Week 4 of College Football: A Look Ahead
As the college football season rolls into Week 4, fans may find themselves wondering if this weekend’s slate of games will deliver the excitement and drama that has characterized the early part of the season. While it may not feature the high-profile matchups that dominate headlines, this week offers a fascinating mix of contests across the Power Four conferences, showcasing teams that are either new conference rivals or looking to establish their dominance within their leagues.
ACC Showdown: Clemson vs. NC State
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) takes center stage with a compelling noon matchup as No. 21 Clemson hosts NC State. The Tigers, coming off a disappointing loss to Georgia in Week 1, have rebounded with a commanding victory over Appalachian State. After a bye week, Clemson aims to prove that their impressive 712-yard offensive performance against the Mountaineers was no fluke. Meanwhile, NC State is seeking to build momentum after a rocky start to the season, hoping to secure their third victory over the Tigers in four years. This game not only has implications for conference standings but also sets the tone for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
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 marks the first regular-season meeting between these storied programs since 1958, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. Michigan is looking for a spark on offense, turning to junior quarterback Alex Orji after a lackluster start to the season. On the other side, 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 both teams eager to make a statement, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Big 12 Battle: Utah vs. Oklahoma State
Simultaneously, the Big 12 will witness a pivotal showdown as No. 12 Utah visits No. 14 Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. This matchup features two of the last remaining quarterbacks from the Class of 2018, with Utah’s Cam Rising squaring off against Oklahoma State’s Alan Bowman. The stakes are high, as this game could provide crucial clarity in the Big 12 title race, potentially foreshadowing the conference championship matchup later in the season. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions and assert themselves as contenders in a competitive conference.
Evening Action: Tennessee at Oklahoma
As the sun sets, the action heats up with No. 6 Tennessee visiting No. 15 Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m. on ABC. This game is particularly significant for Tennessee’s head coach Josh Heupel, a former Oklahoma quarterback, who returns to the venue where he once starred. The Volunteers have been on a scoring spree, outpacing their first three opponents 191-13. However, Oklahoma, despite a shaky start, will be eager to make a statement in their SEC debut. This matchup not only carries national implications but also serves as a personal narrative for Heupel, adding to the drama of the evening.
Other Notable Matchups
Beyond the marquee games, Week 4 features several intriguing matchups that could impact conference standings and bowl eligibility.
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Miami at South Florida (7 p.m. on ESPN): The Hurricanes face a South Florida team that nearly upset Alabama earlier in the season. If the Bulls can contain Miami’s offense, they could pull off a significant upset.
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Baylor at Colorado (8 p.m. on Fox): This marks Colorado’s first Big 12 game since 2010, and they come in with momentum after a strong rivalry win. Baylor, coming off a disappointing season, will look to prove they are on the upswing.
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Ohio State vs. Marshall (noon on Fox): The No. 3 Buckeyes will look to maintain their undefeated record against a Marshall team that has shown flashes of potential.
- Tennessee at Oklahoma (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This game features two teams with high expectations, and both will be eager to prove themselves on a national stage.
Viewer’s Guide
For fans eager to catch all the action, here’s a quick viewer’s guide to the best games of the day:
- NC State at No. 21 Clemson: Noon on ABC
- No. 11 USC at No. 18 Michigan: 3:30 p.m. on CBS
- No. 12 Utah at No. 14 Oklahoma State: 4 p.m. on Fox
- No. 6 Tennessee at No. 15 Oklahoma: 7:30 p.m. on ABC
With a mix of historic rivalries, conference implications, and personal narratives, Week 4 of the college football season promises to deliver excitement and drama for fans across the nation. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, there’s plenty to keep you engaged as the action unfolds.