We’re back for Week 4 of the college football season! Here’s one of three early computer picks you’ll want to consider at top-rated sportsbooks.
Picks Summary
- USC -6.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Iowa -2.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
USC Trojans vs. Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, September 21, 2024 – 03:30 PM ET at Michigan Stadium
USC’s Fresh Off a Bye Week
The USC Trojans already have two wins this season, including FBS opponents LSU and Utah State. The Trojans knocked off LSU on a neutral field to start the season and then carried that momentum with a 48-0 win over Utah State.
Now, they’ll play in their first Big Ten game against the reigning and defending champions, Michigan.
Miller Moss has thrown for just two touchdowns but added over 607 yards of passing. Meanwhile, the run game has looked fantastic. However, the best part of USC’s turnaround is its defense.
The defense has been above-average in almost every category to start the season. It’s something they failed to do a lot last year.
Who Will Start at QB for Michigan?
Davis Warren started the first three games for the Michigan Wolverines. He’s led them to a 2-1 record with an understandable loss against Texas.
However, Warren just threw three interceptions in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State. Therefore, Alex Orji eventually replaced him at quarterback to finish the game.
It’s unclear who will be the starter for Michigan. But what is clear is that the offense has not played up to par with recent seasons. The offense has been so bad that it’s hurting Michigan’s defensive performance.
The Pick
With USC coming off a bye week, even on the road, the Trojans are the play at -6.5. Texas dominated this team on the road earlier in the year by multiple touchdowns.
NCAAF Pick: USC -6.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Minnesota Gophers
Saturday, September 21, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Huntington Bank Stadium
Iowa Has Offense!
The Iowa Hawkeyes have scored 97 points in three games this season. No, that wasn’t a typo. After struggling to find much success offensively for a few years, Cade McNamara and the Iowa offense have taken a giant step in the right direction this season.
McNamara, a former quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, has thrown for 526 yards and three touchdowns. He’s had some poor throws but is way more decisive than any recent Iowa quarterback.
Meanwhile, Kaleb Johnson has rushed for 479 yards and six touchdowns in three games. The offense is capable of moving the football now.
Don’t Sleep On Minnesota’s Defense
But while the Iowa Hawkeyes are moving the ball offensively, Minnesota has done an excellent job on defense. Minnesota hasn’t allowed a single point in two consecutive games. Nevertheless, those two games were against Rhode Island and Nevada.
That said, Minnesota’s defense will hold Iowa to few points. However, it might be challenging for Minnesota to find the endzone against Iowa. The Hawkeyes have one of the best secondaries in college football and have stuffed the run many times to begin the season.
The Pick
It’s going to be a low-scoring game. But I like Iowa to earn revenge for last year’s loss against Minnesota. Take Iowa at -2.5.
NCAAF Pick: Iowa -2.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Saturday, September 21, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Memorial Stadium
Tennessee Poured It On In Week 3
The Tennessee Volunteers earned a 71-0 victory over Kent State in Week 3. Tennessee had more than 500 yards of offense in the first half but decided to slow it down in the second half and preserve some energy.
They’ve got a challenging task, playing against Oklahoma this weekend. Still, the offense looks sensational, and the defense has improved over the years. Tennessee just recorded 740 yards of offense against a MAC school in Kent State and rushed for more than 450 yards.
Again, this wasn’t some random FCS school. This was an FBS school in the MAC. Tennessee added one of the most impressive wins of the season so far.
Oklahoma Doesn’t Look As Sharp
The Oklahoma Sooners followed a 16-12 win over Houston with a 34-19 victory against Tulane. These were challenging games in which Oklahoma didn’t look its best.
Against Tulane, QB Jackson Arnold threw for 169 yards, where he threw one touchdown and an interception. His running ability is special, but none of the running backs could get going on the ground against Tulane.
The Pick
Tennessee should pick up the win by multiple scores, even on the road. The Vols want to prove they’re contenders for the National Championship this season. A massive win on the road would help their case.
NCAAF Pick: Tennessee -7.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
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