College Football Week 4: 6 Storylines to watch for in early slate of games
Should you go back to bed or go out and run some errands on this Saturday afternoon, or should you turn on all the TV’s and settle in for the noon slate of games?
I’m biased but I think you should settle in for a marathon of watching college football today. There may not be the marquee top-five matchup we’ve been treated in the first two weeks of the year or even a showdown we had last weekend with Lamar Jackson and Louisville hosting Clemson. However, there is always plenty to watch across the country on a college football Saturday, even if the matchups look less-than-desirable on paper.
So here I am trying to talk you into avoiding that afternoon nap or heading out to the store so you can run all the errands you have on your to-do list. At the risk of upsetting your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, here are all the reasons you need to be checking out the early wave of games today.
Texas A&M vs. Arkansas – Look both these teams stink, but it’s a classic rivalry that often sees the games decided in the final moments. I’ll be watching to who is sweatiest the most from Kevin Sumlin and Bret Bielema because their hot seat is hotter than the surface of Mercury.
Tennessee – Speaking of hot seats, Butch Jones hasn’t been able to sit down all week because of his seared backside after losing to Florida on a Hail Mary last weekend. The Vols host UMass so this should be a convincing win, but I want to see how this team responds after hearing talk about how their coach will be fired by the end of the year, if not sooner.
Houston vs. Texas Tech – If you like offense, then this is the game for you. The Red Raiders average 54 points per game and allow 27.5, one less than Houston’s average points per game. Kyle Allen is a quarterback to watch at Houston and I predict the final score will see both teams scoring more than 40.
Return of J.T. Barrett – The Ohio State quarterback hasn’t gone anywhere, but Barrett has had struggles in the vertical passing game this year. With him running the read option more this week against UNLV, look for Barrett to stuff the box score and inspire some more confidence in his ability to lead the Buckeyes to an undefeated Big Ten slate.
Hello, James Blackman – We haven’t seen Florida State since they lost to Alabama in the season opener. That will also be the last time we see Deondre Francois after he suffered a patella tendon injury and will be replaced by James Blackman under center. His first test comes against a solid NC State team that has a great defensive line. Could there be an upset brewing or will he be the next great quarterback for Florida State?
Next: Week 4 schedule and predictions
Lamar Jackson gets back on track – After being shutdown vs. Clemson last week, Lamar Jackson is likely out of the running for the Heisman, but he’ll have an opportunity to put up another patented Lamar Jackson game against Kent State. Look for Jackson to have close to 500 yards of offense and four or five scores, including one or two plays that will leave your jaw on the floor.
— What will you be watching during the early slate of action on Saturday?