There have been some big matchups in the first three weeks of the college football season, but as Week 4 begins, it’s time to separate the contenders from the contenders in the major conferences and the national championship. Multiple games between ranked teams take center stage on the schedule as supremacy in the sport is up for grabs in late September.
The focus of the schedule is a battle between heavyweight brands as No. 6 Ohio State faces No. 9 Notre Dame in a top-10 matchup for the first time since 1996 for the second straight year. It will be just the eighth game ever between two of the sport’s most storied programs, after the Buckeyes beat the Fighting Irish 21-10 in Columbus, Ohio, last season.
This game is just the beginning of what could be the best week of the first month of the season. Another Top 15 matchup is on the horizon as No. 13 Alabama hosts No. 15 Ole Miss in a showdown with significant SEC West implications. Rebels coach Lane Kiffin wants to become the latest former Nick Saban assistant to beat the Crimson Tide.
The predictions for week 4 are in. So let’s take a look at what the oddsmakers are thinking as we look ahead.
SportsLine consensus odds
The big games
No. 4 Florida State -2.5 at Clemson: Florida State found a way to survive, winning 31-29 at upset Boston College on Saturday. The Seminoles’ sluggish play against the Eagles raises questions about whether they are ready to end a seven-game loss to Clemson. This is Clemson’s first time as home underdogs since 2016, and the Tigers will be eager to defend their home field.
No. 19 Colorado at No. 10 Oregon -19.5: That’s a huge margin for a game between top-20 opponents, especially considering Colorado already has a road win in Week 1 against a TCU team that was ranked 17th at the time. But two-way star Travis Hunter is a force to be reckoned with out with an injury For the Buffaloes, Oregon’s high-powered offense will have a chance to make a statement of its own. Colorado’s defense has largely survived on its ability to force turnovers so far and will have its hands full against quarterback Bo Nix and the Ducks.
No. 24 Iowa and No. 7 Penn State -14: Penn State is playing a Big Ten West team for the second straight year after using a 5-0 turnover advantage to beat Illinois 30-13 on Saturday. The Nittany Lions will likely need to be better on offense if they want to cover such a large lead against Iowa’s stout defense. Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara needs to take better care of the football after throwing three interceptions in three games. If he doesn’t, the Hawkeyes could suffer the same fate as Illinois.
No. 6 Ohio State -3.5 at No. 9 Notre Dame: Notre Dame has been the more impressive of these two teams so far, but the Buckeyes’ passing game could be running its course. Over the last two games, star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has 12 receptions for 286 yards and three touchdowns. The Fighting Irish counter with Sam Hartman and Audric Estime, one of the most effective QB-RB duos in the country. Can Notre Dame get enough stops to unsettle Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord while playing in the toughest road environment of his career?
No. 15 Ole Miss at No. 13 Alabama -6.5: Alabama looked like a shell of its former self through the three games as it struggled to find consistent quarterback play. The Rebels have offensive injury issues, but there are no quarterback questions. Jaxson Dart appears to have improved in his second season as a starter under coach Lane Kiffin and could lead Ole Miss to just its third road win ever against Alabama. The last time the Crimson Tide lost twice before the end of September was 2007, Alabama coach Nick Saban’s first season.
No. 22 UCLA at No. 11 Utah: UCLA is 3-0 but has yet to play a Power Five opponent and is using freshman Dante Moore at quarterback in a hostile environment. Utah is 3-0 after three ugly wins – including two against Power Five opponents – and it remains a mystery whether veteran quarterback Cam Rising is ready for his season debut. When he plays, will he be 100%? Both teams have a lot of questions to answer, but the Utes have proven more and have home field advantage on their side.