Week 4 of this college football season is the week that fans have been dreaming of. The SEC is back and playing for the first time this season. There are two Top 25 matchups, and there are 30 college football games to choose from.
Here is a full list of every Week 4 matchup and their predictions.
THE MARQUEE MATCHUPS
#5 Florida at Ole Miss
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at Noon
TV Channel: ESPN
Florida enters the 2020 college football season with high expectations. The Gators are the fifth-ranked team in the country and are viewed as a legitimate SEC contender alongside Alabama.
However, Florida might have its hands full versus an underrated Ole Miss program. The Rebels are led by Lane Kiffin, in his first season with the program, and have the talent on both sides of the ball to make life difficult for Florida.
Kiffin has experience in the SEC, serving as a coordinator at Alabama and a head coach at Tennessee. This experience can prove to be critical in this game. However, the absence of a normal spring will hurt Ole Miss and Florida’s talent will likely take over this game.
Florida quarterback Kyle Trask will pick apart a weak Ole Miss defense.
Prediction: This will be a sloppy game, but Florida will pull away in the second half 38-21
#23 Kentucky at #8 Auburn
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at Noon
TV Channel: SEC Network
This might be the marquee matchup of Week 4. In 2019, Kentucky had one of the most unstoppable rushing attacks rushing for 279.1 yards per game. Auburn will have their hands full with trying to stop Kentucky’s prolific rushing attack.
Auburn will only go as far as sophomore quarterback Bo Nix takes them. Nix had moments of greatness but was not enough to propel the Tigers to the next level last season. Auburn’s defense will be elite, but it only can do so much.
If Auburn shuts down the run and forces Kentucky to pass the ball, they can control the game. Considering rust to start the season, Auburn’s talent and experience will outweigh Kentucky’s rushing attack.
Prediction: A low scoring game with Auburn in the driver’s seat for most of the game 24-10
#24 Louisville at #21 Pitt
When: Saturday, September 26th at Noon
TV Channel: ACCN
This is going to be one of the best matchups to watch in Week 4. Pitt is 2-0 and heading in hot ranked as the 21st team in the counter. Louisville showed a lot of promise versus Miami and is entering this matchup 1-1.
Louisville played toe-to-toe versus Miami and proved it is the real deal. Their defense gave up a lot of points, but they were playing an electrifying quarterback in D’Eriq King. Their offense still kept up with King.
Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham and running back Javian Hawkins are one of the most underrated duos in the nation, and they should be able to show that versus Pitt.
Pitt beat Austin Peay and Syracuse but have not shown they can keep up versus marquee talent. This will be their first test of the season.
Prediction: This will be a back and forth battle with Louisville sneaking this one out and making a statement to the entire country 42-38
Mississippi State at #6 LSU
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at 3:30 p.m.
TV Channel: CBS
The entire college football community will be tuning into this game. LSU is coming off the best college football season of all time, but they lost an absurd amount of talent. LSU is going into the 2020 season with a lot of people doubting them due to most of their championship team being gone.
Former Washington State head coach, Mike Leach, took over the reins for the Bulldogs. He will bring a new explosive air raid offense. They will have Stanford transfer K.J. Costello, who can sling the ball in Leach’s offense.
Both these teams will have a lot to prove and it will be one of the most thrilling matchups of Week 4.
Prediction: LSU wins in a close one, 45-38
#22 Army at #14 Cincinnati
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at 3:30 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPN
Army is coming off a bye week after having two dominating wings versus Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Monroe. Army’s run game seemed to be unstoppable, but Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Monroe are not on the level of Cincinnati.
Cincinnati beat Austin Peay by five touchdowns and seemed to win at ease. However, the Bearcats haven’t played a team like Army.
Cincinnati plays a good game on both sides of the football and has shown it will be the same team that finished 25th in the nation in rushing yards. This will be a ground and pound type of game and time of possession and finishing at the end of drives will be crucial.
Prediction: Cincinnati squeezes it out in a close one 21-17
Florida State at #12 Miami
When: Saturday, September 26th at 7:30 p.m.
TV Channel: ABC
Miami is one of the most intriguing teams in the country so far in 2020. Quarterback D’Eriq King is leading the electric offense that has the whole nation buzzing. Florida State is coming off a devastating loss to Georgia Tech, and they will be without their head coach for this game.
Prediction: Miami wins easily 35-17
UNDER-THE-RADAR MATCHUPS
Georgia Tech at Syracuse
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at Noon
TV Channel: ESPN 3
Georgia Tech is coming off a disappointing loss versus UCF. However, they have a chance to get their confidence back by winning versus a lackluster Syracuse team.
Syracuse is not a bad team by any means, but they are struggling to find a groove to start the season. They scored only six points versus UNC and only 10 points versus Pitt.
Georgia Tech beat Florida State and stayed in for most of the game versus UCF. Georgia Tech and Syracuse both played really good competition, but Georgia Tech demonstrated it can handle that level of competition better.
Prediction: Georgia Tech follows in the footsteps of UNC and Pitt 28-9
Georgia State at Charlotte
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at Noon
TV Channel: ESPN U
Georgia State is coming off a devastating loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns. Those losses are crippling to a team. Charlotte is coming off a bye week and will be well-rested mentally and physically.
