Top College Football Games of Week 4

September 19, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

College football delivered some exciting games last weekend, and this weekend is no different. College GameDay heads to Norman for a great SEC showdown, while Oklahoma State hosts the Utah Utes. Arch Manning will start for the No. 1 Texas Longhorns against Louisiana-Monroe, and USC marches into The Big House for a matchup with the defending champs. Here are the top games of Week 4:

No. 24 Illinois at No. 22 Nebraska

The Fighting Illini travel to Nebraska to face the Cornhuskers. Dylan Raiola has transformed the Nebraska offense during the first few weeks of his college career. The Cornhuskers will look to continue to climb in the rankings and compete for the Big 10 title. Illinois upset Kansas two weeks ago and Luke Altmyer is one of the main reasons. He has played well as quarterback and found a favorite target in Pat Bryant. If Illinois can get past Nebraska, they are rewarded with a trip to College Station to play Penn State. This should be a close matchup between two Big 10 schools.

No. 6 Tennessee at No. 15 Oklahoma

The Tennessee Volunteers, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, travel to Norman for an SEC showdown with the Oklahoma Sooners. Tennessee has moved well into the top 10 and looks to compete with Georgia and Texas for the SEC crown. Oklahoma is undefeated but has struggled in close games against Houston and Tulane. However, Jackson Arnold has been effective at quarterback, both throwing and running the ball, while wide receiver Deion Burks can take over a game. Tennessee is favored on the road, and their electric offense will look to post big numbers against the Sooners’ defense.

No. 12 Utah at No. 14 Oklahoma State

Utah heads to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State on Saturday afternoon. It's expected that Cam Rising will start at quarterback for the Utes after missing last week's win over Utah State. A road game at OSU poses a significant challenge. Ollie Gordon and Alec Bowman have led a high-powered Cowboys offense this season, but the Utes are known for their toughness and defensive prowess. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham is one of the best in the country, and OSU's Mike Gundy will need to draw up creative plays to dissect Utah's defense. Oklahoma State is coming off a tough win against a scrappy Arkansas team and should be primed for a close game against Big 12 newcomer Utah.

No. 11 USC at No. 18 Michigan

Miller Moss and the Trojans, riding high after upsetting LSU in Week 1, head to Ann Arbor undefeated. Coach Lincoln Riley continues to show why he's one of the best offensive minds in the nation. USC’s offensive line will need to be at its best against Michigan’s tough defensive line, led by Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. The Wolverines’ offensive struggles have caused them to fall in the rankings over the first three weeks of the season. Quarterback Alex Orji will start this weekend, and Michigan fans hope he can spark the offense. USC and Michigan meet for the first time since the 2007 Rose Bowl, which USC won 32-18 under Pete Carroll.

Georgia Tech at No. 19 Louisville

After knocking off Florida State in Dublin, Georgia Tech and quarterback Haynes King have gotten off to a hot start. The Yellow Jackets are 3-1, with their lone loss coming at Syracuse. Optimism is rising in Atlanta that the Yellow Jackets can contend in the ACC this season. Meanwhile, Louisville has quietly climbed into the top 20. Last season, the Cardinals went 10-1 in their first 11 games before dropping their final three. This year, they’ve picked up where they left off. Quarterback Tyler Scough has played well and looks to secure a key ACC win before traveling to South Bend to face Notre Dame.