Week 4 of the college football season delivers a loaded Saturday slate packed with conference showdowns and statement opportunities. Let’s take a look at my ten favorite games of the day and what makes them special.
Texas Tech @ Utah | 12:00PM EST
Two of the most efficient teams in the country square off in a high-stakes matchup as Texas Tech travels to Salt Lake City to face Utah. Both squads bring explosive offenses and stingy defenses, with the Red Raiders averaging a nation-best 58 points per game and the Utes answering with a dominant ground game that produces nearly 290 rushing yards per contest. Utah has been one of the most efficient teams on third down (71.9%) while Texas Tech counters with balance and the ability to stretch the field vertically through the air.
| Offensive | Texas Tech | Utah |
| Passing Yards | 387.7 | 227.0 |
| Rushing Yards | 215.0 | 290.0 |
| Points Scored | 58.0 | 45.7 |
| 3rd Down % | 53.6% | 71.9% |
| Red Zone % | 91.7% | 90.9% |
Game Key Notes
- Texas Tech ranks No. 2 nationally in rushing defense, surrendering approximately 41.3 yards per game on the ground.
- The Utes lead the FBS in third-down conversion rates
- Utah QB Devon Dampier has a 73% completion rate with 826 total yards, 8 touchdowns, and no turnovers
| Defensive | Texas Tech | Utah |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 189.3 | 134.0 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 41.7 | 90.0 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 29% | 21.7% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 60% | 100% |
| Points Allowed | 11.7 | 8.3 |
Syracuse @ Clemson | 12PM EST | ESPN
Clemson hosts Syracuse in an intriguing ACC matchup that pits the Orange’s high-powered passing attack against a reeling Tigers team. Syracuse leads the ACC in aerial production thanks to Steve Angeli, who’s averaging over 350 yards passing per game through three games. Meanwhile, Clemson has struggled to contain explosive offenses despite pressure up front, allowing Syracuse’s receivers an opportunity to beat them over the top. The spread on this game is 17.5 in favor of Clemson, and while I’d be surprised with a Syracuse upset, I would not count out a cover if Angeli can have time in the pocket to make some throws.
| Offensive | Syracuse | Clemson |
| Passing Yards | 379.0 | 211.0 |
| Rushing Yards | 107.0 | 108.3 |
| Points Scored | 39.7 | 19.3 |
| 3rd Down % | 34.5% | 40.5% |
| Red Zone % | 72.7% | 75% |
Game Key Notes
- Syracuse QB Steve Angeli has thrown for 1,072 yards in three games, leading the nation in passing yards so far in 2025.
- Clemson’s defensive line, anchored by T.J. Parker and Peter Woods, is being hailed by analysts (PFF, Athlon) as among the best in the country.
| Defensive | Syracuse | Clemson |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 274.0 | 227.3 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 165.0 | 111.0 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 37.9% | 43.6% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 87.5% | 71.4% |
| Points Allowed | 29.7 | 19.0 |
Maryland @ Wisconsin | 12PM EST | NBC
Maryland hits the road to face Wisconsin in their Big Ten opener. The Terps bring a polished passing attack led by freshman QB Malik Washington and strong defensive metrics, while Wisconsin counters with a stout rushing offense and defensive toughness, especially at home. The Badgers got smacked around by Alabama last week, and they need to put it behind them if they hope to have a shot against a hot Maryland squad.
| Offensive | Maryland | Wisconsin |
| Passing Yards | 266.0 | 196.0 |
| Rushing Yards | 116.7 | 136.7 |
| Points Scored | 34.3 | 24.3 |
| 3rd Down % | 31% | 50% |
| Red Zone % | 62.5% | 85.7% |
Game Key Notes
- Malik Washington has thrown for 773 yards, 6 touchdowns, and just 1 interception through Maryland’s first three games.
- The Badgers have allowed only about 1.9 yards per rush this season.
