Predicting Week 4’s Highly Anticipated Matchups
Picture from Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch
Kingston, Rhode Island (PSF) This weekend we have some of the best matchups of the year scheduled to take place. Several of these games have conference championship and college football playoff potential implications, with so many fun matchups ahead, I’m going to do my best to predict the outcomes of some of the prime time games this weekend.
Picture from Sean Meagher, The Oregonian
Colorado vs. Oregon
Arguably the most anticipated matchup of the weekend, the 19th ranked Colorado Buffaloes travel to Oregon to play the 10th ranked Ducks. Colorado will be without its star two-way playmaker Travis Hunter, who will definitely be missed on both sides of the ball this weekend. Star quarterback Shedeur Sanders has looked impeccable so far this season, but this Oregon team will without a doubt be his toughest task yet. Oregon has also been exceptional so far with quarterback Bo Nix being one of the top Heisman contenders in the country, without Hunter playing on defense, the Oregon offense will be tough to stop. Considering the immense firepower both offenses possess and that Colorado’s best defensive player will not be playing, I think Oregon comes out on top.
Picture from Charles Brock, Icon Sportswire
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
One of the more classic matchups in college football, the Ohio State Buckeyes travel to South Bend to play Notre Dame and the Fighting Irish. Both teams are undefeated heading into this game and are ranked 6th and 9th respectively. Ohio State’s offense is riddled with stud playmakers such as Marvin Harrison Jr, Emeka Egbuka, Treyveon Henderson, and Cade Stover, making them a tough task to stop defensively for the Fighting Irish. First-year starting quarterback Kyle McCord has looked good thus far, but this Fighting Irish defensive unit will be the toughest task he’s faced so far. Notre Dame’s offense has also looked formidable albeit against mostly lesser competition, but the combination of starting quarterback Sam Hartman excelling in the passing game and running back Audric Estime being dominant on the ground will be tough to contain. Overall both offenses have looked stellar this season, but due to Ohio State’s star-studded defense I think they get the edge here in a close game.
Picture from Reed Jones, Ole Miss Athletics
Alabama vs. Ole Miss
In a matchup that would usually feature Alabama as the heavy favorites, this season it’s not that simple. The Crimson Tide have struggled so far, Losing to Texas and winning but struggling against USF. It’s unclear what Alabama is going to do at quarterback for the remainder of the season, with several guys having seen the field for the Crimson Tide thus far, and each of them having their flaws. The defense for Alabama has looked solid but not exceptional, but Ole Miss is a tough offense to stop with a lot of creative schemes and option plays that result in quick strike yardage. The running back duo of Quinshon Judkins and Ulysses Bentley IV has been fantastic, combining for 5 rushing touchdowns through 3 games. If Alabama can figure out their quarterback situation, this game is definitely winnable for the Crimson Tide, but I think that Ole Miss’ quick strike offense will be too much for Alabama to contain, giving Ole Miss the win here.
Picture from Rich Storry, USA Today
Clemson vs. FSU
In the first matchup featured in this article that doesn’t feature two ranked teams, fans know that Clemson vs. FSU is still an exciting game to say the least. The 4th ranked FSU Seminoles travel to Death Valley to play the unranked Clemson Tigers, however many view this as a trap game for FSU. The Seminoles offense has been fantastic thus far this season, led by star quarterback Jordan Travis with plenty of help from talented skill position players such as Johnny Wilson, Keon Coleman, and Trey Benson; whereas the Clemson offense has underperformed. First-year starting quarterback Cade Klubnik has had his ups and downs, especially against Duke where the Tigers were upset in their season opener and Klubnik struggled to move the ball. Clemson’s defense is also a far cry from the past few years as they are allowing much more points than usual, especially to lower division opponents such as Charlestown Southern. I think FSU blows out Clemson at death valley this year, a feat that is much easier said than done.
Picture from Savannah Blake, The Gazette
Iowa vs. Penn State
The 24th ranked Iowa Hawkeyes travel to Happy Valley to play the 7th ranked Penn State Nittany Lions this Saturday, a classic Big 10 matchup that should feature stifling defense from both teams and more likely than not, a lot of running the ball. Penn State has been exceptional this season, with first-year starting quarterback Drew Allar looking like the real deal. Penn State also features a stout defense that has been unbelievable in shutting down the passing game between tight coverage from the likes of cornerback Kalen King and putting pressure on the quarterback with the likes of edge rusher ‘Chop’ Robinson. Iowa has been solid as well so far, starting out the season 3-0 riding on the back of their stingy defense anchored by versatile defensive back Cooper DeJean. I think that despite Iowa’s best efforts, Penn State comes out with the big win at home.
Picture from All Bruins Fan Nation
UCLA vs. Utah
Another exciting Pac 12 matchup this weekend is the 22nd ranked UCLA Bruins traveling to Utah to play the 11th ranked Utes. Both teams are undefeated thus far, and look to be formidable opponents. Superstar true freshman quarterback Dante Moore has been excellent for UCLA, playing extremely efficient football, while their rushing attack has looked solid but certainly misses the likes of Zack Charbonnet. Utah will likely be returning their quarterback Cam Rising from injury, making his 2023-24 season debut, which will certainly give the Utes more of an edge with Rising’s experience winning against talented Pac 12 opponents. I think that if Rising plays in this game, the Utes come out with the conference win at home.
Picture from Bill Bender, The Sporting News
Oregon State vs. Washington State
The final matchup I'll be predicting for this weekend is the 14th ranked Oregon State Beavers traveling to Washington State to play the 21st ranked Cougars. This game will be defined by the quarterback play as both teams possess very athletic and talented but inconsistent quarterbacks of D.J. Uiagalelei and Cameron Ward respectively. This is a difficult game to predict with the two teams being very similar in talent level in my eyes, however with Uiagalelei’s history of not showing up in big games and the versatility that Cameron Ward offers at the quarterback position, I think Washington State pulls off the upset at home.
