College Football Week 4 Preview: Best Bets and Insights

Week 4 of the college football season is here, and the stakes are rising. The hosts of the College Football Podcast on the Pregame.com Podcast Network, Griffin Warner and Big East Ben, are back to break down the top games of the week, offering in-depth analysis and valuable betting insights. From Nebraska's overhyped quarterback situation to Utah's quarterback returning just in time for a pivotal road game, this week’s matchups promise excitement and plenty of opportunities for savvy bettors.

Highlights from the Episode

02:34 - PAC-12’s New Era

Ben kicks things off by discussing the shifting landscape of the PAC-12 (02:34), a conference that’s been struggling to stay afloat. With powerhouse teams like Oregon and Washington State leaving, the PAC-12 will soon be adding Boise State, Colorado State, and others. Ben expresses skepticism about whether these schools can fill the shoes of departed programs.

Ben also highlights the legal battle over the PAC-12 brand, remarking on how some teams that were eager to leave the conference are still fighting to retain the rights to its name. Griffin adds that while the rebranding will be difficult, the inclusion of schools like Boise State offers some hope for rejuvenating the conference’s image.

05:45 - Nebraska Hype and Concerns

The spotlight shifts to Nebraska and their quarterback, Dylan Riola, at (05:45). Riola has been compared to NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, largely due to his arm strength and playing style. However, Ben isn’t buying into the hype just yet. Despite a blowout victory over Colorado, Nebraska has not consistently performed at a high level, and Riola’s Mahomes comparisons feel premature.

Griffin points out that while Riola has shown flashes of brilliance, the team’s struggles on both sides of the ball should temper expectations. Ben argues that Nebraska is benefiting from an overhyped narrative, and Illinois could expose their vulnerabilities in this week’s matchup.

Key Takeaway: Nebraska’s inflated hype may be overblown, and bettors should be cautious about placing too much faith in the quarterback’s early career.

07:05 - Illinois vs Nebraska: Underdog Value

Illinois comes into the game as an 8.5-point underdog, but Big East Ben is bullish on their chances of keeping the game close (07:05). Illinois boasts a solid defense, led by a sharp quarterback in Luke Altmyer. Ben highlights the Illini’s ability to outplay opponents on the road, making this a value play for those looking to back the underdog.

Griffin agrees, emphasizing the low-scoring nature of the game. Nebraska’s offense has struggled against strong defenses, and Illinois has the tools to limit their production. The hosts predict that Nebraska may not be able to cover the spread, with Illinois potentially staying within a touchdown.

Betting Insight: Illinois +8.5 offers good value, especially with a strong defense that can keep the score tight.

09:45 - USC at Michigan: Under the Radar

USC travels to Michigan this week, where they’re six-point favorites despite some concerns about their offensive consistency (09:45). Michigan’s season has been rocky, and the Wolverines are making a quarterback change, with five-star recruit Alex Orji stepping in. However, Griffin and Ben are skeptical about Michigan’s ability to keep pace with USC.

Griffin sees this game as a low-scoring affair, highlighting Michigan’s defense as their key to success. USC has been a powerhouse offensively but has struggled against stout defenses. With Michigan fighting to stay alive this season, they’ll need to lean heavily on their defensive unit.

Ben backs Griffin’s prediction, agreeing that the under 46.5 is a smart bet given Michigan’s uncertain quarterback situation and USC’s mixed results on offense.

Key Takeaway: Michigan’s quarterback change and defensive strength point to a lower scoring game. The under 46.5 total is a solid betting angle.

13:30 - Utah’s Road Challenge at Oklahoma State

At (13:30), the conversation shifts to the Utah Utes, who are road favorites (-2.5) against Oklahoma State. Cam Rising, Utah’s star quarterback, is expected to return after missing time due to injury, and Ben is confident that his presence will make a big difference. Utah has consistently performed well under Coach Kyle Whittingham, and Rising’s leadership could be key to maintaining that momentum.

Oklahoma State, on the other hand, has struggled, barely pulling off a win against Arkansas. Ben criticizes Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy, questioning how he's managed to hold onto his job given the team’s inconsistency. Griffin jumps in to mention that this will be a battle of two veteran quarterbacks, with Oklahoma State’s Alan Bowman also bringing years of experience to the matchup.

