In Week 3, we were 3-for-3 at identifying important games that were under-the-radar. Here are the college football Week 4 games that should be getting more attention.
Now “under-the-radar” doesn’t necessarily mean on “upset alert”. For example, Notre Dame may be on upset alert, however, many people know of the possibility that this game could go sideways.
Under-the-radar means the game likely has extensive circumstances that, should it go one way or the other, will tell us a lot more about one, or both, of the teams that may not have been previously recognized by the common fan.
Last week we identified then-No. 22 USC heading to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns as a possible under-the-radar game.
Sure a lot of people had this game on their radar but the majority of people were more interested in the TCU vs. Ohio State game played at the same time. Ohio State eventually won that game and we learned really nothing more than we already knew, Ohio State is a little bit better than a pretty good TCU team — 12 points better to be specific.
But, after looking over the weekend’s scores, fans started to realize what a blowout loss for USC really meant, both for the team and the Pac-12 as a whole.
Texas lost to Maryland in Week 1; Maryland lost to Temple last week; Temple lost to both Buffalo and Villanova; Villanova lost to Towson. So USC is worst than Towson, Villanova and the rest? And USC only lost to Stanford by 14 points at Stanford. So Stanford is only 14 points better than the rest at home?
OK, let’s not get too crazy now. Of course that’s not how football works. However, you can now see how one game can have massive implications on how we view and analyze teams across college football. Do we have any games like this in Week 4?
3. TCU at Texas
No, I would not say the Texas Longhorns are back. Back from a 7-6 record last year? Maybe. Texas looked very good in their 37-14 win over USC in Week 3. However, they were at home and the Trojans were probably overrated at No. 22. The Longhorns now hold a record of 2-1 and face in-state opponent, TCU.
Last week, TCU lost a sloppy game to Ohio State, yet remain ranked at No. 17. Additionally, Texas quarterback, Sam Ehlingher, is looking better and better each week. With quarterback guru, Tom Herman, in Ehlinger’s corner, the Texas offense finally looks to be finding its rhythm. The TCU defense will need to be ready for another talented offense.
This game will be the first conference matchup for either team. Should Texas win, the narrative will focus primarily on the Horned Frogs loss, and how TCU is somehow worse than Villanova. However, the discussion should focus on Tom Herman rebuilding Texas’ program.
Will Texas actually come out with a win? Unlikely. However, impossible? Never. Gary Patterson will get his team right back on track to compete for the Big 12 Championship.
Prediction: TCU 41, Texas 21
2. Michigan State at Indiana
The No. 24 Michigan State Spartans travel to Bloomington to take on Indiana in Week 4. The Spartans are coming off a bye week, and should be well prepared to face a Hoosier team that is better than they have been in recent years.
In Michigan State’s first game of the year, they nearly lost at home to Utah State, 38-31. Then in Week 2, the Spartans did drop a game to Arizona State, 16-13. Indiana comes into the game 3-0.
Michigan State is by far the more talented team, but it appears as though they are struggling to put it all together. One day the offense comes to play, but the defense doesn’t. The next week, the offense can barely get a first down.
Playing Indiana in their home stadium is going to make this game much more difficult. There are also some questions at the center position for the Spartans. Regardless, the Hoosiers are looking to cause some ripples in the Big Ten East by handing Michigan State a conference loss early in the season. The Spartans will likely walk away with a win in this game, but it won’t be pretty.
Prediction: Michigan State 24, Indiana 21
1. Kansas at Baylor
So long as Kansas keeps winning, we need to continue to recognize the accomplishment. The Kansas Jayhawks have recorded a three-win season, only twice this decade. The Jayhawks will be playing for their third win already this season in Week 4.
This week, Kansas takes on the Baylor Bears in McLane Stadium. Playing a road game is the least of the worries for the Jayhawks. But facing a fellow Big 12 opponent will be the biggest test this Kansas team has had thus far into the year.
Baylor comes into the game 2-1, with a 27-40 loss against a surprisingly good Duke team. Baylor’s offense should have no problem with the Jayhawks since they are averaging 40 points a game.
However, the Baylor defense will need to play better than they have in order to stop a Kansas offense that has been putting up decent numbers.
Kansas has the most momentum they have had in years. And Baylor’s wins do not come from quality opponents (UTSA and… Abilene Christian?). So this game will be much closer than it has been in years past. However, the Baylor Bears should end Kansas’ win streak.
Prediction: Kansas 24, Baylor 27