College Football picks, predictions Week 4: Can Vols finally beat Florida?

Note: All other college football games mentioned are set to take place Sept. 24 

No. 5 Clemson at No. 21 Wake Forest (12 PM on ABC)

Prediction: Clemson’s revered defense will be on full display against Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman this week. The Tigers are giving up just two touchdowns per game this season and the Demon Deacons are scoring 42 points per game—something has to give. Defense usually wins out in these situations. If it’s a low-scoring game, I think Clemson wins, but if Hartman is able to carve up Clemson’s defense, they’ve got a shot on their home turf to pull off the upset. I’m taking the under on this one.

Pick: Under 56.5 

No. 17 Baylor at Iowa State (12 PM on ESPN2)

Prediction: Baylor has to plan for Iowa State stud receiver Xavier Hutchinson, who is off to a blistering start to the 2022 college football season. He’s pulled in 28 catches for 319 yards and 5 touchdowns in his first three games. In fact, he’s caught all but three of QB Hunter Dekkers; touchdown passes this season. If the Bears can siphon him off from his quarterback and keep running back Jirehl Brock (280 yards, 1 touchdown), they’ll escape Ames, Iowa with a big conference road win.

Pick: Baylor +116

Duke at Kansas (12 PM on FS1)

Prediction: This would be the perfect place to drop the “Hey, look at us” Paul Rudd meme. Who would’ve thought Duke and Kansas, schools usually revered for their elite college basketball programs, would both have 3-0 football teams to start the season? I give the edge to the Jayhawks in this one: they’re at home, they have a better resume, and a bit more talent on the offensive side of the ball. ESPN ranks the Jayhawks No. 7 based on their strength of record, while Duke sits at 33.

Pick: Kansas -7.5