Michigan’s attack. The Wolverines are likely to find some success on the ground against USC’s front seven early, but the Trojans’ defense has been dominant and will undoubtedly challenge Michigan’s ability to stretch the field.
USC, on the other hand, will rely on its high-powered offense, led by rising star QB Miller Moss. Michigan’s secondary will aim to limit the deep passing game, but the Trojans’ balanced attack we think will ultimately prove too much for the Wolverines to contain.
Pick: USC -4.5
Prop Bet: Moss Over 2.5 TD passes
Prediction: USC wins 31-23, covering the spread and hitting the over.
Kickoff: Saturday, September 21, 2:30 PM CDT
TV: ESPN2
Georgia Tech heads into this game with confidence after their upset victory over Syracuse last week. Head coach Brent Key has a knack for winning against ranked ACC teams, boasting a 5-0 record against them.
But the 19th-ranked Louisville will be the toughest challenge for the Yellow Jackets so far this season.
Louisville’s offense, led by QB Jack Plummer, has been firing on all cylinders. However, this game could be a trap for the Cardinals. With a massive showdown against Notre Dame looming next week, there’s a chance they might overlook Georgia Tech. However, with the ACC title in sight, Louisville needs to stay focused and handle its business. We’re hoping for the latter.
Georgia Tech will try to slow the game down, but Louisville’s balanced attack and home-field advantage should be enough to get the W.
Pick: Georgia Tech +10.5
Prop Bet: Jahmyr Gibbs Over 75 rushing yards
Prediction: Louisville wins 34-27, but Georgia Tech covers.
Kickoff: Saturday, September 21, 3:00 PM CDT
TV: FOX
Both Utah and Oklahoma State come into this game unbeaten. It’s easily one of the most anticipated matchups of the week.
Utah’s defense has been dominant all season and despite some injury concerns around QB Cameron Rising, the Utes’ offense has found a way to get the job done.
Never mind that Utah’s strength lies in its defense, which has racked up 10 sacks and three interceptions in just three games. That’s where the play will be.
Oklahoma State has also been impressive, with QB Alan Bowman putting up solid numbers and the Cowboys’ offense looking sharp. However, this will be the toughest test for Oklahoma State’s offense so far, especially going up against Utah’s fierce pass rush.
While Utah has struggled in September road games, the Utes' defense should be able to disrupt Bowman enough to edge out a win in a close, low-scoring affair. Definitely take the Under and Utah will walk away with the W.
Pick: Utah +1
Prop Bet: Utah defense Over 2.5 sacks
Prediction: Utah wins 27-23.
Kickoff: Saturday, September 21, 6:30 PM CDT
TV: ABC
Oklahoma’s first SEC matchup is against a Tennessee team that’s riding high.
The Vols have steamrolled through their first three games, outscoring opponents by an eye-popping average of 59 points, and they haven’t allowed an offensive touchdown in their last four outings. Seriously, you can’t make that up.
Tennessee’s defense, paired with QB Nico Iamaleava’s high-flying offense, looks like a recipe for another dominant performance.
But Oklahoma has its own storylines. This is the Sooners’ first chance to prove themselves in their new conference, and the home crowd will be electric. It’s going to be a great game in Norman.
QB Jackson Arnold will need to put together a mistake-free game to keep pace with Tennessee’s explosive offense.
Ultimately, Tennessee’s edge on both sides of the ball should be too much for the Sooners to overcome, but expect Oklahoma to keep it competitive in the first half before the Vols pull away later in the game.
Pick: Tennessee -7
Prop Bet: Iamaleava Over 3 TD passes
Prediction: Tennessee wins 38-24, covering the spread.
This week’s college football games are going to be nothing short of electric. Last week was a bit lackluster, so this week it feels like we’re finally getting somewhere.
If you’re looking to drop some bets this weekend, you might want to consider a few of these picks.
USC -4.5
Georgia Tech +10.5
Utah +1
Tennessee -7
Week 4 is full of high-stakes games, and these matchups are sure to provide plenty of excitement.
Whether it’s USC continuing its offensive dominance, Georgia Tech keeping it close, or Tennessee proving its playoff credentials, expect some great football—and hopefully, some winning bets too!