Despite Bowman’s experience, both hosts agree that Utah has the edge. Rising’s return should give Utah a boost, and the Utes' defense can hold its own against a shaky Oklahoma State offense.

Betting Insight: Utah -2.5 is a strong pick. Cam Rising’s return makes Utah the better overall team, and they’re capable of covering the spread on the road.

Best Bets of the Week

1. Illinois +8.5 vs Nebraska

Both hosts favor Illinois to cover the spread in their matchup against Nebraska. With Nebraska’s offensive inconsistencies and Illinois’s strong defense, this underdog play offers solid value.

Key Factor: Illinois’s ability to control the pace of the game and limit Nebraska’s scoring opportunities.

2. USC at Michigan: Under 46.5

The USC-Michigan game is expected to be a low-scoring affair, with Michigan’s defense playing a key role in keeping USC’s offense in check. Griffin and Ben both agree that this game has the potential to stay under the 46.5 total, making it a smart betting option.

Key Factor: Michigan’s defensive capabilities and a new quarterback leading the offense.

3. Utah -2.5 at Oklahoma State

Utah’s Cam Rising is back, and Ben is confident that this will give Utah the edge against Oklahoma State. Utah has been a consistent performer under Coach Whittingham, and with Oklahoma State’s recent struggles, the Utes should be able to cover the 2.5-point spread.

Key Factor: Rising’s leadership and Utah’s defensive strength.

Conclusion

Week 4 of college football offers several enticing matchups, with plenty of value for bettors looking to capitalize on key underdogs and low totals. Illinois’s strong defense gives them a chance to cover against Nebraska, while Michigan’s matchup with USC should stay under the point total as both teams struggle offensively. Finally, Utah’s consistent play and the return of Cam Rising make them the team to back against Oklahoma State. With expert insights from Griffin Warner and Big East Ben, this week’s games promise to deliver excitement, drama, and great betting opportunities.

Key Points

•  Illinois Defense: Illinois has the tools to challenge Nebraska’s offense, making them a strong pick at +8.5.

•  PAC-12 Restructuring: The new PAC-12 lineup may breathe life into the dying conference.

•  Nebraska Hype: Despite early season excitement, Nebraska’s potential is overhyped.

• ? Michigan’s Struggles: Michigan faces a make-or-break game, especially with a new QB in Alex Orji.

•  Clemson Skepticism: Despite high spreads, Clemson’s overconfidence could cost them against NC State.

•  Utah on the Rise: With Cam Rising back, Utah is a good bet to win against Oklahoma State.

•  Tennessee Power: The Volunteers are one of the most impressive teams this season, and they’re ready to prove it against Oklahoma.

•  Value Picks: NC State and Illinois offer potential upsets or closer-than-expected games, providing value for bettors.

•  Under Picks: Games like Michigan vs USC and Tennessee vs Oklahoma suggest lower scoring affairs, making under bets appealing.

Summary

1. Illinois vs Nebraska: Expect Illinois to cover the spread at +8.5 due to their strong defense.

2. PAC-12's New Teams: The PAC-12's future hinges on incoming schools like Boise State, with legal battles still ongoing.

3. Nebraska Hype: Early season hype around Nebraska’s QB Dylan Riola might be unwarranted.

4. Michigan's Quarterback Switch: Michigan is gambling on a new quarterback, but the offense might not gel fast enough.

5. Clemson vs NC State: NC State has the potential to cover as a 20.5-point underdog.

6. Utah at Oklahoma State: With Cam Rising back, Utah is a strong road favorite at -2.5.

7. Tennessee vs Oklahoma: Tennessee’s offensive power makes them favorites, but expect a low-scoring game.

8. Best Bets: Utah (-2.5) and Illinois (+8.5) are the top betting picks of the week.

9. Under Picks: Michigan vs USC and Tennessee vs Oklahoma are likely to stay under the projected point totals.

10. Coaching Decisions: Some teams, like Clemson, are paying for poor transfer portal decisions.