College football has returned for a few weeks. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 4.
1. Arkansas at Texas A&M
Arkansas has had a tough schedule to start the year, which resulted in them struggling with Missouri State. They got the win, but Missouri State had a lead in the fourth quarter. Quarterback K.J. Jefferson has had a good start to the season with 770 passing yards and six passing touchdowns so far. The Razorbacks’ defense will need to improve after allowing 27 points to Missouri State and an average of 27 points allowed per game through three contests.
The Aggies have had a tumultuous season already, as they lost to Appalachian State, but defeated Miami at home. Their offense hasn’t moved the ball consistently, which is a huge problem. If they want to beat Arkansas, they need to establish the run and stick to it if it is working. The Aggies are favored, but Arkansas is battle tested. It is a game worth watching.
2. Wake Forest Offense vs. Clemson Defense
Wake Forest’s offense has been one of the best in the country this season and last. Sam Hartman missed the first game of the season with an undisclosed health issue, but he is back. The team is averaging 42 points per game and passing for over 300 yards per game. They just escaped with a win over Liberty 37-36, but have a more challenging game coming up.
In week 4, Wake Forest’s offense will go up against Clemson’s defense, which figures to be one of the best in the country. They have allowed just 42 points through three games this season. While they haven’t been tested by a great offense, they have a defensive line that features many future pros including Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee, who was out last game after his sister passed away from cancer. Clemson is favored, but Wake Forest’s offense could test them.
3. Florida at Tennessee
Florida started the year off with a great win over Utah. They then lost to a tough Kentucky team, but also struggled to a USF team that they likely should’ve had no issue with. After a good start to the season, Anthony Richardson has cooled off at quarterback for the Gators. He doesn’t have a passing touchdown on the year. The Gators will only go as far as Richardson takes them, so if they want to have success this season, they will need him to be more consistent.
Tennessee has started the season off 3-0 behind some impressive offensive play. Quarterback Hendon Hooker has passed for 844 yards and six touchdowns. Since the start of the 2021 season, Hooker has thrown just three interceptions. He is the more consistent quarterback and if he protects the football, can be the reason the Volunteers take a massive step forward this season. A win over Florida will happen if he protects the football like he has been doing.
4. USC’s First Pac-12 Game
USC has looked really good to start the season. They are 3-0 and their offense is clicking at 50.7 points per game. Their defense has also been solid, allowing 19.7 points per game. The Trojans look like a team that can win the Pac-12, but they haven’t played a conference game yet. They will open the Pac-12 schedule as a favorite on the road.
While the Oregon State Beavers are a 6.5-point home underdog, they have already won some tough games this season. They defeated Boise State in the opener and defeated Fresno State after that. At 3-0, the Beavers have scored 45.7 points per game. Chance Nolan has passed for 746 yards and seven touchdowns to lead the way offensively. The Beavers can score some points with the Trojans, but they’ll need their defense to step up slightly after allowing 25.7 points per game early this season. USC will likely win on the road, but Oregon State is much improved over previous seasons.
5. How Good is Washington State?
Washington State is 3-0, which includes a big win over Wisconsin in Madison. They have won games without scoring a lot of points, as they are averaging 26.3 points per game. This speaks to their defensive effort, as they allow just 25.7 points per game. Typically Washington State is able to score more points and move the ball through the air. The development of quarterback Cam Ward will only help the Cougars as the season goes along.
In week 4, the Cougars host the Oregon Ducks. After getting blown out by Georgia in week 1, the Ducks have recovered and now sit at 2-1 with a nice win over BYU. After scoring just three points against the Bulldogs, they have scored 70 and 40 points respectively in their next two games. If Bo Nix can continue playing solidly at quarterback, Oregon has a strong case as the top team in the Pac-12 North, especially if they can win this game.
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