NCAA football betting: Week 4

The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Joseph Granton.

No. 24 Illinois + 9.5 @ No. 22 Nebraska

A Big Ten conference face-off featuring two top-25 schools is an absolute treat on a Friday night. Illinois’ defense is ranked in the top 15 for scoring, allowing only 8.67 points per game while forcing six interceptions through three contests.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer ranks second in the Big Ten with six touchdown passes to zero interceptions thrown, making this Illinois passing attack a serious threat to Nebraska’s eighth-ranked scoring defense.

Illinois matches up well against Dylan Raiola and this Cornhuskers squad that has captivated the college football world after manhandling Deion Sanders and Colorado just two weekends ago. With Nebraska being an overwhelming public favorite this week, the clear pick here is taking the points and banking on Xavier Scott and the Fighting Illini defense to keep it close.

No. 11 USC - 4.5 @ No. 18 Michigan

Michigan welcomes its second-ranked opponent of the season to 'The Big House,' as the No. 11 Trojans fly into Ann Arbor, aiming for another top-25 victory. The Wolverines fell to No. 1 Texas at home just two weeks ago, while USC toppled No. 13 LSU to open up their schedule.

USC’s offense has been seemingly unstoppable through its first two outings, as they have gained just under 1,000 yards of total offense. Michigan allowed Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns to march into their home field and completely dominate them from start to finish. There will not be much of a difference when Miller Moss and Lincoln Riley come to town.

Being a 4.5-point favorite on the road against the team that just won the national championship seems like a complete trap. Which is why anyone who takes Michigan + 4.5 is going to get absolutely burnt.

No. 6 Tennessee -7 @ No. 11 Oklahoma

An SEC showdown between two Top 12 powerhouses is the crown jewel of a stellar weekend slate. Nico Iamaleava squaring off against Jackson Arnold promises a heavyweight bout, as both former five-star phenoms were ranked among the top quarterbacks in the elite 2023 recruiting class.

Oklahoma has struggled to find its rhythm offensively in the early part of the season, having a slower start than expected. Tennessee comes into this game as essentially the best overall team in the country, ranked first in scoring offense, averaging 63.7 points per game. Paired with a third-ranked scoring defense, Tennessee should absolutely smother the Sooners.

Tennessee has not been more than a seven-point road favorite over a ranked team since the 1978 season. This line opened with Tennessee favored by 3.5, but it's surged to 7.5 at some sportsbooks—and for good reason. Back the Vols and get ready for an offensive fireworks display.

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Joseph Granton is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email jlg6619@psu.edu.