Week 4 Predictions

      Hello Football Fans, welcome to Week 4 of the College Football season! We've got some great matchups this weekend and could see some upsets, so let's dive into my predictions. I did fairly well last week and even got some of my upsets to hit. Let's see how my predictions go this week, enjoy!

Week 3 Record: 12 - 5

Overall Record: 36 - 17

#12 Notre Dame vs. #18 Wisconsin

     The Irish and the Badgers are set to meet in Chicago at Soldier Field. We haven't seen much of Wisconsin since they lost to Penn State in the opening week, but it seems as though they're ready to make a statement for their 2021 season. The Irish have had a few close calls early in the season, but are starting to hit their stride. Irish QB Jack Coan has a revenge game opportunity as he takes on his former team, and Graham Mertz has a lot to prove to the Badger faithful in a duel with his predecessor. This could become a slow and low-scoring game, which is exactly what Wisconsin would want. However, I think Jack Coan has a big day and shows Wisconsin exactly what they're missing without him. Notre Dame wins with a solid performance from Coan 24-14.

LSU at Mississippi State

     An SEC West battle that really doesn't mean anything in the long run, but is interesting nonetheless. Ed Orgeron's Tigers have struggled since winning it all in 2019, but have gotten a couple of confidence boosting victories since losing their opening game to UCLA. Their defense will be tested in this one as the Bulldogs boast one of the nation's top passing attacks with Mike Leach at the helm. MSU QB Will Rogers has 1,083 yards with 8 TDs and just 1 pick so far this season. LSU gave up 260 and 3 TDs to UCLA in the opener, so we'll see how this one goes. This could easily turn into a barn burner as I don't think either team plays defense very well. I would love to see the Bulldogs run wild this one, but this feel like a game Mike Leach should win but won't. LSU wins on the road 36-28.

Texas Tech at Texas

     The Red Raiders and Longhorns are set to meet in Austin for one of the classic Texas rivalries. This one should definitely be a shootout with two offenses that love putting up points. TTU averages 40 per game while the Longhorns average 39. The two QBs should have a fun duel, but the key to this game is Longhorn running back Bijan Robinson. The sophomore stud has accounted for 6 TDs so far on the season and can really break things open with the ball in his hands. If Texas can open some lanes for him, they should be able to run away with this. Longhorns beat the Red Raiders at home 37-28.

Rutgers at #19 Michigan

     This game went to overtime a year ago, and with Michigan's newly vamped offense, everyone is thinking that couldn't possibly happen again. Neither team has had much competition so far in 2021, so this will be a good test of who is legit. Ex-Husker Noah Vedral leads the Scarlet Knights and has had an impressive season thus far, throwing for more than 600 yards with 4 TDs this season. Michigan has focused their offense on the ground game with the two-headed rushing monster of Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins. Look for the backs to have a big game and test Rutgers defense. I would love to see the upset, but I'm not quite sure Rutgers will make it happen. Wolverines win it 34-20.

#7 Texas A&M vs. #16 Arkansas

     The Aggies are really struggling on offense, averaging just 28.3 points per game, but their defense gives up just 5.7 points per game. Arkansas has been running wild under second-year head coach Sam Pittman, averaging 41 points per game and racking up a lot of big plays each game. This game will be played in the Cowboys stadium in Arlington and is always a hard fought game with this rivalry. Texas A&M is looking for their 10th straight victory over the hogs today as well. This would be a very interesting upset, but I think the Aggies are looking to show they can handle their own business in the West. Texas A&M wins 24 17.

#24 UCLA at Stanford

     The Bruins got caught by Fresno State last week and dropped their first game of 2021. They still have everything in front of them for the PAC-12 South though, and travel to the Farm this week to take on Stanford. The Trees love causing upsets though, and have already beat one team from LA this season, subsequently getting their coach fired. That won't happen with a victory here, but I would expect both QBs to throw the ball well. Tanner McKee for Stanford has looked solid early in the season and has a chance to feast as the Bruins give up an average of 342 pass yards per game. On the flip side, Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been stellar as well, but isn't the most accurate. Lucky for him, he's got a talented running back in Zach Charbonnet who is averaging 10.5 yards per carry. He was completely bottled up against Fresno State, squeaking out just 19 yards, but if UCLA can get him going early they have a good chance to win. Stanford gives up an average of 210 rush yards per game, so that could be the difference maker in this one. I like UCLA to bounce back here and get a much needed conference win to start their run for the PAC-12 South crown. Bruins 34, Trees 24.

