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College Football Week 4 Picks and Best Bets

College Football Week 4 Picks and Best Bets

College football Week 4 picks and best bets are here as we prepare for an exciting Week 4 in the 2024 college football season. 

We’ve witnessed significant shifts in the top 25 rankings as we ease into full conference schedules. As the season progresses, teams fiercely compete for a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Early-season upsets and standout performances have reshaped the national landscape, intensifying the race for playoff positions. Each week now feels crucial as teams strive to solidify their standing among the nation’s elite and secure a coveted postseason berth.

In Week 4, we’re looking for the best bets across the college football landscape. So, what are the Week 4 college football picks and best bets?

College Football Week 4 Picks and Best Bets

Illinois vs. Nebraska

  • Spread
    Nebraska -7.5
  • Moneyline
    Illinois +245, Nebraska -305
  • Over/Under
    43 points
  • Game time
    8:00 p.m. ET
  • Location
    Memorial Stadium | Lincoln, NE
  • How to Watch
    FOX

Both teams come into this game riding high after dominant victories. Nebraska’s offense racked up 423 yards against Northern Iowa, including 281 through the air, with an impressive 8.8 yards per play and 22 first downs. Defensively, the Cornhuskers held Northern Iowa to 301 total yards (162 passing) and limited them to 6-of-16 on third-down attempts.

While Illinois has impressed offensively in 2024, it has yet to face a defense as tough as Nebraska’s, and the environment in Lincoln on Friday night will be unlike anything it has experienced so far.

It promises to be an electric night for college football in Lincoln, with Husker fans eager to back a legitimate contender. Nebraska, now ranked, looks poised to secure its first victory over another ranked team in quite some time, adding to the excitement and momentum surrounding the program. The Huskers get it done in primetime.

Prediction: Nebraska 24 – Illinois 13

USC vs. Michigan

  • Spread
    USC -5.5
  • Moneyline
    USC -218, Michigan +180
  • Over/Under
    46.5
  • Game time
    3:30 p.m. ET
  • Location
    Michigan Stadium | Ann Arbor, Mich.
  • How to Watch
    CBS

In Week 3, the Michigan Wolverines hosted Arkansas State and struggled to secure a 28-18 win. Despite jumping out to a 28-3 lead, Michigan never appeared to control the game completely.

The Wolverines’ passing game remains a major concern. Against Arkansas State, they managed just 134 passing yards, completing only 13 passes while throwing three interceptions. Although Michigan’s defense may keep them competitive in the early stages, USC’s experienced leadership at quarterback and dynamic skill players could eventually wear down the Wolverines’ defense.

This lackluster showing followed a 31-12 defeat to No. 3 Texas, where Michigan was thoroughly outplayed in every aspect of the game. Former starting quarterback Davis Warren has thrown for just 322 yards across all games this season, a figure that pales compared to USC’s quarterback Miller Moss, who threw for more than that in his Week 1 win over LSU.

Moss, who has taken on the challenge of replacing former Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, has excelled with 600 passing yards and two touchdowns in USC’s two victories.

The disparity between the two quarterbacks highlights Michigan’s core issues: Can their offense keep pace with USC? And will their defense hold up for all four quarters? Given Michigan’s recent struggles, the answer seems doubtful.

The Prediction: USC 24, Michigan 13

Check out all of our college football picks and best bets! 

UCLA vs. LSU

  • Spread
    LSU -24
  • Moneyline
    UCLA +1275, LSU -2730
  • Over/Under
    55.5
  • Game time
    3:30 p.m. ET
  • Location
    Tiger Stadium | Baton Rouge, LA
  • How to Watch
    ABC

It’s hard to imagine a more challenging environment for UCLA after a home blowout loss to Indiana than traveling to LSU’s Death Valley. LSU is always a difficult place to play, but it becomes even more daunting when you’re struggling and the Tigers smell blood in the water.

Under head coach Deshaun Foster and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, UCLA aimed to build an identity as a tough, hard-nosed team that controls the line of scrimmage and runs the football. However, they fell far short of that vision against Indiana’s strong, athletic defense. It’s hard to envision a different outcome in Baton Rouge, where the tested LSU defense awaits.

UCLA’s best hope is that LSU might overlook them. The Tigers have already faced a top-25 battle with USC and are coming off a gritty, come-from-behind SEC road win in Columbia. Maybe they’ll be caught sleepwalking in this one?

However, with LSU’s upcoming game against South Alabama and a focus on their College Football Playoff aspirations, head coach Brian Kelly will likely have his team ready for a national TV afternoon kickoff. I don’t see this matchup ending well for UCLA.

The Prediction: LSU 44, UCLA 16

 

NC State vs. Clemson

  • Spread
    Clemson -17
  • Moneyline
    NC State +535, Clemson -775
  • Over/Under
    48
  • Game time
    Noon ET
  • Location
    Memorial Stadium | Clemson, SC
  • How to Watch
    ABC

The biggest question heading into this matchup is the health of NC State quarterback Grayson McCall. The veteran passer and Coastal Carolina transfer remains questionable after exiting early in last week’s game against Louisiana Tech.

If McCall is unable to play, true freshman CJ Bailey will get his first collegiate start in Death Valley’s hostile environment. Bailey stepped in for McCall last week and immediately threw an interception, which led to a Louisiana Tech field goal and a 17-6 halftime lead. However, Bailey regrouped and led NC State to a 30-20 comeback win.

Even if McCall is cleared to play, his performances this season have been underwhelming, especially considering the high expectations after his standout career at Coastal Carolina. To make matters worse, the NC State offense fell short of expectations in 2024.

While it would be great to envision NC State going into Clemson and putting up a fight, it’s difficult to see them sustaining that effort for a full four quarters. Clemson’s offense is starting to find its rhythm, and with their playmakers, the Tigers should be able to pull away from NC State in this one.

Prediction: Clemson 34, NC State 13

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