College Football Week 4 Preview

There were a couple exciting endings in Week 3 but none better than the game of the week in College Station. It certainly lived up to much of the hype as Texas A&M jumped out to a lead before Alabama stormed back with a few scores and then A&M battled back and when the dust cleared it was 49-42 in favor of Alabama and a worthy sequel to last year's contest. Some might not mine a similar scenario from a few years ago when Alabama had a rematch with LSU for the national title and A&M could climb back into the top of the picture very easily if the rankings break in their favor. Unfortunately, once again; the big games this week are fairly absent and a few blowouts are likely going to occur.

Looking back at last week, TCU was tested more than expected by many by Texas Tech as the loss knocked the Horned Frogs from the top 25 and puts the Red Raiders on the brink of getting in. While both Oregon and Ohio State had little trouble with their games and continue to showcase why they are top tier title contenders especially Oregon.

In my top 5 for Week 3, I went 3-2 bringing my record to 12-3 on the year. The Washington Huskies continue to improve and they secured a solid victory on the road in Chicago against what looks like a better Illinois team this year. They can stay under the radar and possibly provide some shockwaves out west if they are hitting on all cylinders. Wisconsin looked like they were about to sneak by Arizona State in a tough battle in the dessert but a late call in the Sun Devils' favor was a timely decision that instead allowed Arizona State to escape with one of their bigger wins in the last few years. Texas' troubles continued for a second week as Mississippi was able to wear down the Longhorns and roll them over in the second half as questions continue to pile up over the type of season ahead for the both squads after the game.

Both UCLA at Nebraska and Alabama at Texas A&M provided a full game's worth of action. Nebraska looked to be cruising to victory, but all of sudden UCLA hit a switch in the third quarter and the complexion of their contest completely changed as the Bruins made a huge statement on the road against a Big 10 team. They are certainly looking like the best team from the southern division of the Pac-12 so far. While as commented earlier, Alabama and Texas A&M had a crazy shootout as A&M QB Johnny Manziel put on an equally great performance from his game a year ago against the Crimson Tide. However, a couple of costly turnovers were the difference as not even over 400 yards passing was enough for Manziel to over take the Tide for two straight years.

Now comes this week's games to spotlight and the weekly top 5.

Games to highlight in Week 4:

 #4 Clemson at NC State (Thursday)- Clemson is good enough to win games like they did against Georgia but most years, title hopes are dashed by a surprise team. NC State did it to Florida State last year.

Kansas State at Texas- Kansas State had a crushing opening day loss while Texas has been run over in their second and third games of the year. While both might not be going to a BCS game or win the Big 12, this might be for pride for both.

Purdue at #24 Wisconsin- Wisconsin lost a tough one against Arizona State while Purdue almost edged Notre Dame last week. Based on the play of both last week, this could be a physical Big 10 matchup with two teams not wanting to lose.

SMU at #10 Texas A&M- A&M could have won last week but made a couple costly mistakes and ran out of time. Now they must show how they rebound and what type of team they will be with a loss in a pocket.

#14 Michigan at Connecticut- This should be an easy win for Michigan. Connecticut lost to Towson in Week 1 but Michigan's near lost to Akron might worry some so how they play here could show if they got the warning message last week.

Top 5 Games of Week 4 (12-3):

5) Boise State at Fresno State (Friday)- This has been a good matchup in recent years regardless of their record or standing. Boise State has normally been the better team with BCS title dreams but this year they look about average at best. Fresno State is certainly knocking on the door of the top 25 and this one might be enough to push them over the hump. The passing attack of the Bulldogs might be just too push for what has normally been a potent passing game for the Broncos. PICK: FRESNO STATE

4) Auburn at #9 LSU- While this might not be as marquee as last week's SEC West game, it features a challenge for most teams. Can Auburn continue to improve within their conference after a nice win against Mississippi State? Can LSU continue to grow as a team that could potentially knock off Alabama? LSU certainly has more at stake and looks to be much more balanced and fast. Auburn has not won any of their games easily and will be pressed early in this one. LSU doesn't put up tons of points, but what they do; it might be too much for Auburn to overcome. PICK: LSU

3) Tennessee at #21 Florida- While this might not be as big as earlier SEC East game this year, both teams especially Florida are looking for a statement win. Florida has not looked very good so far and might find themselves out of the top 25 with a loss to the Volunteers, who are trying to show they can once again rise the ranks of SEC. Regardless of location, these ones have mostly been competitive recently. Should be another close and low scoring one with the Gators doing enough largely on the ground late to win this one. PICK: FLORIDA

2) Michigan State at #22 Notre Dame- Notre Dame has been pushed in back to back weeks by Big 10 teams and will likely again be challenged by Michigan State. They at least get to be home for this one. Michigan State has quietly started 3-0 behind a slow and steady offensive approach that has seemed to wear down opposing teams. Notre Dame has seemed to look for quick strikes to get their offense going. This should be a similar push and pull type of game like Michigan and Purdue for the Fighting Irish with them coming up big in the 4th quarter. PICK: NOTRE DAME

1) #23 Arizona State at #5 Stanford- After a couple of ranked vs ranked matchups, this is the only one this week. Arizona State escaped their clash with Wisconsin with a big win last week as Stanford did not look especially lethal against Army. This one is big test for the Sun Devils while Stanford knows they need this win too in order to keep pace with Oregon. Thus, a lot is truly on the line for both Pac-12 squads in the biggest contest this year so far in the conference. In the end, Stanford has more explosive potential and could get a couple of second half scores to put this one out of reach if it is still close by halftime. PICK: STANFORD

After a few top ten matchups and some shifting in the top 25, this might be a quiet week as many top teams should blow out opponents and get themselves ready for tougher games down the road. The only game with some implications will be Stanford hosting Arizona State in the only top 25 contest. Should be some good games by some Heisman contenders despite the competitiveness of the games.