USA TODAY Sports experts predict several potential upsets for Week 4 of the college football season.
No. 6 Miami is expected to face a tough challenge from an underdog Florida team.
Nebraska could continue its resurgence by upsetting Michigan at home.
This shapes up to be something of a ho-hum weekend in college football. Several of the top contenders are off ahead of major showdowns in Week 5. There are a few matchups of ranked teams, notably No. 8 Illinois traveling to No. 17 Indiana and No. 12 Oklahoma hosting No. 25 Auburn. Those results could impact the College Football Playoff race.
There are potential for surprises in other games with conference play in full swing. Familiarity and complacency on the part of favorties can play a major role in those upsets. But where will they occur on Saturday?
That’s why the USA TODAY Sports college football staff is here. Matt Hayes, Jordan Mendoza, Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus and Blake Toppmeyer weigh in with their bold predictions for Week 4.
Miami gets tested by Florida for four quarters
It’s been a season to forget so far for Florida. The Gators have lost to South Florida and LSU despite its defense looking stout. Much of the blame falls on the struggles of quarterback DJ Lagway. Florida now heads to No. 6 Miami with the Hurricanes surging to the top of the College Football Playoff contenders list. This one will be closer than expect with Miami needing a last-minute driver to beat the Gators. — Matt Hayes
Tulane stays undefeated with SEC victory
It feels like people aren’t paying attention to Tulane, which has put up a solid resume with two convincing wins over Power Four teams in Northwestern and Duke. The Green Wave head to Mississippi and play a Rebel team that hasn’t really looked like a SEC contender just yet. Jake Retzlaff continues his stellar play in the air and on the ground to stun Mississippi and move Tulane to 4-0, therefore leaping into the College Football Playoff consideration. — Jordan Mendoza
Nebraska takes down Michigan as rebirth continues
Nebraska slows down Michigan’s run game just enough and Dylan Raiola has another strong game to spark a massive win against the Wolverines. By keeping the ground game in check, the Cornhuskers can put the pressure on Bryce Underwood, who was not good in his one previous Power Four matchup against Oklahoma. — Paul Myerberg
Michigan State and Southern California going four quarters
It’s not gotten a ton of attention this week – maybe because of its 11 p.m. ET start time – but the Big Ten matchup of Michigan State and Southern California could be one of the best games of the day. Both teams are 3-0 using completely different styles. The Spartans have one of the best run defenses in the country, while Trojans lead the nation in total offense. It’ll be a test of wills that should stay close throughout, and there’s a chance with some good fortune that Michigan State could pull the upset. — Erick Smith
Duke continues success against North Carolina State
Duke hosts Triangle rival N.C. State Saturday looking to beat the Wolfpack for a third consecutive year. There’s no good reason to predict the Blue Devils will do so – but they will. Moving the ball hasn’t been the issue for Duke during its two-game skid. Putting it on the ground has been, so if the Blue Devils can stop doing that, they should be able to hang with the Wolfpack. N.C. State has done enough to get by in its first three outings but hasn’t been dominant. The Wolfpack’s good fortune in tight games will run out in Durham. — Eddie Timanus
LSU offense finally springs to life
It’s been rough start for the Tigers despite three wins to start the season. The offense has ranks 107th in scoring with 20.0 points per game. Look for the narrative to change. Brian Kelly will demand that reporters only ask questions about LSU’s offense after the Tigers break out of their scoring rut against Southeast Louisiana. — Blake Toppmeyer