After a week of some close games and upsets, one of the biggest weeks of the 2023 college football season is here. Week 4 is filled with tight matchups and many exciting games that could determine some team’s future early in the season.

Week three record (no spread): 4-1 Overall record (no spread): 11-3

Week three record (spread): 4-1 Overall record (spread): 12-2

#4 Florida State @ Clemson (FSU -2.5)

Florida State is currently inside the top four on the AP poll for the first time since 2017, but had a little scare last week. The Seminoles earned a big win against LSU in week one that surged them inside the top five, but barely defeated unranked Boston College 31-29 last week. Boston College had 18 penalties in the game and the Florida State defense was able to recover a sack fumble to survive against the Eagles. Quarterback Jordan Travis leads the Seminoles as a Heisman candidate with 729 passing yards, 63.1 completion rate and 9 total touchdowns. While the redzone defense has been good for the Noles, the defense could improve as a whole as they rank 108th (268.3 yards per game) versus pass, 64th (123 yards per game) against the run and 101st ranked in total defense.

Clemson was ranked number 9 to begin the season, but was dominated by Duke 28-7 in week 1 and are now outside the top 25. The tigers are coming off two dominate wins against Charleston Southern and Florida Atlantic, but will need to win this game to have any chance to possibly make the ACC Championship game at the end of the year. With new offensive coordinator Garret Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik, the Tigers did struggle the first game against Duke, but with a few wins they seem to have some much needed momentum going into their biggest game of the year.

Game prediction: The Clemson and Duke game was closer than the final score. Clemson had a few turnovers driving down field and I feel like that killed them. I do think Florida State’s defense is better than what the numbers showed after watching the first game against LSU, but I still see this being a close game. We will also have to see what Jordan Travis will be able to do against a tough Clemson defense. The betting line is a little weird to me that Florida State is not favored by more being the number 4 team in the country. I think the running game gets it done with Will Shipley and Phil Mafah and the Clemson defense does just enough. Give me the Tigers to win in an upset at home 28-24.

#19 Colorado at #10 Oregon (Oregon -21)

This is one of the biggest games of the season for Colorado. They were doubted early in the season, but this is their toughest test yet. If they can pull this off, it will be unbelievable, especially after struggling with Colorado State in a game the Buffaloes could have easily lost. Star offensive and defensive player Travis Hunter will be out this game and that is just another reason this would be crazy if Colorado even stayed within two touchdowns. Colorado has the offense to score, but they have to get it done earlier than the second half. The defense will be in question for the Buffaloes without their best corner in Hunter, but a very talented quarterback Shedeur Sanders may can get the job done on offense alone.

The Oregon Ducks come into this game 3-0 after a scare against Texas Tech in week two and two other dominate wins. This should be the toughest test for the Ducks so far. Oregon currently ranks high on both sides of the ball, ranking 4th in the FBS in total offense with 579 yards per game and 30th in total defense with only allowing 286 yards per game. Even though they have a great team, the Ducks haven’t seen a team on offense like this yet. Can Colorado can shock the world once again and make this a game against Oregon?

Game Prediction: I just do not think Colorado has enough to win this game. The Oregon defense lost some talent to the draft in the offseason, but I still think their defense has enough to handle Colorado. Can Oregon win by 21 though? I am not sure. It is going to be interesting to see, but I will take Oregon to win and cover in a high scoring 55-31 game.

#15 Ole Miss at #13 Alabama (Bama -7)

The Alabama Crimson Tide (2-1) has been one of the biggest stories in college football as we haven’t seen them look great in quite some time. Alabama struggled last week as they defeated the University of South Florida 17-3. Coach Nick Saban decided to go with former Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner early and he struggled immensely, going 5-14 with only 34 yards. Ty Simpson also played quarterback in the game for the Tide, going 5-9 with 73 yards. The offensive line has not helped Alabama as they have given up 5 sacks in each of the last two games. Saban now has named Jalen Milroe back as the starter for the upcoming game against Ole Miss and Simpson will be the backup. The big question for Alabama is if the offense will make a change in play calling for a running quarterback like Milroe.

Ole Miss (3-0) is coming off a 48-23 win against Georgia Tech in week three. Jaxon Dart, quarterback of the Rebels, has been impressive so far with a 66.2 completion percentage, 852 passing yards, 213 rushing yards and 9 total touchdowns with only 1 interception. The Rebels currently rank 11th in total offense with 527 yards per game, but 66th in FBS in total defense. The defense has been able to get to the quarterback in the few games, averaging over three sacks per game and rank inside the top 20 in teams tackles for a loss. This will be the first of many tough games for the rebels as they play LSU in week 5 and travel to Georgia on Nov. 11.

Game prediction: I am very curious to see what Alabama will look like on offense this game. Will they try to live and die by the run? If they do that, I think they can get by in this game. If Alabama wants any chance to possibly make it to the playoff, they need to win this game. I do not think they will cover, but I am going to pick Alabama to win 30-24 in overtime.

#22 UCLA at #11 Utah (Utah -6)

The line has moved to six now after Utah quarterback Cameron Rising is expected to make his season debut against UCLA on Saturday. Utah (3-0) began the season with quarterback Bryson Barnes with a win against Florida, but moved Nate Johnson after Barnes struggled against Baylor. Utah is led by a strong defense that has only allowed 12 points per game and is ranked 10th in rushing defense, allowing only 65 yards per game. With Rising back, Utah could possibly be the favorites coming out of the PAC-12.

UCLA defeated Utah 42-32 in 2022, but have quite a different roster than last year. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was big piece of the Bruins’ offense, but he has moved on to the NFL and UCLA is starting freshman quarterback Dante Moore. Former running back Zach Charbonnet and some of the Bruins top pass catchers also did not return for 2023. Despite losing Charbonnet, the Bruins are ranked third with 270 rushing yards per game. It will be a tough task to run the football against one of the best rushing defenses in the country in the Utes. Can the Freshman get it done for the Bruins?

Game prediction: Rising is coming off a torn ACL, but I think he is a star. I am expecting him to play and will go with the more experienced quarterback to win the game. Utah wins and covers 35-21.

#6 Ohio State @ #9 Notre Dame (OSU -3.5)

This should be one of the most exciting games of the year. Ohio State (3-0) and Notre Dame (4-0) have played five times since 1995 and the Buckeyes have won each meeting. The two teams have only met in South Bend once since then and that was the closest game. Notre Dame is led by one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman. Running back Audric Estime and the offensive line has also been great for the Irish, averaging 205 rushing yards per game. The Fightin’ Irish rank 4th in total defense as well with their biggest win in week three against NC State.

Ohio State ranks 3rd in total defense, but has played no competition yet. Neither team has play many difficult games, but Notre Dame did dominate a good team in NC State. Buckeyes Quarterback Kyle McCord has been good so far, but this will be the matchup that shows. He also has two of the best weapons in wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, along with a great running back in TreVeyon Henderson. This will be the game that could get McCord over the hump and as a legitimate starting quarterback for the Buckeyes.

Game prediction: Notre Dame is at home and they want to prove they belong in the playoff conversation. I am picking Notre Dame to win the game 24-23.