- With one of the top turnover margins in the Big Ten, Maryland has created takeaways and made opposing offenses pay.
| Defensive | Maryland | Wisconsin |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 199.3 | 224.3 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 102.7 | 46.3 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 35% | 22.6% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 33.3% | 100% |
| Points Allowed | 11.0 | 16.0 |
Auburn @ Oklahoma | 3:30PM EST | ABC
Auburn visits Norman to face a dominant Oklahoma Sooners squad, and the matchup pits Auburn’s strong run game against one of the most elite defenses in the country. Oklahoma has been suffocating opponents through three games, especially in pass defense and red zone situations, while Auburn’s offense is heavy on the ground and less consistent through the air. This game will likely come down to Oklahoma’s ability to force Auburn and former Sooner quarterback Jackson Arnold out of rhythm and create turnovers.
| Offensive | Auburn | Oklahoma |
| Passing Yards | 173.7 | 316.3 |
| Rushing Yards | 242.0 | 156.3 |
| Points Scored | 37.0 | 33.7 |
| 3rd Down % | 52.9% | 50% |
| Red Zone % | 100% | 100% |
Game Key Notes
- The Sooners lead the FBS in defensive efficiency and third-down defense, holding opponents to a ~21% success rate on third and fourth downs and allowing zero touchdowns in the red zone so far.
- Auburn’s passing game ranks among the bottom in FBS (173.7 yards per game), which puts pressure on their rushing game and former Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold to make big plays.
| Defensive | Auburn | Oklahoma |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 220.0 | 84.7 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 67.0 | 96.3 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 28.9% | 20% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 70% | 66.7% |
| Points Allowed | 14.0 | 6.3 |
Tulane @ Ole Miss | 3:30PM EST | ESPN
Tulane will take on undefeated Ole Miss in what’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the week. The Green Wave bring a dual-threat quarterback in Jake Retzlaff, who’s been doing damage on the ground (288 yards, 6 TDs), while Ole Miss counters with a high-powered offense averaging nearly 45 points per game. Both teams have red zone precision and an ability to convert on key downs, but turnovers and tempo might decide who controls this one. Tulane is looking to add an SEC win to their resume as they make a G5 run for the CFP.
| Offensive | Tulane | Ole Miss |
| Passing Yards | 195.7 | 330.7 |
| Rushing Yards | 222.0 | 211.0 |
| Points Scored | 30.0 | 44.7 |
| 3rd Down % | 44.4% | 50% |
| Red Zone % | 100% | 94.7% |
Game Key Notes
- Tulane ranks 3rd nationally in turnover margin (+6), while Ole Miss sits in the negative (-2).
- Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss had 415 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Rebels’ 41-35 win over Arkansas last week
| Defensive | Tulane | Ole Miss |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 235.0 | 187.0 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 135.0 | 194.7 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 39.5% | 37.2% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 70% | 72.7% |
| Points Allowed | 20.3 | 21.7 |
Michigan @ Nebraska | 3:30PM EST | CBS
Nebraska enters its contest with Michigan riding a hot offense that’s averaging 49 points per game, led by QB Dylan Raiola’s sharp passing. Michigan counters with a dominant rushing attack (nearly 243 yards per game) and a defense known for shutting down both run and pass, allowing fewer than 15 points per game. It’s a meeting of strengths: Nebraska tries to push tempo and air it out, Michigan grinds in the trenches and forces turnovers. Whoever controls the line of scrimmage and third-downs will likely decide this Big Ten tilt.
| Offensive | Michigan | Nebraska |
| Passing Yards | 209.3 | 366.3 |
| Rushing Yards | 242.7 | 178.7 |
| Points Scored | 36.7 | 49.0 |
| 3rd Down % | 44.7% | 64.3% |
| Red Zone % | 92.3% | 83.3% |
Game Key Notes
- QB Dylan Raiola has completed roughly 76.6% of his passes this season, with 8 touchdowns and no interceptions.
- Michigan’s defense ranks 11th in the country in turnover margin (1.67) and 6th in interceptions (5).
| Defensive | Michigan | Nebraska |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 182.3 | 66.0 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 89.0 | 136.0 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 43.5% | 16.7% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 77.8% | 66.7% |
| Points Allowed | 14.7 | 8.0 |
South Carolina @ Missouri | 7PM EST | ESPN
Missouri begins SEC play at home against South Carolina, riding a 3-0 start highlighted by a dominant ground performance and offensive explosiveness, putting up over 50 points per game. South Carolina, 2-1, enters with questions about consistency on offense and injuries at quarterback. The Gamecocks will need to lean on stout defense and key playmakers to keep up, especially given Missouri’s strong efficiency everywhere, including third-down, red zone, and the running game.
| Offensive | South Carolina | Missouri |
| Passing Yards | 193.0 | 284.7 |
| Rushing Yards | 110.0 | 302.3 |
| Points Scored | 23.0 | 51.7 |
| 3rd Down % | 33.3% | 59.4% |
| Red Zone % | 60% | 90.9% |
Game Key Notes
- Last week, Mizzou rolled over the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 52-10, racking up 427 rushing yards in the win.
