College football's playoff system, even with its expansion, remains highly selective. While the NCAA basketball tournament boasts a significantly higher acceptance rate, the College Football Playoff remains an exclusive club, with only a small percentage of teams making the cut. This week's games highlight the fierce competition and unexpected contenders vying for a coveted spot.
This weekend sees a pivotal matchup between No. 19 Indiana and No. 9 Illinois, two teams defying expectations. Indiana, under first-year coach Curt Cignetti, is riding a wave of success after a surprisingly strong start to the season. Illinois, having achieved its first double-digit win season in over two decades, presents a formidable challenge. Their meeting marks the first time both teams have been ranked simultaneously since 1950, with Illinois favored to win despite playing on the road.
Other key matchups include Iowa against Rutgers. Iowa's strong defense is expected to stifle Rutgers' recent offensive surge. TCU faces SMU, aiming for revenge after last year's defeat. TCU's quarterback, Josh Hoover, is poised to exploit SMU's vulnerable passing defense. Clemson, struggling at 1-2, needs a decisive win to regain momentum, while the highly anticipated game between Utah and Texas Tech pits two top Big 12 contenders against each other.
Oregon looks to continue its dominance against a rival, while Notre Dame, aiming for a playoff return, faces an important test. Oklahoma, with Heisman hopeful John Mateer leading the offense, aims to shut down Auburn's new quarterback. Tulane anticipates success against Ole Miss, while Nebraska faces an uphill battle against Michigan and their talented freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood. Miami is favored to defeat Florida, and Baylor aims for victory over Texas. Finally, USC, boasting a high-scoring offense, is heavily favored against Michigan State.
Expert picks favor Iowa, Oklahoma, and Tulane this week. However, the ever-changing landscape of college football ensures that upsets are always a possibility. This week's games promise thrilling competition and dramatic finishes as teams fight for playoff positioning and conference supremacy. The provided odds are subject to change; please consult your preferred sportsbook for the most up-to-date information. Remember to gamble responsibly.
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Originally published at: https://nypost.com/2025/09/19/betting/college-football-week-4-predictions-picks-against-the-spread/
