College football is back in full swing. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 4.
1. USC’s First Big Ten Game
USC will get their first taste of Big Ten action when they travel to Ann Arbor this weekend. The Trojans are 2-0 and will be coming off a bye week for this game. They have moved the ball through the air with 336.5 passing yards per game with Miller Moss filling in well at quarterback. Their defense is much improved so far from last season, only allowing 20 points through two games.
Michigan has some real issues after winning the national championship last season. The defense still has a lot of talent, but they are left on the field entirely too much and end up giving up big plays when they are tired. On offense, starting quarterback Davis Warren was benched for Alex Orji during their last game against Arkansas State. Michigan is 2-1, but a loss in this game could really amplify the issues they are having.
2. Utah at Oklahoma State
Utah and Oklahoma State are meeting this week in what could be a future Big 12 Championship matchup. The Utes are 3-0 even after starting quarterback Cam Rising was injured in week 2 and missed week 3. He is expected to return for this game. With and without Rising, the offense is averaging 35.3 points per game. The defense has been particularly tough, as they’ve only given up 11 points per game so far.
Oklahoma State also comes into this week undefeated. They returned a lot of players from last year’s team, giving them great expectations. They are scoring over 40 points per game on offense, but haven’t been tested by a quality opponent yet. Their defense has done solidly, allowing 20.3 points per game. If the Cowboys can get the running game going, they can protect their home turf and win a massive Big 12 game.
3. Oklahoma’s First SEC Game
Oklahoma is also having their first game in a new conference this week, as they take on Tennessee. The Sooners are undefeated, but they have not looked so smooth. Starting quarterback Jackson Arnold has 484 passing yards and seven touchdowns, but also has two interceptions. He, and the entire offense, has been inconsistent. They are allowing just 11.3 points per game, which is particularly impressive given the offense struggling.
The Volunteers are undefeated and have looked really good winning each game. Nico Iamaleava has looked mostly sharp this season and has the team passing for 303 yards per game. They are also running the ball well, as starting back Dylan Sampson has 357 rushing yards. The team is scoring the most points in the country at 63.7. Tennessee’s defense has also been impressive, giving up just 13 points all season. The Volunteers will be favored and can really make their claim as a national championship contender with a win.
4. Miami at USF
Miami has looked like one of the better teams in the country. They have blown out Florida, Florida A&M and Ball State. Quarterback Cam Ward has been impressive with 1,035 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. He has the offense rolling, as they are scoring 53 points per game. They are giving up 8.7 points per game on defense, showing balance on both sides of the ball.
The Hurricanes will be taking on a feisty USF team on the road. USF is 2-1 and played Alabama on the road closely, so this game could get close. Quarterback Byrum Brown leads the team in passing and rushing, leading the team to a 37.7 points per game average. They rush for 268.7 yards per game, ranking eighth in the country. Their defense allows 23 points per game, but that was inflated by Alabama scoring some late points against them. Winning this game would help USF make a case for the CFP if they finish the season strong.
5. A Pair of ACC Games
NC State was a top-25 team before the season. They are now 2-1, but with some unimpressive performances. They will be traveling to take on Clemson in week 4. The Tigers lost to Georgia by a lot in week 1, but did have an impressive performance against Appalachian State. Clemson has a chance to get things back on track for an ACC Championship this week, while NC State may have to give C.J. Bailey his first start at quarterback after Grayson McCall went down with an injury in week 3.
Georgia Tech made headlines when they defeated Florida State, but that win isn’t impressive anymore after the Seminoles have really tanked. The Yellow Jackets lost to Syracuse and need to get back on track this week against Louisville. The Cardinals are undefeated, but haven’t played a tough team yet. With a win, they can show they can be competitive this season in an ACC that could end up being wide open.
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