College football’s week four slate consists of ranked-on-ranked matchups, rivalry games, and multiple games with college football playoff implications. Jackson Arnold makes his return to Oklahoma to face off against John Mateer. Nebraska looks to place itself in the driver’s seat for a college football playoff spot with a win versus Michigan. Texas Tech and Utah will fight for Big 12 supremacy, while G5 leaders Memphis and Tulane are facing off against the SEC. Let’s break down a few of the weekend’s biggest matchups.
#16 Utah vs. #17 Texas Tech
Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah
Spread: Utah (-4.5)
Over/Under: 57.5
ML: Utah (-145), Texas Tech (+125)
Utah Run Game versus Texas Tech Run Defense
Utah is currently averaging 6 yards per carry. That’s ranked 10th in the nation. The Utes are averaging 298.5 rushing yards per game. Against its only P4 opponent, Utah ran for 286 yards and 4 TDs on 5.3 yards per carry. QB Devon Dampier and RB Wayshawn Parker headline the rushing attack. Dampier is averaging 6 yards per carry, while Parker is averaging 7.1 yards per carry. Utah currently averages 49.5 rushing attempts per game. Its goal will be to wear down the Texas Tech defensive front over the course of the game.
Meanwhile, the Red Raiders’ defensive front has been nothing short of impressive. Texas Tech is currently allowing just 1.3 yards per carry and 35.5 rushing yards per game. The defense has totaled 18 tackles for loss through three games, causing havoc in the backfield for opposing offenses—the front four averages 6’3 and 277 pounds, with LBs averaging 6’2, 237.5 pounds. For the Texas Tech program, it’s been money well spent on the defensive front. Against its only P4 opponent, Texas Tech allowed a measly 8 yards on 22 carries.
This is a classic case of unstoppable force meets immovable object. This battle for the trenches will decide which team will be favored to win the Big 12 conference.
#11 Oklahoma vs. #22 Auburn
Location: Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma
Spread: Oklahoma (-6.5)
Over/Under: 48.5
ML: Oklahoma (-240), Auburn (+200)
John Mateer versus Jackson Arnold
In a game where the rushing offenses are likely to be slowed down, these two quarterbacks will have the game on their shoulders. Oklahoma allows just 2.9 yards per carry, while Auburn allows just 2 yards per carry. For OU, John Mateer is currently averaging 315 passing yards per game and 9 yards per attempt. For Auburn, Jackson Arnold is currently averaging 167 yards per game and 7.3 yards per attempt. Mateer has thrown 3 INTs, while Arnold has yet to throw an INT. Simple math says that Oklahoma should be favored in this matchup thanks to Mateer. However, Arnold has a surplus of weapons, including Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr.
Jackson Arnold will be playing with a chip on his shoulder in this game. Oklahoma benched him last season, and some fans believe Arnold was never set up for success. John Mateer will be looking to prove that Oklahoma made the correct choice in paying him an estimated $3 million. This QB matchup will be perhaps the biggest storyline of the weekend in college football.
#19 Indiana vs. #9 Illinois
Location: Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana
Spread: Indiana (-6.5)
Over/Under: 52.5
ML: Indiana (-230), Illinois (+195)
Indiana Run Game versus Illinois Run Defense
The Hoosiers have been one of the best rushing teams in college football this season. They have averaged 6.6 yards per carry and 312.5 yards per game. A trio of running backs leads them, including Kaelon Black, Lee Beebe Jr, and Roman Hemby—these three average 6.4, 7.7, and 5.6 yards per carry. Fourth RB Khobie Martin also averages 8.8 ypc on 13 carries. Indiana has yet to face a P4 opponent, although the team has beaten its last two opponents by 47 and 73 points. The Indiana OL averages 6’5, 313 pounds, and they’ll be looking to match the physicality of the Illinois defensive front.
Illinois is currently allowing 3.4 yards per carry on the season. The Illini defense has allowed 29, 82, and 113 rushing yards in the first three games. The transfer portal built DL for Illinois averages 306 pounds at DE and DT and includes Gabe Jacas, a 270-pound outside linebacker. This unit loves to play a physical style of football, and it will challenge the strength of the Indiana OL throughout the game.
Other Games to Monitor
Ole Miss vs. Tulane
Ole Miss is looking to maintain a perfect record before entering a stretch of 3 top-11 matchups over four weeks, while Tulane is looking to build its resume as the best team in the G5.
Nebraska vs. Michigan
Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers are seeking a signature win to demonstrate to the fans that this is the year. A win against Michigan provides Nebraska with a runway to the college football playoff. Michigan is seeking a big win to kick off the Bryce Underwood era. A win at Nebraska will put Michigan at 3-1, with only two ranked matchups remaining.
Miami vs. Florida
This game has several implications. Carson Beck is looking to plant his flag as the Heisman frontrunner with a big performance. Billy Napier is coaching for his job, and DJ Lagway is coming off a five-interception game. With a win here, Miami would be undefeated heading into a likely top 10 showdown against Florida State.
Clemson vs. Syracuse
Clemson is a 17-point favorite just one week after being beaten by Georgia Tech. Fran Brown coached Syracuse to a major upset over Miami last year, so do not count Syracuse out in this game. If Syracuse manages to win this game, the city of Clemson and the Clemson program will go nuclear.
