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.
The Big 12 is a conference that is wide open, but two of the favorites are matching up in week 4 when Texas Tech travels to Utah to take on the Utes. The Red Raiders are 3-0, but haven’t played quality competition yet. They have the best offense in the country, scoring 58 points per game. The defense has played solidly, but hasn’t really been tested yet.
Utah is also 3-0 and haven’t been tested, although they do have a win over a power conference team in UCLA. Devon Dampier has brought life to the offense, which is averaging 45.6 points per game. The defense has played well this season, giving up just 25 points on the year. It will be a big matchup that could decide who goes to the Big 12 Championship, as these are two of the three ranked teams in the conference (before the week 4 poll is released).
Last season, Illinois and Indiana both had great seasons and they are matching up in week 4. Illinois brought back a lot of talent from last year’s team and it is showing, as they are 3-0 with one impressive win over Duke. They are averaging 45 points per game, as Luke Altmyer’s experience is showing. The defense has allowed just 22 points per game through three contests. The Illini are hoping to do what Indiana did last season, which is make the CFP.
Indiana has also started 3-0 on the season, dominating inferior competition. They have scored 52 points per game with the offense clicking, specifically over the last two weeks. The defense has been quality, as the most points they have given up in a game so far was against Old Dominion in week 1 with 14. Fernando Mendoza is operating a great passing attack, which could cause problems for Illinois. The winner of this game could make a push in the Big Ten, while the loser will have some ground to make up.
This offseason, quarterback Jackson Arnold transferred from Oklahoma to Auburn. The former highly-touted recruit will now take on his former team in week 4. Auburn is 3-0 with an impressive win at Baylor under their belts. They didn’t play their best against South Alabama in week 3 and they will need to improve. So far this season, Arnold has passed for 501 yards, rushed for 192 and accounted for eight total touchdowns.
Oklahoma went out and got Washington State transfer John Mateer to play quarterback to pair with his former offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Mateer has been impressive so far, showing off his dual-threat abilities, which helped the Sooners defeat Michigan. the defense has been great under Brent Venables as well, as they have given up 19 points total on the season. Both of these teams are looking for better years from last season and this game will go a long way to helping them achieve that.
Michigan is currently dealing with their head coach being suspended, but they are 2-1 with their only loss being to Oklahoma. There is still a lot to play for this season, but it will be a tough game at Nebraska without Sherrone Moore. Bryce Underwood has shown flashes of his immense potential at quarterback. The defense hasn’t played up to the Michigan standard yet in a big game, but they’ll need to in this game.
Nebraska is 3-0 this season. They defeated Cincinnati in week 1 in a close game, but since have been dominating inferior competition. Dylan Raiola has passed for 829 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions on 76.6 percent completion. His play is critical in this game, but the defense will also need to step up to stop Underwood. This game can be a huge boost to the Nebraska program so the Cornhuskers will have to be locked in.
Tulane is 3-0 with two wins over power conference teams and now have a chance for another one against Ole Miss. BYU transfer Jake Retzlaff has provided an upgrade at the quarterback position, passing for 522 yards, rushing for 288 yards and totaling eight touchdowns. The defense has given up more points than other teams at 20.3 points per game, but it is understandable given the schedule so far. The Green Wave are the frontrunners to be the group of five representative in the CFP and can really cement that with a win at Ole Miss.
The Rebels have won three games this season, but they also haven’t looked their best and have a quarterback injury. Austin Simmons didn’t play in week 3 against Arkansas, but Trinidad Chambliss has played well with 412 passing yards, 83 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. The defense has been specifically concerning, as they gave up 23 points to Kentucky and 35 points to Arkansas. The Rebels are vulnerable right now and Tulane is a quality opponent so an upset could happen if they aren’t focused.
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