Georgia State can respond in two ways: make a statement and win or be sluggish and lose a winnable matchup.
Charlotte kept it close versus Appalachian State, but their offense struggled. Quarterback Chris Reynolds dropped back 30 times and only completed 11 passes for 140 yards. He was also intercepted twice.
Charlotte’s defense also allowed Appalachian State to have two 100-yard rushers. Georgia State running back Destin Coates rushed for 150 yards versus Louisiana-Lafayette, and he will find even more success versus Charlotte.
Prediction: Georgia State bounces back 34-20
Iowa State at TCU
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at 1:30 p.m.
TV Channel: FS1
As mentioned earlier, Iowa State was upset by Louisiana-Lafayette. They have had a week to think about it and are now heading to TCU. It will be TCU’s first game of the season and the theme of this article continues. TCU will be rusty and playing a motivated Iowa State team.
Brock Purdy will not struggle versus TCU as he did versus Louisiana-Lafayette. Iowa State dominated the game leading in total yards and rushing yards. They were just unable to finish.
TCU quarterback Max Duggan has returned after being diagnosed with an undisclosed heart condition. He missed a good amount of time and this will only add to the rust.
Prediction: Iowa State bounces back 27-20
West Virginia at #15 Oklahoma State
When: Saturday, September 26th at 3:30 p.m.
TV Channel: ABC
Oklahoma State is coming off a close call versus Tulsa. The injury bug hit the quarterback position and the uncertainty still clouds over their offense.
West Virginia is coming off a bye week and will be looking to take advantage of an offense that is struggling to find their way. They will have to contain one of the best running backs in the country, Chuba Hubbard.
Oklahoma State also will be wearing their throwback uniforms and that can only mean good things.
Prediction: West Virginia with the upset 38-31
Kansas at Baylor
When: Saturday, September 26th at 7:30 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPNU
Kansas lost to Coastal Carolina by double digits and it will not get any better versus Baylor. Baylor had their game postponed versus Houston last week and they will be eager to get onto the field.
It is still up in the air if the game will happen, but if it does, Baylor should pull out the win in dominating fashion.
Prediction: Baylor wins easily 31-15
North Carolina State at #20 Virginia Tech
When: Saturday, September 26th at 8 p.m.
TV Channel: ACCN
NC State is coming off a nail-biting win over Wake Forest. In 2019, this victory would have been impressive. However, Wake Forest is not the same team it was in 2019, and NC state relied a lot on the run game in their victory.
Virginia Tech finished 46th in rushing yards allowed and tied for 46th in rushing touchdowns allowed. If they shut down the run game for NC state, they should take over this game.
Prediction: VT shuts down the run game and cruises 31-20
Troy at #18 BYU
When: Saturday, September 26th at 10:15 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPN
BYU beat down on a Navy team that did not have tackling during practice prior to their game. Troy blew Middle Tennessee out of the water as well. Both teams will have something to prove this game.
This is a boom or bust game for BYU.
Prediction: BYU barely escapes 38-31
BIG-NAME TEAMS THAT WILL LOOK TO TAKEOVER
#8 Texas at Texas Tech
When: Saturday, September 26th at 3:30 p.m.
TV Channel: FOX
Every year, Texas fans deem their team ready to return to national champion greatness. However, they haven’t had a taste of that recently. This might be the year where they can actually reach that threshold.
Texas Quarterback Sam Ehlinger is a Heisman trophy candidate and he will lead an under-the-radar Texas offense. He threw for over 400 yards along with five touchdowns in their win versus UTEP.
Texas is coming off a bye and will look to dominate against a Texas Tech team that only beat Houston Baptist by two points. This game should be another blow out for Texas.
Prediction: Texas steamrolls 69-31
#13 UCF at East Carolina
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at Noon
TV Channel: ABC
UCF is riding high after an electrifying victory over Georgia Tech. Quarterback Dillion Gabriel passed for 417 yards and four touchdowns. UCF’s offense looked dangerous.
This will be East Carolina’s first game of the season. Frankly, their rust will be evident as they play a team with all the momentum heading into Week 4.
Prediction: UCF tramples and continues momentum 55-17
Kansas State at #3 Oklahoma
When: Saturday, September 26th at Noon
TV Channel: FOX
Kansas State gave up 35 points in their loss versus Arkansas State. They now are playing one of the most electrifying offenses in the nation led by one of the best offensive minds in Lincoln Riley.
Both teams are coming off a bye, and this does not help Kansas State. Oklahoma will be looking to avenge their brutal loss to Kansas State last year. Oklahoma will have rest and motivation going into its Week 4 matchup and this spells disaster for the Wildcats.
To add to the nightmare for Kansas State, Oklahoma is undefeated in its past 16 games at home. The stars are aligning for a blowout.
Prediction: Oklahoma simply and utterly dominates 62-28
#4 Georgia at Arkansas
When: Saturday, September 26th at 4 p.m.