#25 Kansas State at Oklahoma State

     A battle of unbeaten Big XII teams takes place in Stillwater as the Power Cats roll in with their fancy new ranking to take on the Cowboys. With how these teams are playing on defense, I would expect a low-scoring, close game. Oklahoma State has a very balanced offense, but has not put up the gaudy numbers they once did. K-State has only thrown the ball 48 times the entire season, but that doesn't matter much when they average 225 yards per game on the ground. Deuce Vaughn has 371 yards and 5 TDs, so he'll be a focal point of the offense today. Both teams have stout run defenses, so we'll see who can find the breaks in the defense. I like Kansas State in this one, they're playing very good football this year. Wildcats 23, Cowboys 21.

West Virginia at #4 Oklahoma

     A potential shootout in Norman is brewing as the Mountaineers come to town. WVU and OU typically have some high-flying offenses that rack up a lot of points, but both teams have sputtered a bit against tougher opponents last week. The QB battle will be key to watch here as they both can pick apart defenses almost at will. Defensively the corners and safeties will be tested early and often, but the run game is the key to victory. Neither team gives up much on the ground, so whoever can establish a run early, they can win this game. Kennedy Brooks is the feature back for the Sooners, and I think he'll have a big night. Boomer Sooner as they win it 40-28.

Nebraska at #20 Michigan State

     My Huskers travel to East Lansing to take on Sparty in an always classic BIG 10 matchup. In all honesty, the Big Red & Big Green games are some of my favorites in the BIG 10. Michigan State has dominated this season, stifling opposing offense and running over, around and through everyone as they're averaging 263 yards per game on the ground. Their offense is very balanced and could easily bust this game wide open. Payton Thorne has thrown the ball very well, accounting for 726 yards and 9 TDs. He'll have to deal with an experienced Blackshirt defense who just held one of the nation's best offenses to 23 points last week. Victory for Nebraska lies within the defense. Turnovers are crucial in this game as Sparty's defense won't let the Huskers move the ball too much on the ground. Nebraska still doesn't provide Martinez much support in the run game, so he'll need to make plays on his own and very smart throws. Michigan State's defense already has 5 takeaways on the year, so ball security will be key. The Huskers have a boost of confidence, and the passing game is looking good with Martinez hitting a variety of his weapons. The O-line needs to protect so the Huskers can fully develop their passing game and move Martinez out of the pocket with the ball. Special teams just needs to not screw up too much in this game and I think the Blackshirts can make something happen. This is a bit of a pick with my heart, but I've got a good feeling. Huskers win it on the road 23-21. GO BIG RED!

Quick Hit Predictions:

Missouri at Boston College - The Tigers travel to Chestnut Hill to take on the quietly undefeated Golden Eagles. The Eagles will start redshirt Senior QB Dennis Grosel in place of the injured Phil Jurkovec, but I think they will have enough defense to fend off the Tigers. Boston College wins a good one at home 31-28.

SMU at TCU - The Mustangs and Horned Frogs meet for the 100th time in battle for the Iron Skillet. Tanner Mordecai already has 16 passing TDs on the season, but will be up against a much tougher defense than in previous games. TCU is led by a very under the radar running back named Zach Evans. Horned Frogs take back the Skillet 36-31.

San Jose State at Western Michigan - The Spartans travel to the state of Michigan to take on the Broncos who are coming off a major upset and shootout victory over Pitt last week. Defense will be hard to find in this game, and that favors the home team. Broncos win 34-28.

#9 Clemson at NC State - The Wolfpack host the Tigers and have a perfect chance to upset them. Clemson has really struggled to find their footing on offense this year, and NC State has a tough defense. I'm not sure they can get around the Tigers defense though, but this one will be close. Tigers survive 27-21.

#14 Iowa State at Baylor - The Bears have put up quite a few points this season, but not against much competition. Look for Iowa State to make a Big XII statement. Cyclones 38, Bears 24.

UTSA at Memphis - Memphis has been winning a lot of close games, but UTSA has a tougher defense than what the Tigers have seen so far. I like the upset here with the Roadrunners on the road! UTSA wins 31-24.

Tennessee at #11 Florida - The Gators are looking for their 5th straight over the boys from Rocky Top and and I don't see much fight in this one. Emory Jones is starting to hit his stride at QB and this is a great way to get ready for Georgia later this season. Gators chomp them 42-21.

Oregon State at USC - The Beavers travel to LA to take on a rejuvenated Trojan squad coming off a big win at Wazzu last week. Don't discount the defense of the Beavers, but I think Jaxon Dart has this team at a new level. Fight On as the Trojans win 35-20.

Boise State at Utah State - Boise State has not looked good this season and have lost a couple of really close games. This one could turn into a shoot out quick, but the Broncos are finally going to make my prediction come true. Boise State 34, Utah State 31.

Thanks for reading my Gameday Predictions and GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll