Top 10 College Football Games Week 4: Auburn-Oklahoma, Texas Tech-Utah, Illinois-Indiana
The fourth week of college football is here. It might not have the marquee matchups of past years, but the buzz is real as conference play ramps up.
This weekend brings three games between ranked teams. We’ll get a real sense of how the rest of the season could shake out.
From the early kickoff in Salt Lake City to the late-night Big Ten showdown, there’s plenty to keep football fans glued to their screens. Let’s dig into the top games to watch, with a closer look at the Auburn vs. Oklahoma showdown.
Top Games to Watch in Week 4
Week 4 has a handful of games that could shake up conference standings and the playoff race. A few stand out more than others.
Honorable Mentions
Some matchups might fly under the radar, but they’re worth a look:
- Iowa at Rutgers (Fri.)
- Arkansas at Memphis
- Maryland at Wisconsin
- Syracuse at Clemson
- North Texas at Army
- West Virginia at Kansas
- BYU at ECU
- Washington at Washington State
Key Matchups
TCU vs. SMU
The Iron Skillet rivalry is back for its 104th meeting, and it’s the last one on the books for now. TCU, with quarterback Josh Hoover at the helm, looks sharp and wants to stay in the Big 12 hunt.
SMU, fresh off a College Football Playoff run in 2024, can’t afford another stumble after falling to Baylor. The stakes feel higher than ever.
USC vs. Michigan State
This late-night clash features USC, rolling at 3-0 thanks to quarterback Jayden Maiava. The Trojans’ offense has been on fire, averaging 55 points per game.
Michigan State, now under Jonathan Smith, looks a bit more dangerous but faces its toughest challenge so far. Expect a shootout—maybe even some chaos.
Tulane vs. Ole Miss
Tulane has a shot to claim top Group of 6 status if they can upset Ole Miss. Wins over Northwestern and Duke already have people talking.
Ole Miss hopes quarterback Austin Simmons returns from injury to keep their strong start going. This one feels like a real test for both sides.
South Carolina vs. Missouri
South Carolina wants to bounce back after a tough loss to Vanderbilt. Getting quarterback LaNorris Sellers back would be huge against Missouri’s balanced attack, led by transfer QB Beau Pribula.
Both teams have brutal schedules ahead. This game could be a turning point.
Baylor vs. Arizona State
Baylor and Arizona State are both looking for redemption after rough starts. Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson has been lighting it up, ranking second in the FBS for passing yards and touchdowns.
Arizona State counters with quarterback Sam Leavitt and receiver Jordyn Tyson, who are eager to make a statement. The winner keeps their conference title hopes alive.
Michigan vs. Nebraska
Michigan and Nebraska bring two of college football’s most exciting young quarterbacks into this matchup. Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, a true freshman, has turned heads already.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola has his team off to a solid start. This game might tell us who’s really got the edge in the Big Ten.
Miami vs. Florida
Miami looks like a powerhouse after dismantling USF, and quarterback Carson Beck leads a scary offense. Florida, meanwhile, is still reeling from a tough LSU loss and desperately needs a bounce-back.
This rivalry always feels huge, but with both teams facing tough schedules ahead, it’s even more important this year.
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Illinois vs. Indiana
Illinois and Indiana, two programs not usually in the spotlight, are both coming off historic seasons. Now they meet in a rare ranked matchup.
Each team wants to prove they can hang in the Big Ten. This one should be gritty and close.
Utah vs. Texas Tech
Utah and Texas Tech face off in a game that could define the Big 12 race. Utah’s offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier, looks fresh.
Texas Tech’s defense will try to slow them down. Whoever wins could vault into the top tier of the conference.
The Spotlight: Auburn vs. Oklahoma
The weekend’s marquee game is Auburn vs. Oklahoma, and it’s loaded with storylines. Auburn’s former five-star recruit Jackson Arnold returns, but now he’s suiting up for Oklahoma.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s new quarterback John Mateer has jumped into the Heisman conversation. There’s a lot riding on this one for both sides.
High Stakes and High Expectations
People doubted both teams coming into the season, but they’ve forced themselves into the SEC and CFP mix fast. Auburn notched a big nonconference win over Baylor, while Oklahoma knocked off Michigan.
Whoever wins here grabs serious momentum—and maybe a shot at the playoff. It’s the kind of game you just can’t miss.
Key Players to Watch
- John Mateer (Oklahoma QB): With the second-best betting odds for the Heisman, Mateer’s performance will be critical for the Sooners.
- Jackson Arnold (Auburn QB): Facing his former team, Arnold has a lot to prove and will be a central figure in Auburn’s game plan.
This game isn’t just about what happens on the field. There’s a whole story unfolding that could shape the season for both programs.
Fans and analysts will keep a close eye as these teams fight for the upper hand. There’s a lot riding on this one, and you can feel the tension building.
Want a deeper dive into this weekend’s biggest games? Check out the New York Times.