Last week was the week that inevitably arrives every September in college football. The weekend when pretenders are exposed, weak links are identified and preseason hype evaporates into thin air. Welcome to Week 4, a darker and bleaker place, sure, but a real one.
The big, flashy, made-for-TV non-conference matchups are largely over, and now we get into the nitty-gritty of the conference slate. This week’s most watchable games include a traditional rivalry, a clash of two surprising Cinderella stories and a few conference matchups between teams desperately trying to go from wishing and hoping to contending.
Stream live college football games every week this season from conferences across the country on ESPN+.
1
No. 11 Tennessee vs. No. 20 Florida (3:30 p.m. ET on CBS)
Favorite: Tennessee (-10.5)
One of the most storied rivalries in the SEC East has a little bit of extra heat to it this year. Florida has experienced both ups and downs in its first month of games under Billy Napier, while Tennessee fans can hardly believe the dominance and consistency they’re seeing out of the Vols thus far. It feels like both programs could be on the precipice of finally taking that big step towards competing with Georgia in the division.
That said, both programs still have a lot to prove. Can Tennessee’s offense continue to look like world-beaters when they face a more talented and physical defense? Can Florida’s new coaching staff put together a game plan to keep up with the high-flying Vols?
2
Washington State vs. No. 15 Oregon (4 p.m. ET on FOX)
Favorite: Oregon (-6.5)
Could we have gone with the two undefeated Pac-12 (USC and Oregon State) teams facing off in this spot? Sure, and that game is probably worth watching too! But personally, I find this to be the more compelling game, not because I think either team is more likely to win the conference or make a run at a playoff spot, but because these are two teams that have already lived interesting lives in 2022.
Oregon picked itself up and dusted itself off after being brutalized by Georgia in the opener and absolutely pounded its next two opponents, including ranked BYU. Washington State went on the road at Wisconsin and picked up a win nobody was expecting. This may not be the Pac-12 game that makes the most noise nationally, but these are two highly-watchable teams that have already exceeded expectations so far this season.
Stream live college football games every week this season from conferences across the country on ESPN+.
3
Iowa State vs. No. 17 Baylor (Noon ET on ESPN2)
Favorite: Iowa State (-3)
Matt Campbell has elevated Iowa State into the kind of program it always dreamed of being: a perennial Big 12 contender. The Cyclones have knocked on the door for several years now, and after a 3-0 start, including a win over Iowa, this could finally be the breakthrough year they’ve been waiting for.
Baylor, meanwhile, has fast-tracked its way back into being a serious Big 12 power again, and despite an overtime loss to BYU, 2022 is looking like it could be a special season for the Bears as well. These are two of the most exciting teams to watch in the Big 12 facing off in a high-stakes September matchup.
4
Kansas vs. Duke (Noon ET on FS1)
Favorite: Kansas (-7.5)
Two of the surprising Cinderella stories of September face off in a game that promises to give the winning side a level of hope and excitement not seen at either program for years.
Duke has been shockingly consistent to open the season so far, but Kansas enters this game as the deserved favorite with a 3-0 record against one of the more difficult schedules any Power 5 team has faced so far. It feels weird to be getting hyped up for Kansas (or Duke for that matter), but it’s time to start accepting that this is really happening.
5
No. 10 Arkansas vs. No. 23 Texas A&M (7 p.m. ET on ESPN)
Favorite: Texas A&M (-2.5)
Arkansas and Texas A&M would both really love to get their hands on the little device from Men In Black that makes you forget what just happened to you. Did Arkansas really just struggle to beat FCS Missouri State coached by Bobby Petrino? FLASH! I don’t know what you’re talking about. Did Texas A&M really lose to Appalachian State at home? FLASH! Hey cool, a win over Miami.
Both of these programs came into the season with really high hopes, and both can still accomplish everything they hoped to… probably. But the thing about embarrassing losses or ugly games against outmatched opponents is that they can create doubts — doubts that can rear their ugly heads when the pressure starts to build. This game will mark a huge turning point for both teams in determining whether their early-season struggles were blips on the radar or real problems for the program.
Stream live college football games every week this season from conferences across the country on ESPN+.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
