Week 4 of College Football: A Look Ahead
As we dive into Week 4 of the college football season, fans may find themselves in a bit of a conundrum. While the slate of games may not boast the high-profile matchups that typically dominate headlines, it offers a tantalizing mix of intriguing contests across the Power Four conferences. This week, three of the four leagues feature teams that are newly aligned as conference rivals, setting the stage for some exciting showdowns.
ACC Showdown: Clemson vs. NC State
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) takes center stage with a compelling matchup as No. 21 Clemson hosts NC State at noon ET. The Wolfpack are looking to build on their recent success against the Tigers, having claimed victory in three of their last four encounters. Clemson, coming off a bye week after a dominant performance against Appalachian State, is eager to showcase that their 712-yard offensive output was no fluke. With NC State struggling early in the season, this game could be pivotal for both teams as they seek to establish momentum.
Historic Clash: USC at Michigan
As the afternoon unfolds, college football fans will be treated to a historic clash when No. 11 USC travels to face No. 18 Michigan at 3:30 p.m. on CBS. This matchup marks the first regular-season meeting between these storied programs since 1958, adding an extra layer of excitement. Michigan is turning to junior quarterback Alex Orji for a spark after a lackluster offensive showing in previous weeks. Meanwhile, USC’s defense, under the guidance of first-year coordinator D’Anton Lynn, will face a stern test against Michigan’s powerful rushing attack. With Trojans quarterback Miller Moss making his first road start, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Big 12 Battle: Utah vs. Oklahoma State
Simultaneously, the Big 12 will witness a critical showdown as No. 12 Utah visits No. 14 Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. on Fox. This game carries significant implications for the conference standings and could serve as a preview for the Big 12 Championship. Both teams feature seasoned quarterbacks, with Utah’s Cam Rising and Oklahoma State’s Alan Bowman, both of whom are part of the Class of 2018. As they battle for supremacy, fans can expect a high-octane affair that could shape the trajectory of the conference.
Evening Excitement: Tennessee at Oklahoma
As the sun sets, the action heats up with No. 6 Tennessee taking on No. 15 Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m. on ABC. This matchup is particularly special for Tennessee’s head coach, Josh Heupel, who returns to the venue where he once starred as a quarterback. The Volunteers have been on a scoring spree, outpacing their first three opponents 191-13. However, Oklahoma will be looking to bounce back after a shaky start to the season, making this SEC debut a must-watch for fans.
Other Notable Matchups
While the aforementioned games are the highlights, several other matchups deserve attention. Miami, ranked No. 8, will face off against South Florida at 7 p.m. on ESPN. The Bulls will need to step up their passing game if they hope to challenge the Hurricanes, who are coming off a strong start to the season.
Additionally, Colorado will host Baylor at 8 p.m. on Fox in their first Big 12 game since 2010. The Buffaloes are riding high after a significant rivalry win and will be eager to prove their mettle in a physically demanding league.
The Best of the Rest
For those seeking additional action, the day is filled with intriguing contests. No. 3 Ohio State will host Marshall at noon on Fox, while No. 20 Iowa State welcomes Arkansas State at 2 p.m. on ESPN+. Other notable games include No. 19 Louisville against Georgia Tech at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN and No. 10 Penn State facing Kent State at the same time on the Big Ten Network.
As the day progresses, fans will have plenty of options to keep their eyes glued to the screen. With a mix of historic matchups, conference implications, and the potential for upsets, Week 4 of college football promises to deliver excitement and drama. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Saturday.