- LaNorris Sellers is currently slated to start despite being listed as questionable after a head injury vs. Vanderbilt (SI.com)
| Defensive | South Carolina | Missouri |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 202.0 | 100.0 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 107.7 | 100.7 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 46.7% | 18.2% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 66.7% | 100% |
| Points Allowed | 17.3 | 15.7 |
Florida @ Miami | 7:30PM EST | ABC
Could this be the last game of the Billy Napier era in Florida? The Miami Hurricanes host the Gators in what has become one of the most intriguing storylines in the SEC. Miami’s offense has looked sharp, featuring high passing volume, strong red zone execution, and a rushing attack that complements the aerial threats nicely. Florida, meanwhile, enters with more modest output, leaning more heavily on running plays and conversion efficiency, unfortunately paired with inconsistent quarterback play.
| Offensive | Florida | Miami |
| Passing Yards | 253.3 | 306.7 |
| Rushing Yards | 137.3 | 179.3 |
| Points Scored | 27.0 | 40.3 |
| 3rd Down % | 34.5% | 48% |
| Red Zone % | 100% | 88.9% |
Game Key Notes
- Miami’s Carson Beck has completed nearly 80% of his passes this season with a 7:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio, aided by an offensive line that has allowed very few pressures
- Miami has held all its opponents below 100 rushing yards this season, while allowing just 2.56 yards per carry, one of the best marks nationally (15th).
- DJ Lagway has thrown 6 INT in his last 2 games, 5 of which came last week vs. LSU
| Defensive | Florida | Miami |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 177.3 | 204.0 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 87.0 | 75.0 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 33.3% | 39.3% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 66.7% | 83.3% |
| Points Allowed | 12.7 | 13.0 |
Illinois @ Indiana | 7:30PM EST | NBC
In what might be the most intriguing matchup of the slate, Illinois heads to Bloomington to face Indiana in a top-20 Big Ten clash. Indiana is averaging 52 points per game while Illinois isn’t far behind at 45; however, the Illini have been the more efficient of the two in limiting opponent scoring and protecting the football. Indiana will try to lean on its rushing attack and tempo (300+ yards per game), while Illinois will need to keep its offense clean and rely on its defense to make key stops, especially on third-downs and in the red zone.
| Offensive | Illinois | Indiana |
| Passing Yards | 241.0 | 284.0 |
| Rushing Yards | 164.7 | 307.7 |
| Points Scored | 45.0 | 52.0 |
| 3rd Down % | 48% | 57.7% |
| Red Zone % | 100% | 78.6% |
| Turnovers | 0 | 4 |
Game Key Notes
- Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has completed 72% of his passes for 709 yards and 8 touchdowns with no interceptions in three games.
- Illinois has yet to commit a turnover this season and ranks near the top in turnover margin.
| Defensive | Illinois | Indiana |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 193.7 | 105.3 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 74.7 | 115.3 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 29.2% | 26% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 60% | 100% |
| Points Allowed | 7.3 | 7.7 |
Sam Houston State @ Texas | 8PM EST | SEC
I’ll be honest, the only reason this game is on this list is that I desperately need to see how Arch plays. The Longhorns are giving up just 10.3 points per game while allowing modest yardage defensively, showing strong bend-but-don’t-break ability so far. Offensively, they’re solid but not electric, averaging 24 points per game, most due to Arch’s disappointing start to the season. They are facing a Sam Houston squad with some offensive promise but clear struggles in passing efficiency and red zone production. This game shouldn’t be remotely close, but with how bad they looked against UTEP last week (winning by just 17), anything is possible.
| Offensive | Sam Houston State | Texas |
| Passing Yards | 185.0 | 200.3 |
| Rushing Yards | 132.3 | 182.3 |
| Points Scored | 21.7 | 24.0 |
| 3rd Down % | 13.5% | 28.6% |
| Red Zone % | 50% | 61.5% |
Game Key Notes
- Arch Manning had 9 carries for 51 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, but struggled through the air against a weak UTEP defense, going 11/25 for 114 yards and 1 interception.
| Defensive | Sam Houston State | Texas |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 314.7 | 173.0 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 127.7 | 72.0 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 27% | 26.2% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 100% | 75% |
| Points Allowed | 38.7 | 10.3 |