Week 4 of the college football season is upon us, and while there may be a lack of traditional powerhouse matchups, the conference clashes promise to be thrilling and pivotal. This week features several ranked teams battling it out, setting the stage for the season's most intense period. From early morning kickoffs to late-night thrillers, this Saturday offers a feast for football fans.
Here's a countdown of the top 10 games, with some honorable mentions to kick things off:
**Honorable Mentions:** Iowa at Rutgers (Friday), Arkansas at Memphis, Maryland at Wisconsin, Syracuse at Clemson, North Texas at Army, West Virginia at Kansas, BYU at ECU, Washington at Washington State
**10. TCU vs. SMU:** The 104th Iron Skillet rivalry game marks the end of an era for these Dallas-Fort Worth rivals. TCU, led by quarterback Josh Hoover, looks strong. SMU, coming off a 2024 College Football Playoff appearance, needs a win to avoid a second loss after their heartbreaking defeat against Baylor.
*Line: TCU -7*
**9. Michigan State vs. USC:** Michigan State will face a late-night challenge against a high-powered USC team. The Spartans show improvement under Coach Jonathan Smith but haven't faced an opponent like USC. USC boasts a potent offense averaging 55 points per game thanks to quarterback Jayden Maiava, a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.
*Line: USC -18.5*
**8. Tulane vs. Ole Miss:** Tulane has a chance to establish itself as the top Group of 6 team with an upset victory. Their wins over Northwestern and Duke already highlight their strength. A win against Ole Miss would solidify their position. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff leads the charge for Tulane, while Ole Miss hopes to have Austin Simmons back from injury.
*Line: Ole Miss -12.5*
**7. South Carolina vs. Missouri:** South Carolina suffered a devastating loss to Vanderbilt, with quarterback LaNorris Sellers sustaining an injury. His status remains uncertain for this week's game against a surging Missouri team led by quarterback Beau Pribula. This prime-time matchup is crucial for both teams with challenging schedules ahead.
*Line: Missouri -10.5*
**6. Baylor vs. Arizona State:** While not the biggest Big 12 game of the day, this one is still significant. Both teams stumbled against SEC opponents, highlighting the need for Big 12 teams to prove themselves on a national stage. Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson is a standout performer, while Arizona State's Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson form a potent offensive duo.
*Line: Baylor -2.5*
**5. Michigan vs. Nebraska:** Michigan's true freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood, is set to showcase his talent after an impressive debut. He faces a Nebraska team that showed resilience early in the season. This Big Ten clash will help determine the conference hierarchy.
*Line: Michigan -2.5*
**4. Miami vs. Florida:** Miami continues to impress, crushing USF in their previous game. Quarterback Carson Beck is a Heisman frontrunner, leading a high-scoring offense. Florida, under pressure, needs a win against a significantly stronger Miami team.
*Line: Miami -7.5*
**3. Illinois vs. Indiana:** This Big Ten clash is a significant game between two programs looking to break into the top tier. This ranked matchup, their first since 1950, is a must-watch for any college football fan.
*Line: Indiana -6*
**2. Texas Tech vs. Utah:** This Big 12 matchup is highly anticipated, potentially impacting the conference title and playoff races. Utah's improved offense, led by quarterback Devon Dampier, is a major threat. Texas Tech's talented transfer class and strong defense create a compelling contest. The winner takes control of the Big 12 power rankings.
*Line: Utah -3*
**1. Auburn vs. Oklahoma:** This game is packed with intrigue. It's a showdown between former Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold and Oklahoma's John Mateer, a Heisman contender. Both teams aim for SEC and CFP contention after impressive non-conference wins, making this a crucial match for both programs.
*Line: Oklahoma -6.5*
*(Note: All point spreads courtesy of BetMGM. All kickoff times are Eastern and Saturday unless otherwise noted.)*
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6642965/2025/09/19/college-football-schedule-week-4-auburn-oklahoma/