TV Channel: SEC Network
Georgia will be looking to make a statement in their first game of the season. Wake Forest transfer quarterback, Jamie Newman, opted out of the season, and backup quarterback J.T. Daniels might not be able to start due to an offseason knee surgery.
Despite the questions at quarterback, Georgia will look to blow Arkansas out of the water. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman was an assistant at Georgia, but his knowledge of the program will not help him out in this one.
Prediction: Georgia comes out of the gates running 42-14
#2 Alabama at Missouri
When: Saturday, September 26th at 7 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPN
Alabama is seeking revenge. That is one of the scariest sentences in college football, and that is all to be said.
Prediction: Alabama in a blowout 52-7
Vanderbilt at #10 Texas A&M
When: Saturday, September 26th at 7:30 p.m.
TV Channel: SECN ALT
It will be both of their first games of the season. Frankly, Texas A&M has better talent and coaching. Vanderbilt has more questions than answers, and even though this will be a rusty game for each team, the Aggies will prevail.
Prediction: Slow start to the game, but Aggies win 34-14
UPSET ALERT
West Virginia at #15 Oklahoma State
When: Saturday, September 26th at 3:30 p.m.
TV Channel: ABC
Oklahoma State is coming off a close call versus Tulane. The injury bug hit the quarterback position and the uncertainty still clouds over their offense.
West Virginia is coming off a bye week and will be looking to take advantage of an offense that is struggling to find their way. They will have to contain one of the best running backs in the country, Chuba Hubbard.
Oklahoma State also will be wearing their throwback uniforms, and that can only mean good things.
Prediction: West Virginia with the upset 38-31
Duke at Virginia
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at 4 p.m.
TV Channel: ACCN
Duke played Notre Dame close but lost effortlessly to Boston College the week after. This will be Virginia’s first game of the season, and Duke has already played two good programs.
Prediction: Duke will be more ready for this game, 24-10
#16 Tennessee at South Carolina
When: Saturday, September 26th at 7:30 p.m.
TV Channel: SEC Network
Tennessee is coming into the season with a lot of hype. They turned their season around in the second half of 2019, and they are now looking to use that as a foundation for a great season in 2020.
South Carolina has a new offensive coordinator, and their defense is returning key players. They can give Tennessee headaches to start the game, and might be able to pull off the upset
Prediction: South Carolina pulls off the upset 27-24
GAMES MOST PEOPLE WILL FORGET ABOUT
Middle Tennessee at UTSA
When: Friday, September 25th at 8 p.m.
TV Channel: CBSSN
Middle Tennessee has given up 40 or more points in their first two games in 2020. They got shut out by Army 42-0 and gave up even more points to Troy losing 47-14. They barely passed for over 100 yards versus Army and haven’t had a rusher rush for over 50 yards yet.
UTSA is undefeated and has the offense to extend Middle Tennessee’s 40-point streak. UTSA has a balanced offense and can beat Middle Tennessee in a variety of ways. UTSA running back Sincere McCormick has been on fire rushing for 197 yards versus Texas State and 98 yards versus Stephen F Austin.
Prediction: UTSA will run all over Middle Tennessee and should dominate this game from start to finish 45-21
Georgia Southern at #19 Louisiana Lafayette
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at Noon
TV Channel: ESPN 2
Georgia Southern barely beat Campbell. They only won by one single point. They are playing a team that stunned Iowa State and came back to win in OT versus Georgia State.
The momentum is heavily favored for the Ragin’ Cajuns and it will continue versus Georgia Southern. This is the Ragin’ Cajuns year and Georgia Southern will not get in their way.
Prediction: Louisiana wins easily 35-17
Campbell at Appalachian State
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at Noon
TV Channel: ESPN +
This is one of the games where everyone knows the outcome. Campbell lost their last five games and lost their last five games playing a Sun Belt opponent.
Appalachian State struggled versus Marshall, scoring a single touchdown. They are going into this game hoping to obliterate Campbell, in an effort to regain momentum.
Prediction: Appalachian State gets their swagger back 45-12
FIU at Liberty
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at 1 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPN 3
This will be FIU’s first game of the season and as the season so far has shown, the rust will be evident. On the other hand, Liberty is coming off a win versus Western Kentucky.
Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze has created an up-tempo attack for his program. Liberty’s offense will be too much for FIU, especially for their first game of the season. FIU might not find their groove all game.
Prediction: This game will be all Liberty 41-24
Texas State at Boston College
When: When: Saturday, September 26th at 6 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPN 3
Texas State has two losses, but both of them were by a single possession. Boston College beat Duke convincingly, but Texas State has shown they can keep every game close.
Texas State shut downSMU’s electric offense, limiting them to only 31 points. They should be able to lock down Boston College’s offense.
Prediction: Texas State in a close one 31-27
Houston Baptist at Louisiana Tech
When: Saturday, September 26th at 7 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPN 3
Prediction: 28-14
Stephen F Austin at SMU
When: Saturday, September 26th at 7 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPN +
Prediction: SMU in a blowout 52-10
UTEP at Louisiana-Monroe
When: Saturday, September 26th at 3:30 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPNU
Prediction: UTEP improves to 3-1 21-10